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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
Mexican Facts and Figures
Vicente Fox served as
president of Mexico from
2000 to 2006.
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