Getting to know México

The culture of Mexico is one of the richest and most ancient in the western hemisphere. Once a Spanish colony, the country has a wealth of culture and history. Most of Mexico’s artistic production is still created through processes inherited from pre-Columbian civilizations including the Aztecs, Maya, and many other indigenous groups. Thirteen percent of Mexico’s national population is indigenous; this segment of the population speaks 62 languages. Clay pottery, vibrant designs, embroidered cotton garments, wool shawls, and outer garments with angular designs and colorful baskets and rugs are some of the common items associated with Mexican art.

Mexico, the second largest economy in Latin America with a population of approximately 129 million, still sees 46.2 percent of its population living in poverty, mainly in rural areas; while the percentage of people living under extreme poverty is 10.4 (11.7 million people). Ranking 61 out of 187 countries in the 2013 Human Development Index of the United Nations Development Programme, Mexico is a country with huge potential for accelerating economic growth.