9781422286944

Mexican Facts and Figures

14

taxes or other restrictions. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect in 1994, and it has helped Mexico’s economy to grow. This agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico removes trade restrictions between the participating countries. This means that the American and Canadian companies do not have to pay taxes when they buy or sell products in Mexico. It also allows them to operate their own manufacturing Mexican defenders Héctor Moreno (left) and Miguel Layún (right) move to stop Brazilian star Neymar during a first-round game during the 2014 World Cup tournament in Brazil. Soccer ( fútbol ) is the most popular sport in Mexico, and the country has done well in international competitions, including a gold medal win in the 2012 Olympic Games.