Mexico and Central America
Mexico City, Mexico
An indigenous heritage and Spanish colonization influence Mexican and Central American cultures. The remains of Mayan and Aztec pyramids impact the cultural landscape. The influence of Spanish colonization is also noticeable in the region's language and religion. Specifically, Spanish is the predominant language, and Roman Catholicism is the major religion.
In the past, Mexican and Central American economies were based on primary sector industries like farming and mining. Although agriculture is still a major industry in this part of the world, the economies of a few countries have become more diverse. For example, the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has helped Mexico expand the country’s manufacturing industry. A stable democratic government in Costa Rica has attracted a large technology industry. The Panama Canal has helped grow a large service sector in Panama.
Mexico and Central America share many cultural and economic similarities with the Caribbean and South America. Keep this in mind as you continue your journey through Latin America.