PLANNET MARKETING WELCOMES MEXICO TO THE PLANNET FAMILY!

PlanNet Marketing is proud to welcome Mexico to the PlanNet family! (See November 17th Mexico Launch event info below!) The official name of Mexico is Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United Mexican States). The 14th largest country in the world by total area, Mexico ranks #10 in world population with over 131 million people. Mexico is one of the chief economic and political forces in Latin America. It has a dynamic industrial base, vast mineral resources, a wide-ranging service sector, and the world’s largest population of Spanish speakers, about two and half times that of Spain or Colombia. The dominant religion is Catholicism. Spanish is the national language and the federal government officially recognizes 68 native languages and 364 varieties of indigenous languages. The descendants of the Aztecs speak a form of the Aztec language called Nahuatl. Many of its words, particularly for types of food, passed into English…such as tomatoes (tomatl), chocolate (chocolatl), and avocados (ahuacatl).

In the fourteenth century the Aztecs (or Mexica) settled in Mexico when they saw an eagle (representing the sun) standing on a cactus (a symbol of the heart) clutching a snake (a symbol of the earth or Quetzalcoatl) - an image which is now depicted on the Mexican flag. Mexico’s flag is made up three vertical stripes. The left green stripe stands for hope, the middle white stripe represents purity, and the right red stripe represents the blood of those who died fighting for Mexico's independence.

Known for its Pacific and Gulf of Mexico beaches and its diverse landscape of mountains, deserts and jungles, Mexico is also home to ancient ruins such as Teotihuacán and the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá which are scattered throughout the country, as are Spanish colonial-era towns. In capital Mexico City, upscale shops, renowned museums, and gourmet restaurants cater to modern life.

More than half of the Mexican people live in the center of the country, whereas vast areas of the arid north and the tropical south are sparsely settled. Migrants from rural areas have poured into Mexico’s cities, and nearly four-fifths of Mexicans now live in urban areas. Mexico City is one of the most populous cities and metropolitan areas in the world and is built over the ruins of the great Aztec city, Tenochtitlán.

FAMILY
The culture of Mexico has undergone a tremendous transformation over the past few decades and it varies widely throughout the country. Smaller rural communities, however, still play a strong role in defining the country's collective vibrant community. Family is one of the most important elements in Mexican society. Especially outside of cities, families are typically large and Mexicans are very conscious of their responsibilities to immediate family members and extended family such as cousins and even close friends. Hosting parties at their homes plays a large part of Mexican life and making visitors feel comfortable is a large part of the values and customs of the country.

FOOD
Mexican cuisine varies widely between regions, as each town has its own culinary traditions. Tortillas and other food made from corn are common everywhere, as are pepper, tomatoes and beans. Rice is also a staple. Many foods that originated in Mexico are popular worldwide, including avocados, chocolate, and pumpkins. According to the California Avocado Commission, Americans consume up to 81 million pounds of avocados on Cinco de Mayo every year.

Mexico is known for its tequila, which is made from agave cactus that is well suited to the climate of central Mexico. Soda is a very popular drink in Mexico, as the country has a well-developed beverage industry.

THE ARTS
Clay pottery, embroidered cotton garments, wool shawls and outer garments with angular designs, colorful baskets, and rugs are some of the common items associated with Mexican folk art. Millennia-old traditions continue in silversmithing, mosaics, textiles, pottery, and basket-weaving.

The country is closely associated with the Mariachi style of folk music, which originated in the southern part of the state of Jalisco sometime in the 19th century. Musicians play violins, guitars, basses, and vihuelas (a five-string guitar).

Mexican folk dance is a blend of European, African, and Indigenous heritage.

TOURISM
Mexico has traditionally been among the most visited countries in the world according to the World Tourism Organization and it is the most visited country in the Americas after the United States. The most notable attractions are the Mesoamerican ruins, cultural festivals, colonial cities, nature reserves, and the beach resorts. The nation's wide range of climates, from temperate to tropical, and its unique culture – a fusion of the European and the Mesoamerican – make Mexico an attractive destination.

Tourism numbers show an astounding 20.6 million international visitors arrived in Mexico through the first six months of 2018. Mexico tourism officials also reported around 4.2 million cruise ship passengers arrived in the country in the first half of this year, a 10.4%increase from the same period in 2017. In addition, the Tourism Ministry said overall visitor spending increased by 4.3%.

VIVA MÉXICO!
The first printing press in North America was used in Mexico City in 1539.

The National University of Mexico was founded in 1551 by Charles V of Spain and is the oldest university in North America.

Mexico City has the highest elevation and is the oldest city in North America.

Modern Mexicans are a unique blend of many ancient civilizations, including the Olmec, Zapotec, Toltec, Maya, Aztec, Inca, African, French, and Spanish. The Mayans built the first pyramids around 100 BC. A major region of Mayan development was the Yucatan peninsula, making up the southern and eastern portions of modern-day Mexico. The Mayan culture began to collapse around 1000 AD, and around 1200 AD the Aztecs arrived in the Valley of Mexico and later founded the city of Tenochtitlan. Montezuma became the Aztec leader and expanded the empire. In 1517, Spanish explorers arrived; in 1521, Hernan Cortez defeated the Aztecs and claimed the land for Spain. Spain conquered the rest of Mexico and it became part of the colony of New Spain. It wasn't until 1810 that the Mexican War of Independence was begun by Catholic priest Miguel Hildago with his famous cry of "Viva Mexico." In 1821, Mexico defeated Spain and gained full independence.

Mexico is located in the “Ring of Fire,” one of the earth’s most violent earthquake and volcano zones.

Spanish conquerors brought bullfighting to Mexico, and second to Spain - Mexico now has the most bullfighting rings in the world. Bullfighting takes place from November to April, and the Plaza Mexico is the largest bullring in the world.