Over the last two decades, Mexico has emerged as one of the most economically open and trade-dependent countries in the world. Its main exports are manufactured goods and petroleum, and over 60 percent of its gross domestic product comes from foreign trade. Remittances from the 10 million Mexican citizens living outside of the country provide another considerable source of income. As a result, extreme poverty has fallen, although the World Bank estimates it was still as high as 18 percent in 2005. Poverty is most concentrated in rural areas, particularly in indigenous communities, and in the shantytowns that ring the capital, Mexico City, and other major cities.

In addition to poverty, the greatest concerns for this country of over 108 million people are income distribution, low wages, underemployment, AIDS, and violent crime. Large segments of the population, particularly in indigenous communities in the south that make up nearly 30 percent of the total population, lack access to adequate health and medical facilities. Despite poor health indicators, including women's health and maternal and infant mortality, Mexico seems confident it will achieve most of the UN Millennium Development Goals. Recently, the Mexican government significantly increased educational funding, and literacy rates are rising. The current administration is also pursuing major infrastructure and antipoverty campaigns.