Population density: 54/km² (140/mi²)

Main languages spoken: Spanish, Nahuatl, Mayan, Zapotec, Mixtec, Otomi, Totonac, Tzotzil, Tzeltal

While most Mexicans are mestizo (mixed race), it is Mexico's Amerindian culture which is promoted by the state. This obscures the fact that rural Amerindians are largely segregated from Hispanic society, a situation that dates back to the Spanish colonial period and which has only recently been seriously challenged. The 1994 Zapatista (EZLN) guerrilla uprising in Chiapas was on behalf of Amerindian rights, and in protest against the poverty of landless Amerindians. President Vicente Fox promised to act, but the Indigenous Rights and Culture Bill, watered down by a hostile Congress and enacted in 2001, was rejected by the EZLN and all the main indigenous groups.

The small black community, which is concentrated along the eastern coast, is well integrated.

As in much of Latin America, men retain their dominance in business and relatively few women take part in the political process.

THE URBAN/RURAL POPULATION SPLIT

RELIGIOUS PERSUASION

ETHNIC MAKEUP

POPULATION AGE BREAKDOWN

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004