General Overview

Official Name: Estados Unidos Mexicanos

National Flag: Three equal vertical stripes green, white and red with an Eagle eating a snake over a Cactus.

National Day: 16th Of September (Celebrations of Independence From Spain)

Form Of Government: The government is divided in 3 different powers, Executive, Legislative & Judicial, The President is the head of Executive power, the Senators and Officials are head of the Legislative power and the Supreme Court of Justice is head of Judicial.

Capital: Mexico City

Mexico was the site of some of the earliest and most advanced civilizations in the western hemisphere. There is evidence that a hunting people populated the area in 21,000b.c. or earlier. Crop cultivation began around 8000b.c.; squashes were probably the first produce. The first major Mesoamerican civilization was established by the Olmec, who flourished between about 1500 and 600b.c. The Mayan culture attained its peak about the 6th century ad. The warlike Toltec migrated from the north, and in the 10th century they established an empire in the Valley of Mexico. They founded the cities of Tula and Tulancingo (north of present-day Mexico City) and developed a great civilization still evidenced by the ruins of magnificent buildings and monuments.

Official Language: Spanish

The prevailing and official language is Spanish, which is spoken by the great majority of the population. Indian languages number about 13, with many different dialects, the chief of which is Nahuatl (see American Indian Languages), or Aztec. Other major dialects include Maya, spoken in the Yucatán Peninsula, and Otomí, common in central Mexico. Successive governments have instituted educational programs to teach Spanish to all of the Indians.

Currency: The Money that is use is called Mexican Peso, and right now has an exchange rate of $10.96 pesos per US$1. both mostly varies from 11.00 to 12.00 Pesos per Dollar.

Population: The population of Mexico at the 2000 census was 97,483,412. The population density was 50 persons per sq km (129 per sq mi). About 75% of the people lived in urban areas.

Main Cities:

México City - Capital of the country, Mexico City has been described as the "biggest" city in
the world. In reality, with over 20 million population and an area covering approximately 600 square miles it is probably one of the most densely populated. Regardless, Mexico City is truly one of the biggest capitals of the world.

Monterrey - As capital of the industrial state of Nuevo Leon and Mexico's third largest city, Monterrey's "heart beat" is important for Mexico's economic development. Monterrey's traditions are centred around cement, glass, steel and beer industries that flourished in this vibrant city. Its proximity to the border at Laredo, Texas offers an easy way for exports to US markets. Monterrey's financial community and contribution drive the local manufacture of products and impact Mexico's overall economy significantly.
To revitalize the downtown area, a forty acre site was cleared and the "Macro Plaza" was built. Modern buildings surround the square which is filled with fountains, statues, resting grounds and other accoutrements.

Guadalajara – Capital of Jalisco state, sophisticated and historically rich, Guadalajara is also Mexico's second largest city. With Mexico City having acted as a geographical buffer from Spanish interests, Guadalajara was allowed to develop its own colorful particularities. These include some of Mexico's most quintessential traditions - the Mexican hat dance, rodeos, the splendidly costumed Mariachis and tequila, to name just a few. Although Spain did bequeath the city with the means to construct grand boulevards, opulent churches and elegant parks, both Jalisco and Guadalajara are known for their strong streak of individualism.

Puebla – As Mexico's fourth largest city in population, Puebla has played an important historical and commercial role. An overwhelming loss by the French invaders in the Battle of Puebla celebrated on May 5, 1862 was a turning point in Napoleon III's presence in Mexico.
Colonial buildings are found throughout Puebla with a heavy concentration around the Zocalo or main square. The strong influence of the Catholic church dating to the time of Cortes is still felt around Puebla. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Church of La Compañía, the Church of Santo Domingo and others attest to this in today's Puebla.

Ciudad Juarez – Ciudad Juarez today is enjoying one of it's greatest periods of prosperity of a boom and bust history.  Following the recent signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement, Juarez became the major manufacturing location in Mexico.
Today's Juarez has four universities, approximately 400 factories or maquiladoras, traditional shopping areas and modern shopping malls, museums, old missions, public libraries, sports complexes, the forth largest bullfighting arena in the world, a country club, off track betting, world class hotels and restaurants, an international airport, cock fights, nightclubs, and a thriving red light district. If there is something you want, you can probably find it here.

Guanajuato – Founded by the Spanish in the early 16th century, Guanajuato became the world's leading silver-extraction centre in the 18th century. This past can be seen in its 'subterranean streets' and the 'Boca del Inferno', a mineshaft that plunges a breathtaking 600 m. The town's fine Baroque and neoclassical buildings, resulting from the prosperity of the mines, have influenced buildings throughout central Mexico. The churches of La Compañía and La Valenciana are considered to be among the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Central and South America. Guanajuato was also witness to events which changed the history of the country.

Veracruz - This state has a tropical climate and impressive natural scenery, such as the Citlatapetl Volcano, or Pico de Orizaba, the highest peak in the nation. You’ll also see picturesque cities and towns that have preserved their local architecture. Along the coast you can visit the Costa Esmeralda, a 50 kilometers (31 mi) beach strip north of the port, and the archaeological zone of El Tajin, which also was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its capital is Xalapa, located in the central western part of the state. With more than 7 million inhabitants, the state of Veracruz is the third most populous in the nation, after the Federal District and the State of Mexico.

Culiacan - Culiacán is a city in northwestern Mexico, the largest city in the state of Sinaloa as well as its capital and capital of the municipality of Culiacán. With 605,304 inhabitants in the city (census of 2005), and 793,703 in the municipality, it is one of the largest cities in the country. The city is located in a valley where the Tamazula River and Humaya River rivers meet to form the Culiacán River, and is located 55 m above sea level. It is located in the center of the state with almost equal distance to the other urban centers of the state: Los Mochis to the north, and Mazatlán to the south.

About AIESEC in Mexico

In Mexico AIESEC exists since 1963. The first local committees (LCs) that were founded were Ibero, Monterrey, UNAM in the first year. At this moment there are 12 LCs all over the country, in the cities:
Mexico city (15 LCs), Monterrey, Ciudad Juarez, Culiacán, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Puebla, Veracruz.

Check the reception booklet of the Local Committtes.