Mexico is a country located in southern North America. It is bordered by the United States to the north, and Belize and Guatemala to the southeast. Mexico has a population of over 120 million people, making it the 11th most populous country in the world. It is also the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. Mexico is a federal republic with 31 states and one federal district. The capital of Mexico is Mexico City, which is also its largest city.
Mexico has a long history dating back to the time of the Aztecs. The Aztec Empire was one of the largest empires in Mesoamerica prior to European colonization. After Spain conquered Mexico in 1521, it became part of the Spanish Empire. Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 following a decade-long war for independence known as the Mexican War of Independence. Following independence, Mexico experienced much political turmoil, including multiple major wars such as the Mexican-American War (1846-48) and the French Intervention (1861-67). In addition, several dictators ruled during this time period. Despite all this turmoil, Mexico made significant progress economically and socially during this time period, particularly during what is known as “The Porfiriato” (1876-1911), when President Porfirio Diaz implemented many reforms that modernizedMexico .
The early 20th century was marked by more political instability and violence due to competing factions vying for power after Diaz’s ouster in 1911 through a revolution led by Francisco Madero. This eventually led to another dictatorship under General Victoriano Huerta from 1913-14. The Mexican Revolution began in 1910 and continued until 1920 when constitutional rule was finally restored under President Alvaro Obregon . During this ten-year conflict, over 1 million Mexicans died; however, it did bring about important social changes such as increased rights for workers and women as well as land reform . Although stability was achieved after 1920 with Obregon’s election , economic problems persisted throughout much ofthe rest ofthe 20th century . These problems were exacerbated by poor relations withthe United States , which often intervened militarilyin Mexican affairs or took advantageofMexican resources without adequately compensatingMexico . One exampleofthis interventionist policywas theeuphemistically named “Good Neighbor Policy” pursuedby President Franklin Roosevelt , which allowed American companiesto exploitMexican oil resources while denying Mexicans access to those same resources . Another example occurred during World War II when México joined forceswiththe Allies butwas not given any postwar benefitsin returnfor their contributions . In spiteof these challenges posedby foreign powers like t he United States , México has made great strides since2000 both economicallyand politically . Under presidents Vicente Fox (2000–2006)and Enrique Peña Nieto(2012–2018), there have been important reforms enacted suchas an increase inthe minimum wage , an expansionofthe social welfare system , improved environmental protections , stronger anti -corruption measures , greater press freedoms , etcetera . Additionally Mexicohas signedmany free trade agreementswhich have boostedtradeand investment within Latin Americaand beyond . As aresultof these various policiesand initiatives putinto placeover recent yearsMéxico has seen strong economic growth averaging around 2% per yearfrom 2013 onwardsalthough this number fellto 0%growthin 2019due largelyto U S president Donald Trump ‘ s trade policies towardsthe countryas well astensions betweenMexican drug cartelsand security forces