Facts & News About Mexico

The early history of the region was dominated by civilizations including the Olmec, Toltec, Maya and Aztec. Following contact with the Europeans, Spain claimed the area as a colony. The nation achieved independence in 1821 and suffered from war with the United States, civil war and ultimately a democratic revolution.

Mexico is the 11th largest economy according to reports on its 2007 gross domestic product. Its largest export is oil and automobiles, producing more of both than either Canada or the United States as of 2009.

Drug trafficking impacts much of the border region between Mexico and the United States. In 2007, President Calderon and U.S. President Bush worked out a joint effort called the Merida Initiative that called for military intervention on the border by both countries.

In 2006, the country was faced by a constitutional crisis in their presidential election. Felipe Calderon defeated Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador by roughly a half percent. Protests and gatherings across the country nearly tore the nation apart. Calderon was given power by the electoral tribunal.

In early 2009, Mexico was subject to an outbreak of H1N1 influenza. A number of people were killed and many were infected. In response to the event, Mexico City and much of the rest of the country was brought to a standstill.