Mexico Country Report

Mexico, along with Brazil in South America, is one of the two principal anchor economies of Latin America. The country's economy is highly intertwined with that of the US, as industrial parks ("maquiladoras") in Mexico provide a considerable manufacturing base for US-origin multinationals. Tourism, from both the US and within Mexico, along with agriculture make up other key areas of the formal economy. The informal economy, however, is dominated by narco-trafficking, which has resulted in the rise of several strong cartels that have divided the country's territory amongst themselves, with few exceptions. Turf wars between cartels as well as fighting between government forces and these same cartels have turned parts of various states in the country into low-grade war zones. Other states, however, remain far less affected, underscoring Mexico's heterogeneous risk matrix.

Opportunistic crime is a concern in all cities, with violent crime posting an additional threat in others. Earthquakes as well as hurricanes on both coasts are other problems which can have potentially serious repercussions for travelers.

Conflict in Mexico varies greatly by region and also by the parameters within which “conflict” is defined, specifically vis-a-vis narco-trafficking. Crime ranges from principally opportunistic in cities like Cancun to oftentimes violent in cities like Culiacan, roughly correlating to the presence and strength of cartels in the area. Cartels are known to use terror-like tactics but are generally not considered terrorist organizations, per se. Fears over Islamist groups using the country’s porous border with the US to infiltrate the latter do not seem to have materialized so far. Mexico in general has a strong protest culture, particularly over political and economic issues.

International carriers are considered safe for travel to and from Mexico.

Mexico’s road network is quite comprehensive and, by Latin American standards, in generally good shape.

The ports are considered efficient. Most ferries are safe, however there are some concerns.

Basic services such as water, electricity and fuel availability are highly reliable in urban areas and in most rural areas, as well.

The country is considered an attractive target for cyber criminals. Its defenses against such attacks are considered weak-to-moderate, as it does receive some defense aid and assistance from the US.

Mexico’s climate varies immensely due to its diversity of geography. Extractive activities, both legal and otherwise, bring some risk of environmental hazard. Air pollution is also a historically notable problem in Mexico City. Earthquakes are a fairly common occurrence. While most are moderate, some can be severe. Both the Gulf/Caribbean and Pacific Coasts are vulnerable to organized tropical systems, although heavy rainfall can occur regardless of whether it is associated with a formal organized system; the hurricane season generally lasts from June through November, with activity peaking by September.

Mosquito-borne diseases are the major epidemiological concern in the country. High-quality medical facilities can be found in most major cities, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Cancun. More rural areas will have fewer facilities, depending upon an individual’s specific healthcare needs. All major medications can be obtained in most cities. The availability of medicines in less populated areas will vary but is still generally adequate. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

Despite years of politicians promising to crack down on corruption in government, graft remains endemic in Mexico. Rule of law is limited in many states due to narco-related or other criminal activity. The Mexican system of governance, however, remains among the most stable in Latin America, despite high levels of corruption and large pockets of insecurity. Sanctions are not a major concern.