Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a North American country with an area of 1,972,550 km2, making it the world's 13th largest. Its population exceeds 130 million, ranking it the 10th most populous globally and boasting the highest number of Spanish speakers. A constitutional republic, Mexico comprises 31 states and Mexico City, its capital and largest metropolis. Bordering the United States to the north, Guatemala and Belize to the southeast, it also has extensive coastlines along the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico.
In 1900, the population of Mexico was just over 13 million.
Around 1910, the Mexican Revolution began, significantly impacting population growth.
The Mexican Revolution began in 1910 with uprisings against President Díaz following a fraudulent election.
The Mexican Revolution began in 1910, a period during which corridos, a traditional Mexican music genre, became particularly popular.
The Mexican Revolution started in 1910, sparked by opposition to Porfirio Díaz's long rule and the fraudulent 1910 election.
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) was officially established in 1910.
The centennial celebration of Mexican Independence in 1910 marked the end of the Porfiriato and the beginning of the Mexican Revolution.
Porfirio Díaz resigned from the presidency in May 1911 after the fraudulent 1910 election.
In 1911, Porfirio Díaz resigned from power, leading to the interim presidency and subsequent election of Francisco I. Madero.
The Porfirian era, a period of relative peace in Mexico, concluded in 1911 after lasting from 1876. This period saw significant developments in philosophy and art, often with government support.
In February 1913, a military coup overthrew Francisco I. Madero's government, leading to his assassination.
Woodrow Wilson's inauguration as US president in March 1913 led to a shift in US policy towards Mexico, refusing to recognize Victoriano Huerta's regime.
In 1914, the Constitutional Army and Emiliano Zapata's forces defeated Victoriano Huerta's Federal Army.
Pancho Villa's defeat by Constitutionalist forces in 1915 led to his raid on Columbus, New Mexico, prompting US military intervention.
In 1916, following the Mexican Revolution, a constitutional convention was held, bringing together the winners of the revolution to draft a new constitution for the nation. This convention led to the creation of the Constitution of 1917.
In February 1917, the 1917 Mexican Constitution, drafted by the victors of the Mexican Revolution, was officially ratified. This constitution introduced significant reforms, including empowering the government to expropriate resources like land, granting labor rights, and reinforcing anticlerical measures from the 1857 Constitution.
The 1917 Mexican Constitution set limits on the Roman Catholic Church's role.
The Mexican Constitution of 1917 established a representative, democratic, and republican government based on a presidential system, with three levels of government: federal, state, and municipal.
The Mexican Constitution of 1917 was established, incorporating social and economic reforms resulting from the Mexican Revolution.
The Zimmermann Telegram, sent by Germany in 1917, attempted to incite war between the US and Mexico, promising Mexico the return of lost territories.
The current Mexican constitution, the third federal constitution, was established in 1917.
In 1917, the anticlerical articles of the Mexican Constitution were strictly enforced by President Calles, leading to a significant conflict with the Catholic Church and the emergence of Catholic guerrilla armies. This period of conflict ultimately resulted in an agreement between the government and the Church.
In 1919, President Carranza ordered the assassination of Emiliano Zapata, a prominent peasant leader during the Mexican Revolution. Despite initially gaining support from the peasantry during the revolution, Carranza's post-revolution policies, including limited land reform and returning confiscated land to original owners, led to disillusionment and conflict.
In 1920, President Carranza was overthrown and killed while fleeing Mexico City after choosing a civilian successor and facing opposition from revolutionary generals, including Obregón. Following an interim presidency by Adolfo de la Huerta, Álvaro Obregón was elected president, marking a shift in power dynamics.
The Mexican Revolution ended around 1920, having caused a population decline.
The year 1920 marked the beginning of a significant era in Mexican history, the post-revolutionary period. This period was characterized by the rise of revolutionary generals to the presidency and the implementation of key reforms aimed at stabilizing the country after the Mexican Revolution.
The 1921 census revealed a population loss of approximately one million due to the Mexican Revolution.
Plutarco Elías Calles assumed the presidency in 1924, succeeding Obregón. This transfer of power was part of the early post-revolutionary period, which saw several revolutionary generals holding the presidential office.
José Vasconcelos published "La Raza Cósmica" ("The Cosmic Race") in 1925, defining Mexico and Latin America as a melting pot of all races, both biologically and culturally.
In 1928, Álvaro Obregón, after a constitutional amendment allowing non-consecutive re-election, won the presidential election. However, he was assassinated by a Catholic activist before taking office, creating a political crisis of succession in Mexico.
From 1929, various institutes began to be integrated into UNAM.
The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was founded in 1929 by Plutarco Elías Calles. This party's establishment was a pivotal moment, as it would go on to dominate Mexican politics for the remainder of the 20th century.
The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), a catch-all party, was founded in Mexico in 1929 to consolidate factions from the Mexican Revolution.
The year 1929 marked the beginning of the Maximato, a period in Mexican history when Plutarco Elías Calles, although not the president, exerted significant political influence. This period ended during the presidency of Lázaro Cárdenas, who expelled Calles from the country.
In 1934, Lázaro Cárdenas became president of Mexico. His presidency marked a turning point, as he implemented significant economic and social reforms, including the expulsion of Calles from the country and the nationalization of the oil industry.
The Maximato period of Calles's behind-the-scenes political dominance ended in 1934 with Lázaro Cárdenas assuming the presidency. Cárdenas consolidated his power by expelling Calles from the country and pursuing his own reform agenda.
The National Polytechnic Institute was founded in Mexico in 1936.
In March 1938, President Cárdenas nationalized the U.S. and Anglo-Dutch oil company, Mexican Eagle Petroleum Company, a move known as the Mexican oil expropriation. This act led to the creation of the state-owned oil company, Pemex.
The conservative National Action Party (PAN) was established in Mexico in 1939.
Manuel Ávila Camacho began his presidency in 1940. His term was marked by a more moderate approach than his predecessors and a significant improvement in relations between the United States and Mexico, particularly in the context of World War II.
Manuel Ávila Camacho's presidency began in 1940. His leadership introduced a more moderate approach compared to his predecessors, and during his term, relations between Mexico and the United States significantly improved, particularly during World War II.
Emilio Fernández's film "María Candelaria" was released in 1943.
The year 1946 marked a significant turning point with the election of Miguel Alemán, the first civilian president in post-revolutionary Mexico. His election ushered in a period of aggressive economic development known as the "Mexican Miracle," characterized by industrialization, urbanization, and unfortunately, increasing inequality between urban and rural areas.
1946 signified the end of an era in Mexican politics, as it marked the conclusion of the period where revolutionary generals served as presidents. This transition paved the way for civilian leadership and a new phase in Mexico's development.
"María Candelaria" won a Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1946.
Spanish director Luis Buñuel began working in Mexico in 1947.
The discovery of the "Barbasco" tuber (Dioscorea composita), rich in diosgenin, occurred in Mexico in 1947, significantly influencing synthetic hormone production and leading to the development of contraceptive pills.
Luis Buñuel's film "Los Olvidados" was released in 1949.
Between 1950 and 1980, Mexico experienced a rapid population growth rate exceeding 3%.
The Ballet Folklórico de México, a dance company showcasing traditional Mexican music and dance, was founded in 1952.
Bilingual government radio stations broadcasting in Spanish and indigenous languages began as a tool for indigenous education in 1958.
The Mexican Academy of Sciences was created in 1959 to foster collaboration among academics.
Luis Buñuel's film "Viridiana" was released in 1961.
DINA S.A., a Mexican automotive company, began manufacturing buses and trucks in 1962.
Between 1965 and 2015, over 16 million Mexicans migrated to the United States.
Luis Buñuel concluded a period of filmmaking in Mexico in 1965, during which he created masterpieces like "Los Olvidados" and "Viridiana".
In 1968, Mexico hosted the Summer Olympics, a period marked by significant investment in new infrastructure but also by growing social unrest. Student protests and demonstrations culminated in the tragic Tlatelolco Massacre, where government forces killed hundreds of protesters, casting a dark shadow over the games.
In 1968, student protests and the counterculture movement known as La Onda ("the wave") took place in Mexico.
Mexico City hosted the XIX Olympic Games in 1968, becoming the first Latin American city to do so.
Mexico signed the Treaty of Tlatelolco in 1968, committing to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Mexico hosted the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
By 1973, twelve institutes had been integrated into UNAM.
Carlos Chávez, a renowned Mexican composer known for his symphonies with indigenous themes, died in 1978.
The Instituto Nacional Indigenista established a national network of bilingual radio stations in 1979.
The literacy rate in Mexico in 1980 was 82.99%.
In 1980, oil exports constituted a significant portion (61.6%) of Mexico's total exports.
By 1980, Mexico's rapid population growth period ended. It was projected that the population would reach 120 million by 2000.
Luis Barragán, known for his unique architectural style blending rural vernacular architecture with vibrant colors, won the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 1980.
In 1982, Mexico's population reached 70 million.
Mexico hosted the 1986 FIFA World Cup for the second time.
In 1987, Teotihuacan, known for its ancient pyramid construction, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Carlos Salinas de Gortari assumed the presidency in December 1988 after a highly contested election against Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas, son of former President Lázaro Cárdenas. Allegations of massive electoral fraud and subsequent protests marked the start of Salinas's term.
The Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), a left-wing party and successor to a coalition of socialist and liberal parties, was founded in Mexico in 1989.
In 1990, Telmex, formerly a government monopoly, was privatized.
In 1990, the long-ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was described as the "perfect dictatorship" by author Mario Vargas Llosa, highlighting the party's authoritarian control despite facing increasing challenges to its hegemony.
The film "Como agua para chocolate" was released in 1992.
January 1994 was a pivotal month in Mexico. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into effect, while simultaneously, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) launched an armed rebellion in Chiapas, drawing global attention to indigenous rights and socioeconomic inequalities.
Mexico became a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 1994.
Mexico signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994, marking a significant shift towards neoliberal economic policies.
In 1995, Mexican chemist Mario J. Molina was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on ozone depletion.
By 1999, following the peso crisis and subsequent IMF bailout, Mexico experienced a significant economic recovery under President Ernesto Zedillo, with growth peaking at almost 7% due to major macroeconomic reforms.
The film "Sex, Shame, and Tears" was released in 1999.
By 2000, Mexico's population was projected to reach 120 million based on the earlier growth rates.
By 2000, the share of oil exports in Mexico's total exports had decreased significantly to 7.3%.
In 2000, after 71 years of uninterrupted rule, the PRI lost the presidential election to Vicente Fox of the National Action Party (PAN), marking a historic transition in Mexican politics.
Since 2000, over 100 journalists and media workers were killed or disappeared in Mexico, with most of these cases remaining unresolved.
Mexico experienced an economic slowdown in 2001.
The film "Y tu mamá también" was released in 2001.
The film "The Crime of Father Amaro" was released in 2002.
Between 2002 and 2012, Mexico's electronics exports experienced substantial growth, increasing by 73%.
In 2002, Mexico recorded the second-highest rate of deforestation globally, trailing only Brazil.
In March 2003, the National Indigenous Languages Institute was established to promote and protect Mexico's indigenous languages.
Mexico introduced anti-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation in 2003.
Mexico's economy recovered in 2004, growing by 4.2 percent.
In 2005, there were 115,000 square meters of solar PV panels installed in Mexico.
Mexico presented the candidature of its gastronomy for World Heritage Site of UNESCO in 2005. The bid was unsuccessful.
Mexico's economy grew by 3.0 percent in 2005.
Between 2006 and 2010, the poverty rate in Mexico increased significantly, rising from 18-19% to 46% according to CONEVAL.
By 2006, Telmex expanded its operations to several countries in Latin America and the United States.
In 2006, trade with the United States and Canada represented nearly half of Mexico's exports and 45% of its imports.
Mexico's economy experienced growth of 4.8 percent in 2006.
Starting in 2006, an ongoing conflict between drug trafficking syndicates began in Mexico, leading to significant violence and over 127,000 deaths.
The 2006 presidential election was a closely contested race. Felipe Calderón of the PAN was declared the winner by a narrow margin, prompting his opponent, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, to contest the results and establish an "alternative government."
The drug war in Mexico began in 2006.
A 2007 Goldman Sachs report projected that Mexico would have the 5th largest economy in the world by 2050.
Starting in 2007, when President Calderón initiated efforts against drug cartels, the number of missing persons in Mexico significantly increased.
Remittances from Mexican citizens working in the United States declined during the 2008 Great Recession.
Mexico contributed over $40 million to the United Nations regular budget in 2008.
A 2008 UN report highlighted the significant income disparity between urban and rural areas in Mexico.
In August 2010, Mexico became the ninth-largest holder of U.S. debt, surpassing France.
In November 2010, Mexican gastronomy was recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Chile joined the OECD as a full member in 2010.
In 2010, CONEVAL published its first nationwide report on poverty in Mexico, revealing a substantial increase in the poverty rate.
Nearly 1 million foreigners resided in Mexico in 2010.
In 2011, Mexico exported $71.4 billion worth of electronics to the United States.
In 2012, the PRI returned to the presidency with the election of Enrique Peña Nieto. However, his victory came with a plurality rather than a majority, and he lacked a legislative majority, presenting challenges for his administration.
In 2012, after the elections, Andrés Manuel López Obrador founded the left-wing political party MORENA.
By 2012, Mexico's electronics export sector achieved a remarkable 73% growth since 2002.
A major reform of the telecommunications industry occurred in Mexico in 2013, creating new broadcast television channels and allowing the entry of foreign satellite and cable companies.
On September 26, 2014, the mass kidnapping of 43 students in Iguala, Mexico, sparked nationwide protests against the government's handling of the disappearances and the prevailing corruption.
By 2015, a period of mass Mexican migration to the United States concluded.
In September 2016, Kia Motors inaugurated a $1 billion factory in Nuevo León, Mexico, and Audi opened an assembly plant in Puebla the same year.
In 2016, the Federal District of Mexico was officially renamed Mexico City, initiating a process towards greater political autonomy.
In 2017, Mexico was the 6th most visited country globally and had the 15th highest tourism income worldwide.
In 2017, Mexico's population reached 123.5 million.
The SEGH-CFE 1 solar power project in Sonora, Mexico, was completed in December 2018, adding 46.8 MW of capacity to the grid.
In 2018, an estimated 54.9% of Mexico's land was agricultural, with 11.8% arable, 1.4% in permanent crops, 41.7% permanent pasture, and 33.3% forest.
In 2018, the daily minimum wage in Mexico was set at 88.15 pesos.
In 2018, Andrés Manuel López Obrador won the presidential election with a majority vote, leading a diverse political coalition that secured a majority in both houses of Congress.
Between 2018 and 2022, Mexico saw a 5.6% decrease in its poverty rate, according to CONEVAL's Multidimensional Poverty Index.
By 2018, the literacy rate in Mexico had increased to 94.86%.
Daniela Soto-Innes was named the best female chef in the world by The World's 50 Best Restaurants in April 2019.
In 2019, Mexico's Forest Landscape Integrity Index score was 6.82/10, ranking 63rd out of 172 countries.
In 2019, President López Obrador dissolved the Mexican Federal Police and replaced it with the National Guard, composed of units from the Federal Police, Military Police, and Naval Police.
In 2019, an estimated 11.7 million Mexicans lived outside of Mexico, mostly in the U.S.
In 2019, the OECD reported that 20% of Mexico's population lived in poverty, based on its poverty line definition.
Mexico's National Guard, a gendarmerie force, was created in 2019 from the former Federal Police and military police units.
The Villanueva solar park, the largest in the Americas, opened in Coahuila, Mexico, in 2019 with a capacity of 828 MW.
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in Mexico in February 2020.
Mexico's COVID-19 vaccination campaign began in December 2020.
By 2020, about 1.2 million foreigners had settled in Mexico.
By 2020, life expectancy in Mexico had increased to 75 years, up from 36 years in 1895.
In 2020, Emilio Lozoya Austin, the ex-CEO of Pemex, was arrested as part of an anti-corruption drive targeting government officials and figures linked to state-owned enterprises.
In 2020, about 53% of Mexico's population resided in its 48 metropolitan areas. Greater Mexico City was the most populous, followed by Greater Monterrey and Greater Guadalajara.
In 2020, the literacy rate in Mexico reached 95.25%, showing a slight increase from 2018 and significant improvement since 1980.
The 2020 census collected data on religious affiliation in Mexico.
The 2020 census indicated that Roman Catholicism was the dominant religion (77.8%), followed by Protestant/Evangelical denominations (11.2%), and those with no religion (8.1%).
The 2020 census revealed that 6.1% of the Mexican population speaks an Indigenous language and 19.4% identify as indigenous.
The 2020 census showed a Jewish population of 58,876, a Muslim population of 7,982, and smaller groups practicing spiritualist or ethnic religions.
According to the 2020 census, Afro-Mexicans comprised 2% of the population, while Asians and Middle Easterners each represented about 1%.
A 2020 BBC report highlighted that 10.7 million households in Mexico had experienced at least one crime.
In 2021, Mexico received 68,000 new immigrants, mostly from the United States and Guatemala.
Remittances from Mexican citizens in the U.S. experienced another decline in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of May 2022, official records indicated 100,000 missing people in Mexico, with the majority of disappearances occurring since 2007 during President Calderón's crackdown on drug cartels.
Mexico's estimated population in 2022 was 129,150,971 people, according to the National Geography and Statistics Institute.
In 2022, Mexico was the sixth most-visited country globally, receiving 42.2 million international arrivals.
By 2022, the National Guard in Mexico reached a strength of 110,000 personnel. President López Obrador increasingly relied on the military for domestic law enforcement, particularly against drug cartels.
By 2022, Mexico's poverty rate had decreased, but the number of people lacking access to healthcare services rose significantly.
A new oil refinery was built in Mexico in 2022, adding to the country's existing refineries.
A 2022 report indicated improved environmental laws in major Mexican cities but a lack of enforcement or regulation in rural areas.
Elena Reygadas was named the best female chef in the world by The World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2023.
In 2023, CONEVAL reported a decrease in Mexico's poverty rate in recent years, while the extreme poverty rate saw a slight increase.
In 2023, the World Bank reported Mexico's gross national income as the second highest in Latin America, following Brazil.
Mexico's military spending was approximately 0.6% of its GDP in 2023.
As of April 2024, Mexico's nominal GDP stood at $1.848 trillion, ranking 12th globally.
In October 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico's first female president after winning the election in a landslide.
As of 2024, the Mexican Armed Forces comprised about 220,000 personnel, with 160,000 in the Army, 10,000 in the Air Force, 50,000 in the Navy (including marines), and around 110,000 in the National Guard.
Mexico was ranked 56th in the Global Innovation Index in 2024.
The daily minimum wage in Mexico is projected to be $248.93 pesos (US$13.24) in 2024, a substantial increase from previous years.
By 2050, Mexico is projected to have the 5th largest economy globally, according to a Goldman Sachs report.
Projections suggest that Mexico could be the world's fifth or seventh-largest economy by 2050.