Mexico is a Federal Democratic Republic. There are 31 states and the Federal District (D.F. like Washington D.C.). The Government is divided into three powers Ejecutivo (Executive), Legislativo (Legislative) and Judicial (Judicial). The first in power is the President, the second is divided into the Senate chamber (one Senator for each state) and the Chamber of deputies (a predetermined number of people), and the third is the Supreme Court of Justice.

The president is elected for a period of 6 years and is ineligible to run again. Mr. Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa was elected in December of 2006 to preside until 2012.

There are several parties in Mexico. The one who has 35% of the votes is the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the second with 30% of votes is National Action Party (PAN), and the rest are smaller parties.

Economic and business aspects

NAFTA has obligated the country to become more modern and efficient in order to compete in the world markets and to improve its quality control. This makes doing business somewhat easier for the executive who is relocating to Mexico.

The peso-dollar exchange rate had been stable until the global economic crisis of 2009 , the peso / dollar exchange is not controlled by the central bank , In February 2009, the dollar reached exchange rate reached 15.00 pesos which is considered by many to be overpriced , but the Central Bank allows it to float freely. The predictions of most of the world's major houses of finance that the peso would be found at around $14.00 pesos per dollar at the end of 2009 have not proven to be true and the inflation rate of 5.00 % for 2008 was very close to the projected government mark of 4.5% instead of the 10% or 12% predicted by world financial institutions. This makes the goal of 7% for 2009 look to be a realistic and readily achievable mark. A stable peso and strong macroeconomics indicators will lower the unemployment rate to more manageable levels . The diminished economic situation is now beginning to be felt at the retail level and in the construction industry . All this could reflect in a slowdown in rental prices.

English is the universal language for diplomacy and business and it is now stressed more in schools. Many businesses have instituted programs for their Mexican executives to bring up their overall level of language skills.

This new capability, however, will not translate to the employees one finds in shops or in the home such as maids or gardeners. Their level of education is generally very poor (perhaps as little as a first grade level). If you hire a maid who has worked for a foreign family before, she may have picked up a smattering of English.

Hours in Mexico are very different. Meals are generally much later, working days are longer and often pressing family matters can take precedence over business on a moments notice. This can be very frustrating to the executive who has planned his time with precision. But apologies will be abundant and sincere. You will soon learn how to work around these things. Although Mexico is stereotyped as the land of mañana (tomorrow), business is quickly changing, and punctuality and responsibility are becoming key words. Business is carried out with a great degree of formality and attention to ceremony and detail. The details may sometimes seem to overshadow the substance of the deal. Addressing a person with the proper title and name is crucial. It is wise to have a business card at hand to offer and also to really look at the business card which is offered to you in return, in order to avoid mistakes in the manner one is to be addressed or the position they hold.

Like anywhere in the world, personal relationships are very important. Here they can be crucial to move a business deal ahead. Sometimes what you know, isn't as important as who you are and who you know. Business is often carried out at breakfast and lunch meetings, although the business willl probably not be discussed until dessert or coffee. During the meal, each person will work to create an amicable environment for the business deal to follow, at it is wise to avoid discussing politics at a business meeting. If politics are brought up, do have an attitude of wanting to learn rather than wanting to instruct. Remember that you will be looking at things from opposing points of view.

The working spouse

There are times when the spouse of a transferred executive has to give up a job and career when she or he decides to move. This can place some strain on the family, especially after the move has been accomplished and everyone is beginning to settle into a routine. Spouses may want to consider getting a job, and in all cases, a work permit is required for a formal job. Some companies are willing to go through the effort of doing the necessary paperwork, although it is complicated and takes a long time. It is advised that the time spent living in Mexico should be taken as an extended vacation. There is so much to do and see that two or three years will barely suffice. If working is of the utmost importance then employment can sometimes be found in an informal job such as tutoring, substituting at a school for a regular teacher, teaching a skill or craft which one may be good at, painting, etc. The only limit is your own imagination and determination. One last venue for work would be as a volunteer. There are many opportunities for someone who has time to spare and would like to lend a helping hand.