9781422286944

Mexican Facts and Figures

Vicente Fox served as president of Mexico from 2000 to 2006.

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deeper hot water. As the peso was devalued in the early 1980s, the nation found itself in the midst of an ever-worsening economic crisis. Mexico began to get back on track economically in the 1990s, thanks in part to passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement and other free-trade deals with foreign countries. Despite this, the country continues to deal with political instability and violence. In 1994, Ameridians in the state of Chiapas began a rebellion against the federal government, seeking greater rights. Corruption, economic problems, and scandals eventually weakened the power of the ruling PRI. In 2000, the Mexican people elected Vicente Fox, the first non-PRI president in 70 years. During Fox’s time in office, Mexico increased its international presence, especially in business and diplomacy. According to many statistics, Mexico’s quality of life improved during the Fox administration. Another fair, multi-party election took place in 2006. The winner was Felipe Calderón, who like Fox was candidate of the National Action Party (PAN). Calderón, who had been governor of the state of Michoacán, immediately

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