Mexico at a Glance

Moving to Mexico

When moving to Mexico, you will see that this country has a rich history.

Are you thinking of moving to Mexico? There is more to this beautiful country than vacation hotspots, fiestas, remarkable beaches, and lively cities! For more information about moving to Mexico as an expat, read our article about Mexico’s government, economy, and visa regulations.

Moving to Mexico will take you to the biggest Central American nation. It is located between Belize and Guatemala in the south and the USA in the north. Expats who move to Mexico sometimes imagine it as a Pacific paradise. Those who have spent their vacation in Cancun or Cabo San Lucas know the country by its beaches and palm trees.

Outdoor enthusiasts moving to Mexico will enjoy a rugged country with volcanoes and rain forests, offering lots of opportunities for hikes and bike tours. Despite its beautiful countryside, Mexico has a predominantly urban population (78%). Most expats moving to Mexico find themselves in a metropolis like Mexico City or Guadalajara.

Move to Mexico: Economy

When moving to Mexico or doing business there, you will soon find that the free market economy of this country ranges in the trillion dollar class. The mixture of modern and outdated industries accounts for a per capita income which is about one third of that of the United States. Privatization efforts and high competition within certain industries are some issues that foreigners moving to Mexico for business reasons will be confronted with.

Foreign companies and investors moving to Mexico benefit from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and other free trade agreements. About 90% of Mexico’s trade with foreign countries falls under these agreements.

The main industries and services within the national economy are as follows:

Tobacco
Chemicals
Food and beverages
Iron and steel
Petroleum
Mining
Textiles
Motor vehicles
Tourism
Consumer Durables

Moving to Mexico: Socio-Economic Challenges

When you move to Mexico, you will soon discover the many challenges and issues this country has to face. For instance, there is a huge discrepancy in terms of income and living standards between many Mexican citizens and expats moving to Mexico.

Despite a GDP growth of almost 4% in 2011, there is still an urgent need for improvements. Infrastructure, labor laws, education, and the energy sector are only some of the areas which require significant changes and modernization. Private investment, particularly in infrastructure and the energy sector, is far from sufficient, so that foreign investors moving to Mexico are very welcome.

Move to Mexico: The Political System

Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821. If you are moving to Mexico, you will be living in a federal republic with 31 states and a legal system based on constitutional and civil law principles.

Since 2006, Felipe de Jesus Calderon Hinojosa has been the President of Mexico, and thus both chief of state and head of government. He appoints the cabinet as well as the Supreme Court of Justice. After being elected by popular vote, the Mexican President serves a single six-year term. Thus, the next election will be held in July 2012.

The National Congress (Congreso de la Union) includes the Senate (Camara de Senadores) and the Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados). Only 300 of the 500 members in the Chamber of Deputies are elected by popular vote. The remaining 200 members are appointed on the basis of each party’s vote. They all serve a 3-year term.