The Mexican Economy

Book excerpt: Mexico is the fifteenth largest economy in the world and Latin America's biggest exporter and importer. There are, however, two Mexicos: one more prosperous, advanced and modern, the other poor, isolated and backward, and this polarization characterizes much of Mexico's recent economic development. This book charts Mexico's modern economic history as well as its current structure, its regional differences, and the productivity gaps and economic challenges it faces. It examines the relative robustness of recent macroeconomic fundamentals alongside industry-level economic trends, especially those sectors dependent on exports through the North American free trade agreement. The book covers demographic trends, urbanization, education and health, and migration to the North. The economic impact of Mexico's long border with the United States is given particular focus. As are drugs, organized crime and the country's entrenched corruption. The book offers a concise and up to date analysis of Mexico's economic development and the country's political economy suitable for a range of courses in Latin American studies and Development Studies.