Traveling Mexico in a Glance

Most travelers who travel around the world to experience the new cultures, customs, and climate and meet new people may have been to the most famous places in the world. Most of these places may be famous for its white sand beaches and breathtaking underwater kingdom or a picturesque view of various tourist shrines or maybe for their colorful festivals, traditions and customs and many other things that are uniquely identified to these places. For people who looking for something new and a getaway from the modern city life, most usually to go places with an undisturbed beauty of its nature or simply to places with people who have a unique taste in indulging with adventures. Many countries, towns and islands can be mention, but for the folks who prefer an escape in a place with a little touch of modern city life with a warm and friendly welcome from its people, then Mexico can be the place one can consider visiting.

Mexico is one of the many developing countries in the world. Geologically, it is located in the south of the United States of America and is surrounded with water forms such as the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The people in this country are generally warm and friendly, especially to those who are living in small communities. They are interested in the people and culture of the foreign lands, they are friendlier to people who made the effort to integrate themselves into the Mexican culture. Compared to highly industrialized countries, the life in Mexico slow paced and a little laid back.  The people living in this country are also considered to be religious, and they are also proud people.

Most people may assume that the weather in this country is always hot, but the truth is, in many regions of Mexico, the climate varies. One can expect that on the coasts of Mexico, the weather is considered balmy. There are also tropical forests and fertile valleys; however, there are some mountains in this country, which is snow capped while some regions consist of dry desert lands. For people who prefer to go tropical and hit the beaches in this country, the cities of Cancun and Acapulco are the most popular. Acapulco is not only famous for its beaches, but it is also famous for onlookers of cliff divers at the place called La Quebrada. Night parties and discos are also prevalent when darkness hits these places. A two-hour drive away from Acapulco is a mining town called Taxco, which has maintained its historical architecture and is also famous for its silver works of any kind with great prices.

For one who would like to have a good taste of the Mexican culture, the place named Guadalajara is the perfect place to try Mexico’s famous tequila and other Mexican cuisine such as tacos, sopes, enchiladas and many others. The city is also considered as one of the ten largest cities in Latin America and was also considered as Mexico’s Silicon Valley because of its success in electronics industry.

The city is also famous for many of its land marks and structural designs. The country is its own version of pyramids called the pyramid-temples maid by the Mayan people thousands of years ago. Most of these pyramids are built in a way that the Mayan people can climb to the top storey for sacrificial rituals. One of the known Mayan pyramids in the place is located south west of the Governor’s Palace is the country’s version of their Great Pyramid called Uxmal. It stands ninety eight feet high and is also a nine-storey building. This pyramid did not have a sanctuary or temple in it, but it has palace-like buildings on its four sides. The highest storey had decorations in the Puuc manner, and it also includes masks, latticework, meanders, flowers and parrots. There are many other Mayan pyramids created in many areas in the country and according to some archeologists some of these pyramids were to be believed to be sacred are not meant to be touched.

Exploring other places and countries may bring some new experiences to every traveler, especially in discovering new cultures and tourist spots but the best part of the journey is not only what one has discovered, but also what one has imparted.

Socio-Economic Issues in Mexico

Latin America is known to have inequalities in socio-economics. As a result, social and political policies have radically affected different classes in different ways.

In most Latin American countries like Mexico, unvarying systems of socio-economic stages exist.  Mexico, Venezuela, and Paraguay all belong to C2 levels while other parts of Mexico belong to C3, together with Brazil and Puerto Rico.

Level C2

• Living in relaxed ways
• Receiving middle earnings at work
• Works in middle range industries
• Enjoy few of the good things of life
• Able to meet their primary needs
• Live in separated residences or modern buildings in middle-housing areas

Level C3

• Public positions depend on economic condition.
• Able to enjoy some ease but at the price of financial sacrifice
• Able to just meet their primary needs.
• Workers of small business or casual corporations
• Low or middle income
• Big family sizes
• Live in a greatly occupied area
• Live in apartment buildings or small detached houses

Basing on the information presented above, income variation is the main point of this socio-economic inequalities. Why should we be bothered on the inequality of wealth?

See, for example, a market selling luxury goods is limited to those who can meet the expense to compensate; thus, a great number of rich populations will yield higher and maintainable incomes. However, behind the picture, there are also issues concerning moral and social fairness.

If inequality in wealth were exclusively the outcome of personal selections about labor, sweat, and investments, subsequently people will be obtaining what they wish and merit for. Moreover, if wealth inequality is due to either the inheritance of past problems or modern corruption and lack of transparency, this will turn out to be a major social and political headache.

Frequently ignored but related cases that create wealth inequality are corruption and drug trafficking.  This illegal means has become a widespread practice in some countries.

In 1980s and early 1990s, drug traffickers in Mexico have already established an infrastructure preparing to serve the Colombian-based traffickers.  In the mid 1980s, organizations in Mexico were well-established and reliable transporters of Colombian cocaine were made. This has ended with the fighting between rival cartels due to information leaking to the government by the other rivals.  The fight between rival drug cartels began in the late 1980s and the violence steadily worsened in 2000.

An armed disagreement is taking place between the government forces of Mexico and competitor drug cartels, which is popularized as the Mexican Drug War.  Drug cartels are in existence for some time now as this became more powerful when Colombia’s Cali and Medellin cartel’s ended in 1990s.  The Mexican drug cartels dominated the wholesale of illegitimate drug market in the US today.  Drug violence increased when the key leaders were arrested.

The International Narcotics Control Board reported that corruption remains a serious problem in the country no matter what actions, they take to reduce it.  Some Federal Investigation agents are believed to be part of one of the known cartels of which they act as the cartel’s enforcers.  In addition, an estimated count of 1,500 agents was under investigation for suspected criminal activities and 457 faced charges in December 2005.  The anti-cartel act was then operated in December 2006 to ensure that police and government agencies are free from cartel involvement.

In the early part of 2009, Mexico was rapidly falling apart as the drug war escalated with no relief. The country experienced the rising number of violence caused by drugs, kidnapping, assassination, extortion, homicide, and assault.  Five thousand Mexican army troops were called in by President Calderon. The United States also added troops to protect themselves from the violence in Mexico as Latin Americans might go out in the open and spill over the U.S. border.  So far, this year, an average of 6.8 people was murdered each day in Mexico and around 14,000 people were killed since Felipe Calderon started his term in December 2006.

The geographical location of Mexico has long been used as a point for illegal migrants, narcotics, and other smuggled goods intended for the US. They come mainly from South America, Mexico, and some other parts of the neighboring countries.

Mexico’s Employment Situation

Early in November 2009, the Mexican government announced that the country had 120,000 new jobs created in September and October.  The new jobs brought about a 2.7 per cent improvement in the country’s economy, which has been considered in a deep collapse just the quarter before.

However, this is primarily because of the Mexican government’s US$4.83 billion in loans extended to small business and midcaps.  As with any economy, it is the smaller businesses that drive economic growth.

Things might not be as rosy as the Mexican government paints it to be.  For one, the economy’s improvement is also rooted in the improvement of the United States, a trade partner that buys more than three-fourths of the country’s export products.

Before everything else that happened, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has a better outlook for Mexican employment.  The country’s unemployment outlook for 2008 was placed at 3.3%, a better rate that the organization’s average.

Blatant Discrimination

However, what is more alarming with the OECD data is that they found that the country has a glass ceiling when it comes to employing women.  Mexico, despite the improved employment rate, also had the most dismal employment statistics for women.  Only less than half of Mexican women who belong to the working age group are employed.  More than 90% of adult males, on the other hand, are employed.

Policy-wise, the government has been lax or passive with regard to fighting this proof of gender discrimination.

Informal Employment Is Prevalent

Informal employment is when an employee takes on a job that has low salaries and yet does not get a formal contract or any type of benefit.  It is estimated that more than half of the workforce in developing countries are informal workers.  Mexico is not an exception.

Even as the Mexican economy is showing signs of improvement, the underlying dynamics of having a prevalent informal employment system speaks volumes.  What’s more, informal employment abuse the rights of the already disadvantaged worker groups like women, older workers, younger workers and those who have no skills.

Brighter Future Ahead?

Hopefully, the Mexican government’s current thrust on small and medium sized businesses will help stem or reverse discrimination against women of working age.  If a capable female cannot find a job, she can easily get government funding to start her own business.  This would also help curb institutional discrimination against hiring members of the fairer sex.

Also, better governmental policies aimed at cracking down on informal employment, putting up more stringent measures and implementing higher punitive penalties for companies and industries with informal workers should help the country handle the high rates of informal employment.

Furthermore, the emergence of new and smaller ventures just might help with the informal employment situation.  With government funding requiring new businesses to be registered, they should be under closer scrutiny from the concerned agencies.

With the United States economy also in dire straits, more and more Mexicans are looking for jobs at home, rather than thinking about seeking greener pastures in America.  The Wall Street Journal reported in February 2009 that only a little more than 700,000 Mexicans was caught trying to sneak into the U.S. in 2009, a far cry from the 1.1 million figure just two years earlier.  Pew Research also reported that 8% of foreign-born Hispanics in the U.S. are jobless as of the last quarter of 2008, climbing from 5.1% just a year earlier.

As such, the Mexican government should be ready for an influx of workers coming home from the United States, or those that are staying put.  It should look for more initiatives that would duplicate or further its success in creating more than 100,000 jobs in less than two months.  Only then could it sustain or foster economic growth.

Once jobs are continuously created and more capital is infused in mid caps and small caps, the government should then look into creating new policies or enforcing existing ones that would promote gender equality in the workplace and eradicate informal employment.  Both measures will surely strengthen the Mexican economy further by ensuring that more people get the job they deserve, and that they are justly compensated for it.  These will increase the government’s tax base, which it could utilize for further growth and more capital.

Traveling to the Country of Mexico: A Melting Pot of Different Races and a Primary Tourist Destination

Mexico is a country that is very much famous in terms of tourism. It has the biggest Spanish-speaking population in the world. It has no official language despite the majority of the people living their talks Spanish. It has also no official religion, but it is next in line to Brazil for having the most number of Roman Catholics in the whole world. It has a very rich and diverse culture characterized by many influences of the Spanish culture. Its economy is very progressive, and it has many of the world’s largest and most modern companies. It has a mixed and diversified economy with a very high gross national income per capita. The Mexican economy boasts of its electronic industry, oil industry, food industry, aircraft industry, power plants, telecommunication industry, and their tourism industry, which has helped them a lot in terms of economic development. In terms of sports, Mexicans are very much known for producing world class boxers. Some of the elite boxers that Mexico has ever produced are Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Julio Cesar Chavez and the world renowned Oscar Dela Hoya, who is also a boxing promoter and the owner of Golden Boy Promotions. So, how did Mexico become what it is today? What would be the reasons for an individual to make him or her decide to choose the United Mexican States as the primary tourist destination? And finally, what makes Mexico different from any other tourist destination in the whole wide world?

The country of Mexico is one of the most visited countries in terms of tourist destination in the world. Because of the sheer determination and will to improve, the United Mexican States became what it is today, a country characterized by a modern economy and a steadfast economic development. There are numerous reasons why an individual must consider  of visiting the country of Mexico as a tourist destination. One of the reasons is the ancient Mesoamerican Ruins. It is probably one of the reasons why people from different parts of the world visit the United Mexican States. Its magnificence is indeed a marvel to witness. One can’t help but to be allured and be captured by its beauty. Another reason which would probably explain why millions of tourists constantly visit the country of Mexico is its world class beaches. The beach resorts found in Mexico are visited by many students who just want to have a good time and enjoy the heat of the sun, especially during spring break and by foreigners from different parts of the world who wants to unwind and relax while enjoying the beauty of the different sceneries found in Mexico. In addition, tourists around the world also visit the United Mexican States because of its climate and the fusion of Spanish and Mesoamerican cultures. Its rich culture is evidenced by the Mexican people themselves and their rich tradition of festivals and celebrations. Furthermore, Mexican food is also one of the main attractions that Mexico can offer to the many tourists who are planning or interested to visit the country of Mexico. Mexican food is known for its explosive, intense, and spicy flavors that make food enthusiasts go loco over Mexico. The tortillas, enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, burritos and tequilas are to die for. They simply make the whole experience of Mexico one of the most unforgettable one. They do not only satisfy the cravings of a hungry tourist, they also add an extra kick into it. Lastly, Mexico is visited by most tourists around the world because of its people. The Mexican people add color and life to the country of Mexico thereby making the whole trip to the country a worthwhile experience.

Therefore, when you are planning to unwind and take a tour around the world, do not forget to put Mexico on your list of tourist destinations. You do not only enjoy good food, excellent world class beaches, beautiful tourist spots, and a rich colorful culture, you also have a chance to experience Mexican hospitality and to get to know more the people living in the United Mexican States. These made Mexico unique and different from other tourist destinations that is why it is one of the most well visited tourist spots in the whole world.

The Mexican Economy

Mexico is a North American country, bordering the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea between the US and Belize, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean between the US and Guatemala. With a total land area of 1,923,040 square kilometers, Mexico is home to more than a hundred million residents (106,535,000) in 2006 population survey.

Mexico’s geographical terrain is characterized by rugged, high mountains; high plateaus; low coastal plains; and deserts. Its climate varies from desert to tropical year round. Mexico is gifted with high value minerals and natural resources like petroleum, copper, silver, gold, zinc, lead, timber, and natural gas. Its location in the border south of the US is considered strategic in world trade and economic activities.

The Mexican Economy ranks from 11^th to 13^th among world’s largest economy. The Mexico City the country’s capital also ranks 3^rd among world’s largest metropolis with Tokyo of Japan and New York of the US leading the list.

Since the dreaded 1994 crisis, Mexico developed and improved its macroeconomic fundamental resulting to a boost in the economy and an unprecedented stability. Its attained macroeconomic stability enables low interest and inflation rates, increased per capita income. The economy holds rapidly-developing industrial and service sector and a robust import-export business. Based on Forbes Global 2000 lists of 2008, 16 companies among the world’s largest companies were from Mexico.

Economic Sectors

The Export industry is the most profitable sector in the Mexican Economy. Mexican Exports represent a quarter or more of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Mexican Trade policy is an open market and is considered as among the most open in the world. The Mexican government forged free trade treatises and agreements with more than 40 countries like Canada, the European Union, and notably the United States. Most exported products are cars, petroleum, and electronics with the bulk of these exports (82%) goes to the US.

Tourism, ever since the 1960’s played a major part in the Mexican economy. Mexican tourism accounts to a considerable fraction of the country’s GDP with millions of tourist flocking to Mexico. As a matter of fact, Tourism has become the fastest growing sector in the Mexican economy and accounts for 50 billion dollar contribution to the economy.

The Manufacturing sector also contributes a major part of the Mexican Economy. With estimated 18% GDP contribution, this sector is mostly involved in ship building, steel, chemicals, textiles, and electronic components.

Agriculture is also a sector to reckon in Mexican economy. Although this sector accounted for a measly 3.7% of the country’s GDP as of 2008, it provides 14% of total employment in the country. With an arable area only 13% of the country’s land area, Mexico boast of its revenue generating crops like tomatoes, sugarcane, corn, dry beans, coffee beans, and avocados. Significant revenue is also generated from beef, pork, poultry, and dairy production.

The Oil sector is also a sector to beat, with its revenue constituting a third in the total Mexican revenues. As of 2007, Mexico ranks eight-largest crude exporter in the world and third-largest oil supplier to the US. The Mexican Government holds the monopoly in oil exploration, production, marketing, and transportation through the state-owned PEMEX oil company.

Recent Economic Problems

Just recently this year (early 2009), the Economic crisis in the US escalated to a more serious World scale crisis affecting not only the US but other big economies like Japan and Europe, as well as most of the world. With the US – Mexico’s biggest export partner, undergoing recession, Mexico experiences a decline in export revenue that greatly affects the total GDP. With the US predicted to start rebounding soon, the Mexican government is hopeful that businesses will soon go back to normal.

In addition to the Global financial crunch, the Tourism industry is suffering setbacks caused by the H1N1 flu pandemic and political unrest. Tourist had been distrustful in visiting Mexico with reported violence on the rise which accounted for 11,000 people killed in this violence since the December 2006 election.

Amidst these problems the Mexican Government sees optimism with some propose measures for labor and tax reforms and new energy policy on the works. Mexico will rebound again, that is for sure.

Travel, Tourism and Destinations around the World

Traveling around the world is a luxurious leisure activity. Since almost every country in the world has its tourist spots, no wonder its popularity is increasing. In this connection, countries offering beautiful spots and eye-catching sceneries to the tourists around the world also earn a pile of money in return. It has indeed become a major source of income for many countries worldwide. It has a big impact on the country’s gross national product. Traveling around the world to the many beautiful scenic spots not only gives joy to the tourists, but it also helps a lot in uplifting the economy of the country being visited.

Now, let us first discuss about the benefits with regards to the country being visited by the many tourists around the world. First, the country’s economy will be boosted since more tourists mean more income. Second, the citizens in the country are also affected positively because more tourists coming in the country will mean more job opportunities for the people. This is due to the enormous intake of money for business with their goods and services and employment opportunities, especially in the field of service. To name a few, some of which are entertainment services such as disco clubs, casinos, and comedy bars, transportation services such as taxi cabs and airlines, and accommodation services such as resorts and hotels. Third, the country being visited will be placed in the map of the world, that is, the country will gain recognition to other countries around the world for the beauty of its tourist spots and the quality of its accommodation. Lastly, the effect of productive tourism upon the country being visited will establish a sense of independency towards other countries making that country self-sufficient.

Let us now discuss the different tourist spots that many countries can offer. Let us begin with the country known as the sleeping giant, China. China currently is a powerhouse country in terms of economic development. China underwent a drastic change from a struggling country to a productive one. In fact, China currently is not affected with the global financial crisis experienced by many countries around the world. There in China, the majestic “great wall” can be found. It has been visited by many people, and it’s no wonder. Its history is very colorful making it one of the most visited tourist spots in the whole world. Another tourist spot that is most visited is in the country of France, the Eiffel Tower. This beautiful scenery is very well known around the world and is often featured in movies in the big screen.

Aside from the countries mentioned above, there is also what we call island nations, which take pride on their scenic spots as the means of economic development. The Philippines, for example, is very rich in terms of tourist spots. It’s an archipelagic country under the continent of Asia. Mayon Volcano, known for its cone-like shape is considered to be one of the wonders in the world is found in the Philippines. The Chocolate Hills, found specifically in Bohol, Philippines, is a wonder to witness since it’s like watching numerous hills made of chocolate. Since the Philippines is archipelagic, it is very much known for its beaches. One of which is the renowned Boracay Beach. It’s a commercialized beach located in Aklan, Philippines famously visited by many foreign individuals in every part of the world. Another island nation that is very popular and often visited by many tourists is The Bahamas. Famous of its beaches, The Bahamas is very much dependent or shall I say relies much on tourism in terms of economic development and stability. Lastly, very famous as a tourist destination is Fiji. In terms of tourism, Fiji belongs to the upper list of top tourist destinations in the whole world.

As a generalization, tourism, therefore, projects a great impact into the economic status of a country. It gives a certain country an economic boost thereby increasing its annual income. Aside from it being a luxurious activity, it gives joy and entertainment to the tourists around the world. The world has its own beauty, as human beings, it’s for us to discover.

A Note Ahead when Traveling

Whenever we think of travel, satisfying images pop up in our minds; a walk to the seashores, breathe the cool breeze with the natural beauty of whatever Mother Nature brings to us or simply spends all our money shopping. No doubt that when we say travel, it is one of the best ways to take a break from our grueling days of work and spend a quality time enjoying with our loved ones. However, one important thing we should be aware, of whenever we plan to travel is to choose the best destination we can spend our time on. We choose the right place where we feel not only pleasure but also a place where we sense a security in every moment we spent. Surely, we don’t want to have a memorable vacation ending up in a disaster in any way. Nonetheless, it is best to plan ahead before we set out on a journey what this world of ours can offer.

We have to do as much research as we can ahead of time. This is the ABC’s when traveling to any destination we plan to go. For the more we know about the country and its people before we arrive, the quicker we get under the skin of the place. We don’t want to end up in a situation that when arriving into a foreign land, we suddenly realize that we have no idea on how to catch a taxi, find a restroom or rent a hotel room. By buying a guide book or checking anything in such a manner resourceful enough in helping us to prevent encountering such hassle situations, we can save a lot of time and effort in doing so. We have to review it thoroughly to be knowledgeable enough of the areas we want to explore or tour around.

One common problem we encounter whenever we decide to spend our time in a far away place is the language used of the people living there. In accordance to this, it is important  to know basic phrases of their native language and to take note on how it is spoken properly. Important phrases like; how much, where can I find the place, I need a doctor, I don’t understand and more… also we should keep in mind that we must show respect by saying  “please”  or “thank you” for it is one way of effective communication when both parties show respect to each other.

There are a lot of ways we can somehow manage to carry ourselves away from encountering any kind of troubles like following the rules and regulations of their country, but there are rules and regulations that are not found written just in any book. Those are the culture practices of the people. Somehow, most culture practices are based on the religious beliefs of the people. We might find a place where women are prohibited to go out from their houses or even not allowed to look at them straight into their eyes. It may seem normal to us, but it deeply offends them on the other way around. In addition to this, we should be aware of their dietary, clothing, medical, spiritual practices and so on.

Even though there are a lot of things to be aware of to not only prevent culture shock but also to be safe in any area of the place. Aside from reviewing appropriate books and other helpful information available like internet sources, there is one most effective way to gather enough information. That is to ask the people who once been there. They are the ones who can aptly explain to us in a detailed manner and can even give us more vital tips which most books cannot offer. Unlike books or internet articles, people can give us information in such a way that they would notice if we understand it or not. Furthermore, we can even ask deeper information which most books are not able to provide us. So to say, if we have all this information reviewed, it is most likely that we can say we are well prepared to take such a journey.

There is a saying that “the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page”. It is absolutely true that there are a lot of things we need to see in this world, but it is also important  that we should be aware of what awaits us.