Fast Facts:
Population:107,029,000
Capital:Mexico City; 19,013,000
Language:Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other indigenous languages
Religion:Roman Catholic, Protestant
Currency:Mexican Peso
Life Expectancy:75
Literacy Percent:92
Culture:
-Mexican culture is known for the unified nature of the family
-The roles of the parents in Mexican culture are generally well-defined, with the father acting as the family’s ruler and the mother as the family’s heart
-Lack of faith in the government and other organizations is also the result of widespread political corruption
-Police officers readily accept mordidas (“bribes”) from those wishing to avoid the nuisance of a traffic ticket or a night in prison
-Around 90% of the population relates themselves to Christianity, specifically Catholicism
-In many Mexican communities, curanderos (traditional healers) use indigenous folk medicine, spiritual, and Christian faith healing to treat ailments and “cleanse” spiritual impurities
-Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead by visiting their ancestors at the cemetery
-Mariachi dancing is a traditional dance in Mexico
Prayers:
Along the U.S. border, slums have sprung up. Pray that we continue developing deep relationships with local pastors who have sought to plant churches in the neighborhoods where the poorest of the poor live. Pray that we make a difference in dark places as we obey God’s leading in bringing His light and presence throughout the communities in Mexico.
