State Capital 14. State of México Major Ethnic Groups 15. Michoacán Throughout the history of , the people have 16. created one of most intriguing cultures in the world. 17. The combination of strongly embedded Aztec and 18. Nuevo León Mayan mythologies and Spanish cultural elements 19. Oaxaca make the Mexican culture distinctive. 20. Puebla 21. Querétaro Querétaro Mestizo: The blending of indigenous and European 22. blood lines have produced the “Mestizo,” the largest 23. San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí ethnic group in Mexico, which accounts for about two- 24. Culiacán thirds of the population. Their culture often blends 25. traditions of both European and indigenous origins. 26. Villahermosa 27. Nahua: The Nahua are the ear- 28. Tlaxcala liest indigenous people to settle 29. in Mexico. The Nahua are also 30. Yucatán Mérida known as and referred to as 31. Zacatecas Aztecs. Their language is known as State Capital Nahuatl. Nahua populations are 1. Aguascalientes located in the center of Mexico, 2. with most living in the states of 3. La Paz , , Puebla, San 4. Campeche Luis Potosi, and Veracruz. 5. Tuxtla Gutiérrez 6. Chihuahua Maya: The Maya are a group 7. of indigenous peoples of Meso- 8. Colima america. The 9. Durango advanced as the foremost indigenous culture of Meso- 10. Guanajuato america. They are noted for and excelled in astron- 11. Guerrero omy, hieroglyph writing, mathematics and agriculture. 12. Hidalgo 13. They mostly inhabit southern Mexico. * Ciudad de México is a district similar to our Washington, D.C.

Overview Borders: To its North, Mexico shares the border with Climate Zones: Historical Timeline the ; to its South, Mexico shares the • The Tropical/Subtropical zone-Tierra Caliente (Hot Land) Contemporary Mexico: Mexico partners with the border with Guatemala and Belize; to the West is the United States and Canada as a member of NAFTA. Pacific Ocean and to the East is the • Temperate zone-Tierra Templada (Temperate Land) Political climate changes in 2000 when the PAN (right) Gulf of Mexico. • The Cool zone-Tierra Fria (Cold Land) government wins the presidential election. Size: Mexico is 1/4th the size Natural Regions: Revolution to Evolution: 1940–1970 Mexico begins of the United States and the to modernize and transforms its economy into one of • Baja-extending south from the US state of California; 13th largest country in the the most successful economies in Latin America. OFFICIAL NAME: Estados Unidos Mexicanos composed of two regions; geographically separated world. from the rest of Mexico. GOVERNMENT: Presidential System – Federal Republic Mexican Revolution: 1910–1920 Capital: The capital is Ciudad • The North – a mixture of coastlines, deserts, The Mexican Revolution begins RELIGION: Roman Catholic 82.7% de México, formerly known as mountains and plains. against dictator Porfírio Díaz with Distrito Federal (Mexico ). insurrections in several states. PRIMARY LANGUAGES: Spanish Language 92.7% • The Northeast – the most industrialized and Great leaders like Francisco Villa Indigenous Languages: Mayan, Nahuatl and regional States: Mexico is divided successful region in Mexico. languages. and Emiliano Zapata emerge. into 31 states and one • The Gulf Coast – coastal along the Gulf of Since 1920, Mexican migration to the United States federal district similar to Mexico; vital to large scale oil production. Fight for Independence: 1810– Washington D.C.* 1821 “El Grito de Dolores,” the call has strained US–Mexico bilateral relations. Even today, • The Southeast – home of the Mayan civilization; for Mexico’s independence from immigration is a controversial and divisive issue on : Most of Mexico region’s only tropical rain forest. , was led by famous priest BOTH sides of the border. is in the • The South – warm, humid climate; tropical Benito Juarez. Mexico’s highest source of income is oil export, and (UTC -06:00) vegetation; extends south to Guatemala and Belize. second is remittance money sent to Mexico by its Spanish Conquest: 1519–1521 The Spanish con- Terrain: High, rugged • The West – large immigrants working in the United States. quistadores and their leader Hernan Cortez arrive in mountains; low coastal agricultural areas; the Mexico. They assault and destroy the Aztec empire The three main political parties are: plains; high plateaus; almost breadbasket of Mexico – Tenochtitlán. • Partido de la Revolución two-thirds of the country’s • Central – the financial Democrática (PRD) – Leftist terrain consists of moun- and industrial heart Rise of the Aztecs: 1350–1519 The mighty Aztec civi- tains and highlands, while of Mexico; consists of lization expands their influence to dominate the Valley • Partido Acción Nacional, (PAN) – Right deserts dominate the north- north central and south of Mexico. They build an empire and construct the • Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) – Centrist ern and southern borders. central states. capitol-Tenochtitlán. Family Religion Military Vocabulary Mexicans have a strong value system. The motto for Religion in Mexico is a fusion of different religions The history of the Mexican military dates back to the the country of Mexico is, “Nation, Liberty, Work, and practiced by the Mayan, Toltec, Zapotec and Olmec pre-Columbian era. During that time, the Aztec army ENGLISH SPANISH Culture.” Mexicans also value respect, family, religion, peoples of the region. trained and educated on war planning. No No and hospitality. The Spaniards arrived in Mexico bringing the Catho- Battle of Pueblo (Cinco de Mayo): Although the Yes Sí Extended Family-The extended family is highly import- lic faith. The introduction of Catholicism ushered in initially defeated the French on May Please Por favor ant to most Mexicans. Family members find the time the idea of believing in one God rather than multiple 5, 1862 at the Battle of Pueblo, the French eventu- Thanks Gracias to gather on many occasions each year. Mexicans deities. ally overpowered the Mexican army. This holiday Welcome Bienvenido commemorates that win over France. This is a fairly maintain strong links with members of their extended Mexican’s practice the Catholic religion in many dif- minor holiday in Mexico; conversely, in the United families, including in-laws and “adoptive” relatives. ferent ways. Those people that live in rural areas may GREETINGS States, “Cinco de Mayo” has grown into a celebration Hello Hola Godparenting-Supportive external kinships are devel- practice a form that utilizes indigenous religious cere- of Mexican culture. Goodbye Adiós oped in Mexico through a system called “compadrazgo” monies, while more urbanized areas follow more tra- Recruitment: There is compulsory military service or “godparenting.” These ditional Catholic services. Good Morning Buenos Días at 18, with a twelve-month conscription obligation. types of relationships After Mexican independence, begin- How are you? ¿Cómo está? Non-volunteer recruits will serve as a workforce for transcend blood rela- ning in the mid-nineteenth century Pleasure to meet you Mucho gusto public social work programs. tions, can help provide the government was successful in both economic and social beginning a reorganization to sepa- Education and Training: A significant factor in the EXPRESSIONS How have you been? ¿Cómo ha estado? advantages, and extend rate Church and State. This led to no improvement of the armed forces in Mexico is the mil- the larger family. government endorsed religion in the itary education system. The main teaching points are You are welcome De nada the value of discipline, compliance to law, and respect Very well, thank you Muy bien, gracias Mexicans idealize the country of Mexico. for higher command. Their education system was Excuse me Disculpe gender responsibilities of men and women on how La Virgen de Guadalupe—also known expanded and specialized, with their officers receiv- they are symbolized within the culture. With the as Our Lady of Guadalupe-is the ing professional training from the United States and Enjoy your meal Buen provecho country deep in patriarchal tradition, an often used patron saint of Mexico and a national religious symbol. armed forces of Western Europe. term is “Machismo,” which is a common belief that, The image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is one that con- Language Videos “men are strength.” The word that is used to describe nects Mexico’s history with its Spanish and Aztec heri- Mexico’s military has two secretariats: Spanish Language Videos the character of Mexican women is “Marianismo,” tage. She reflects the significant social relationships of • Secretariat of National Defense https://www.youtube.com/watch which is described as, “women are love”. Together, the Mexican and Indian life, personifies all aspects of (SEDENA) = Army / Air Force ?v=j91m55N7e9I these explain the complex family identity in Mexico. Mexican life and the struggle for freedom. • Secretariat of the Marina (SEMAR) = Navy / Marines

Cultural Considerations Rapport Building Army Insignias Helpful Phrases Mexican men usually greet with a handshake when Rapport is a relationship marked by cooperation, con- they meet. Shake hands with everyone before/after formity, harmony and affinity. Good rapport is built ENGLISH SPANISH the meeting; waving to the group is inappropriate. through Understanding, Respect, and Mutual trust. Do you speak English? ¿Habla Inglés? When two women meet, they tend to give a light kiss I am American Yo soy Americano Understanding a culture will aid greatly in building on each other’s cheek. What is your name? ¿Cómo se llama usted? rapport, and should be done before deployment In small groups, greet each individual; in large group through studies and while in-country through obser- Soldado Cabo Sargento Sargento Primero My name is Me llamo (Private) (Corporal) Segundo (1st Sergeant) settings where this may vation and speaking (Staff Sergeant) I do not speak Spanish No hablo Español not be possible, greet as with the people. What happened? ¿Qué pasó? many people as you can. Speaking Spanish is Where is ? ¿Dónde está ? When greeting strangers, an in-road towards How long (time)? ¿Por cuánto tiempo? wait to be introduced by building rapport, and your Mexican counterpart. How far is ? ¿A qué distancia? will be more import- Sub Teniente Teniente Capitán Segundo Capitán Primero Can you help me? ¿Puede ayudarme? Start conversations by exchanging pleasantries; failure ant initially in build- (2nd Lieutenant) (1st Lieutenant) (2nd Captain) (1st Captain) to do so will imply a lack of a personal relationship. ing a relationship Learning Links with Mexicans than Music, traditions, holidays, and food are appropriate DLI: Language Survival Kit Module anything else. conversation topics; avoid conversing about immigra- http://famdliflc.lingnet.org/products/ tion, violence, or poverty. Respect is a reciprocal commodity. Mexicans value mexican/qbm_bc_LSK/default.html your honesty, generosity, and politeness. Titles are significant in Mexico. Mexicans prefer to be Mayor Teniente Coronel Coronel addressed by their professional title. Show respect by For Mexicans, maintaining pride and honor is critical. (Major) (Lieutenant (Colonel) On-line Spanish Dictonary addressing a person by using his or her title before Do not insult the honor, pride, or beliefs of a Mexican Colonel) http://www.spanishdict.com/android their name (“Sargento Rodriguez” or “Señorita Robles”). or his/her family or extended family. First names are used only by people on familiar terms. Mutual trust is built over extended periods of time, Although admired, don’t expect huge displays of punc- and is necessary for lasting relationships. Building On-line Spanish Dictonary tuality as it is given less emphasis than personal rela- personal trust by demonstrating a willingness to http://www.spanishdict.com/iphone tionships, which tend to trump strict schedules. Being commit to the task and relationship with Mexicans General Brigadier Gen. de Brigada Gen. de Division Gen. Sec. de la (Brigadier General) (Major General) (Lieutenant Defensa Nacional on time for business functions is usually expected. is necessary before any business will be conducted. General) (Sec of Defense)