[Gayle]

A few Mekheeko facts to get you going....

Geographic / Demographic Data (2004)

• Land Area (sq km): 1,972,000 (769,000 sq mi)
  
• Location: Borders immediately south of the United States, in-between the USA and Central America. Mexico is part of the North American Continent.
  
• Population: 103 Million
  
• Capital city: Mexico City (est. Pop: 22 million)
  
• Language: Spanish is the official language, but around 50 languages/dialects are also spoken by the indigenous peoples of Mexico.
  
• Religion: circa 90% Roman Catholic
  
• Government: Federal Republic, democratically elected President, bicameral Congress
  
• President: Vicente Fox Quesada (elected July 2000 for a non-renewable 6-year term)

Economic Data / Indicators

• Currency: Mexican Peso (100 cents = 1 Peso)
  For Exchange Rates and other useful information see Money in the Travel Essentials section of the online Travel Guide
  
• GDP: 2004 Nominal Gross Domestic Product was equivalent to about US$680 billion (assuming 11.20 exchange rate). GDP grew 4.4% in 2004 compared to 2003.
  
• Annual growth: The government GDP growth estimate for 2005 is 3.5% to 4%
  
• Inflation: Inflation was 5.2% in 2004. The Bank of Mexico's constant long-term target is 3%. Expectations are around 4%.

• Minimum Daily Wage: There are 3 'zones'; Provincial, Mexico City and Tourist Areas. The average daily wage in Mexico is currently MX$45.24 a day. [currency converter]
  
• Economic Activities: Food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism
  
• Major Trading Partners: USA, Canada, UK, Japan
  
• NAFTA: Mexico is a member of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).
  
• EU FTA: Mexico signed a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union in July 2000. Already tariffs have been cut significantly and by 2007 Mexico will be a virtual trading partner with the EU as trade tariffs on many goods and services are reduced to zero. Connect to the Mexico/EU FTA Section of the Mexperience Business Center for full information.