US Mexico relationship
The relationship between United States of America and Mexico is a complex love-hate relationship. The kind of rapport both the neighboring countries share is unique and reason behind such complex relationship is the huge disparity between both the countries. Various international policy analysts suggest that since the disparities between the two countries are in a large number and in all the fields the situation becomes difficult for the weaker one. This disproportion between the two countries is visible in all the fields, whether it is economy, size, technology, military strength, international ties and reputation or be it any other field; Americans are far ahead of their neighbor. According to analysts this is a common phenomenon across the world; it has been observed that if one neighboring nation is powerful, it becomes the issue of concern for the other neighboring country especially if another is standing nowhere. The weaker one always smell rat in each and every moves and actions of the mightier country. Wherever in the America Mexico relationship it has been observed that America has intervened in the Mexico as and when they felt a requirement or according to their own interest and in such circumstances it was very natural for the Mexico to become suspicious about America. Mexico also tries to raise the voice on international forums against America on crucial issues and equally crucial occasions. Mexico has openly continued its relationship with Cuban communist government irrespective of the fact that America never welcomed it; support to Venezuela is another issue when Mexico took a different path that was against the America. Mexico never supported American attack on Iraq. Having the most powerful nation as neighbor could be a big problem for any country and Mexico is an injured party of this situation.
America Mexico war
America and Mexico on territorial issues combated a war from 1846 to 1848. The reason of this war between the two countries was a dispute on the border of Mexico and Texas. Texas got freedom from Mexico in the year 1836; Mexico neither digested this situation nor gave any recognition to Texas but was not in condition to do anything because of American fear. People of Texas were in favor of joining America, America kept avoiding this issue initially but in the year of 1845 allowed Texas to be a part of United States of America. The dispute started between two countries after the America made Texas its part and America recognized Rio Grande as their part while Mexico was not ready for it and claimed that Rio belonged to Mexico. Prior to this incident American proposal to purchase Mexican territories of California and New Mexico had been refused by the Mexico. All these events lead both the countries towards war. A series of war was fought between two countries and Mexico was badly defeated by America. The War between the two countries was officially declared to be seized in February 1948; a treaty was signed between the winner and loser countries and as a result of this treaty, a major portion of lands was transferred to America that forms today’s California, Nevada, , Utah, parts of Arizona and New Mexico. Mexico suffered a heavy economic, military and territorial loss in the war and lastly defeated by the America. America paid Mexico $15,000,000 after transferring of the territories by Mexico to America.
Issues and New beginnings
Major issues between two countries in the twenty first century are illegal immigration, illegal arms supply and illegal drug trade. Being adjacent to America Mexico is a safer way to enter in America for the illegal immigrants. These immigrants are from inside the Mexico as well as from other parts of the world. An organized syndicate ropes such immigrations in lieu of money but after attack on America a number of security restrictions are implemented, the border between two countries has been fenced and norms has been tightened related to immigration.
Mexico is considered as the biggest source of illegal drugs in the America. Drug mafia and suppliers of Mexico target the America for their drug business and has made connections inside America. The American authorities have got the evidence a number of times of such illegal drug trades. Some major steps have been taken by the U S authorities to check and eliminate this trade and syndicate of illegal drug traders.
North American Free Trade Agreement
A lot has been changed between the two countries and in changed circumstances both the counties share a good business partnership. America is the largest business collaborator of Mexico. To make trade more convenient and to establish a free trade zone in North America, an agreement of free trade was signed by America, Mexico and Canada in the year of 1994 which constitutes the largest free trade area of the world. After this revolutionary step a steep rise has been reported in the trade between two countries.
In the new century both the countries have read it that their disputes will not them lead in a positive direction. There are always issues between two neighboring countries but they are required to pacify the issues and should concentrate on the positive aspects.
Mexico as tourist destination
Mexico is one of the most preferred tourist destinations of the world. Tourism is one of the flourishing sectors within this North American country, contributing almost 13 percent in the country’s GDP. A good number of Mexicans are involved commercially in multi billion tourism sector. Major centre of attractions for the tourists are beaches and colonial cities of the country. The climate of this country is very good and the best time to visit the country for tourists is December to month of May. A large section of tourists are from America, Canada and other countries from the same region. Asian and European tourists are also reaching to Mexico in a large numbers. Domestic tourists are also in a major numbers. There are a number of reasons to visit Mexico deserts to forests and hills to beaches. Connectivity is not an issue to reach in this country air, road and water all the ways are available and connect this country to the world. Language used in the Mexico is Spanish, it is not the declared by the state but this language is only widely used in the Mexico.
Mexico caters an array of tourist spots for the visitors. With 6000 miles of seashore the country has some of the finest beaches of the world. Sierras, rainy forests make a tourist curious to know more about these forests. People of Mexico are very welcoming and good hosts; they understand the value of tourists. Capital of the country is Mexico City and usually known for Meso – American looks. Other famous tourist destinations are;
Acapulco- the city is well known for its beach resort. The city is very beautifully located on semicircular bay of see. City is having largest area in the state. City is well known among local as well as foreigner tourist. City is having very lively nights and known as party town.
Cancun – earlier city was mostly meant for fisherman’s, surrounded by forest and shores. City is famous for underwater museum, boating and jet ski forest sightsee. The famous archeological sites in the city are El Rey, El Meco, the small Polé, Dzibanché, Kinichná, Oxtankah and Kohunlich.
Cozumel – the place is an island surround with Caribbean see. A very beautiful place and people can watch and enjoy amazing see life. Tourist may like scuba diving, and snorkeling here.
Teotihuacan – the city is very famous for pyramid of the sun and pyramid of the moon. The city is having rich history and culture. Tourist would love to see the ancient art pieces of the city.
Chichen ltza – the city is full of tourist places, and also visited by many pilgrims. The major tourist spots in the city are el caracol, temple of warriors, great ballcourt, kukulcan pyramid, chac mool, venus platform, la iglesia, ossario and alfred maudslay etc. the city is full of temples.
Tulum – the city is famous for amazing view of Caribbean see and sunrise. The city full of heritage places and archaeological sites like temple of doom, various cenotes, El Castillo , Temple del Dios Descendente etc.
Palenque – ancient city of Maya civilization. The place is known for temple of inscriptions and cross group, temple of lion, temple of the count and god of death carving. Cities is also famous for stone carving art pieces.
Los Cabos – a beautiful city with coast line attract tourist for fishing, beach resorts and golf. During the winter tourist enjoy watching whale fishes in region.
Ek Balam – the place is famous for archaeological sites established during pre Columbian era. The city is having a huge structure name Acropolis. The structure features various mayan warriors. Major tourist spots in the city are The Oval Palace', tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok', Jaguar Altar etc.
Mexico is blessed with natural beauties; a large number of places of the country provide some very magnificent landscapes. Architecture is very rich of the country and some tremendous examples are visible in the Mexico. Mexico is a fine blend of old and new architecture. A number of ancient monuments and buildings are in the country that attracts everybody and tells different stories of their times. On the other hands new buildings also attracts tourists and show their elegance and modernity.
Americans impact over Mexican tourism
Americans are the largest travelers in the tourist destinations of Mexico, Americans students and youth reach Mexico at the weekends and whenever they get time. These youths constitute a major part of tourists and dominate some beaches like Baja, Cancun, Cozumel and Vallarta beach. In these beaches almost ninety percent tourists are American people and sometimes it looks like this region is another home for Americans. Other tourists also come and visit these beaches but Americans have made these beaches as permanent destinations of theirs. The number of American tourists is rising every year and American people are coming in larger quantity in Mexico. Being adjacent to their country, Mexico is a good tourism option for Americans. The American contributes a lot this way in the economy of Mexico.
The Americans are so dominating in the Mexico by their larger presence that some areas are specially known as American’s territory. In these areas the food, accommodation and other things are focused and available due to the requirements of American people only. In these areas tourists from other parts adjust themselves according to the American way of living. Americans are also popular among the Mexicans because Americans have the better expending powers as they have the more money. The major part of American crowd is the class of students and youngsters who visit Mexico every when and then.
Obstacles in travelling to Mexico
Mexico is a beautiful country and attracts millions of tourists every year but this place is perilous and several incidents have been reported where tourists were kidnapped, assaulted, robbed and in some incidents they have been killed. Such incidents have made this place a bit hideous and people should take the optimum care while visiting this beautiful dangerous place. Though much has been done by the government and the authorities but the crime is still in a very large number. The nature and number of crime is a major issue for the tourists also and once the problem is pacified the people of Mexico will see many times increase in the number of tourists coming to their country.
Crime and threats to security
The rate of crime is at the upper levels and Crime in this country is a big issue. There are different kinds of crimes in this country; this rampant situation of crime and criminals is a mojor concern that should be taken into cognizance by the authorities. Maximum crime is found in nature of organized crime and criminals are fearlessly roaming in the society. The matter of concern is that they do not intend to get money only but they are so violent that they can do anything. Criminals form their gangs and these gangs always look for the opportunities to assault and rob the tourists. Maximum crimes are money oriented and these gangs have made the crime their profession considering a very good number of tourists in the country.
Tourists are always safer targets for the criminals and they are very often targeted by criminals in Mexico. Tourists should take maximum care of them and adopt security steps to keep themselves secure; they should roam in groups to ensure their safety. Criminals intend to get the money from these tourists and they can go to any extent at any level for this. Though some sexual crimes are also reported but money still is the main reason that drives these criminals. Incidents of assault, snatching, even kidnapping have been reported by violent criminals, motivated by the money only. Criminals use several dangerous substances and techniques that may harm a person to death. Crimes related to drug is also at large in the tourist destinations, it is the responsibility of a tourist to not get trapped in the hands of such criminals. Several instances of credit cards cloning and other related frauds are also reported and it is advisable that in case of such an incident one should immediately contact the police authorities and should not give their cards or disclose card details to any body.
Crime is found in different form. The criminals use several tricks and use latest equipments to fool or rob a tourist. Criminals kidnap tourists and take them to ATM’s and force them to withdraw the money, if money is in larger amount then the tourist is kept for several days and freed only when the last dollar from his account is finished. Sexual crime and assault by the criminals is a matter of concern for the women tourists in the Mexico. The number of rape cases are increasing and in some cases criminals kill the victims after the raping her. The best way to avoid such crimes is to take maximum precautionary steps and to stay cautious while roaming anywhere in Mexico.
Quality of Food and water
At maximum places of Mexico the quality of water is not good; it is usually unsafe and unhygienic for tourists to drink open water. Tourists should use only bottled water. The water is not good but food of Mexico is normally very tasty and a variety of items are available. One should make it sure only that the food is fresh.
Aids
Since Mexico is a tourist destination and a large number of tourists arrive there every year it is good to take all the preventive measures because aids is a very common disease in the Mexican tourist destinations. One should avoid unsafe sex and take all the necessary care. Prostitution is normally available in the tourist destinations of Mexico and a good number of people related to this trade suffer from various sexual diseases. Tourists should avoid unsafe sex unless the partner is not well known to them.
Natural calamities
Although the climate conditions of Mexico is very good but sometimes a variety of problems arise in the coastal areas as well as in the hilly Areas of the country. Incidents of land sliding in hills are natural problems that arise time to time. Hurricane is another example of natural calamity that takes place in the coastal areas of the country. If someone is trapped in such calamities he or she should very patiently handle the situation and in case of bad weather avoid these places where the probability of such incidents arises.
Other legal obstacles
Getting visa and all other documentation part concerned to the visiting is also a task to do. Norms are stringent and attitude of the officials is lethargic. Officials are not very friendly and cooperative enough to help the people. Even in case of any problem that is usually caused by the criminals, officials are not happily ready to probe the issue. Instances are available when officials in stead of co-operating the victims helped the criminals and let them off.
Having observed, all the pros and cons and a deep study over America Mexico relationship now the paper is to be concluded by reading that Mexico is a beautiful country and one of top tourist destinations of the world. Though the condition of crime in the country is very bad and requires immediate attention and interference from the government on a priority basis, it is advisable to the tourists to visit this beautiful place. One should take optimum care while visiting this beautiful yet dangerous country and see the rich historical values and modern elegance of the country.
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