Mexico
The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. Ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, underemployment for a large segment of the population, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the largely Amerindian population in the impoverished southern states.
In July 2006, Felipe Calderón , from the governing, conservative National Action Party, was declared the winner of bitterly-fought presidential elections with a lead of less than 1% over his left-wing rival, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Obrador, a populist former mayor of Mexico City, declared he would challenge the poll outcome in the courts. Following the call for a recount by Obrador, the Electoral Tribunal rendered its verdict on the disputed result on September 5. Calderón was officially declared President, and took office December 1. Calderon says he wants to strive for unity; he has offered to include opposition politicians in government.
Former leader Vicente Fox took office in December 2000. He ordered his government to improve the distribution of income and to tackle corruption and crime. But the National Action Party suffered a humiliating defeat in mid-term parliamentary elections in 2003, putting a damper on his plans for economic, labour and energy reforms. Fox was praised for tackling some of Mexico's top drugs barons, but his government has struggled to contain drug-related crime. In 2005 the president said drugs cartels were trying to infiltrate state institutions, including his own office. Fox maintained close relations with the US, although he did not back the US-led war in Iraq. He was unable by law to run in the 2006 poll.
The threat from terrorism against foreign targets is low, but it should be noted that a British-owned bank was one of four foreign banks that were targeted in minor bomb attacks in May 2004. There were no casualties. The Mexican authorities are still investigating these incidents.
Crime is on the rise, including kidnapping for ransom, and foreign nationals are targeted in the belief that affluent relatives will pay a high ransom.
The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November.
Exercise caution in traveling to the southern state of Chiapas. Armed rebels and armed civilian groups are present in some areas of the state, and there is often no effective law enforcement or police protection. Violent criminal gang activity along the State’s southern border – mostly aimed at illegal migrants – continues to be a concern.
Sporadic outbursts of politically motivated violence occur from time to time in certain parts of the country, particularly in the southern states of Chiapas, Guerrero and Oaxaca.
Travelers may encounter military roadblocks while traveling, and tourists should be prepared to show identification and have vehicles searched. Army roadblocks are most common in the states of Chiapas, Guerrero and Oaxaca.
