General Information
The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century.

Mexico has a free market economy. Trade with the US and Canada has tripled since the implementation of NAFTA in 1994. Mexico has free trade agreements with over 40 countries including, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, the European Free Trade Area, and Japan.

Country name:
long form: United Mexican States | short form: Mexico
local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos | local short form: Mexico

Independence:
16 September 1810 from Spain

Mexico Flag Description:
Three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; the coat of arms (eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak) is centered in the white band