Explore USA Mexico map showing first level of administrative division of US and Mexico with continent and international boundaries and natioan capitals. The United States and Mexico share a land border of 3,145 kilometers (1,954 miles), the second-longest border in the world. The U.S., with a land area of 9.8 million square kilometers (3.8 million square miles) and a population of 331 million, has the largest economy globally, valued at $26.7 trillion. Mexico, covering 1.96 million square kilometers (758,449 square miles), has a population of 126 million and a GDP of approximately $1.4 trillion. The two nations are key trade partners, with annual bilateral trade exceeding $661 billion, highlighting their economic and cultural interdependence.
Diverse (temperate, tropical, arid, polar in Alaska)
Diverse (tropical, arid, temperate, highland)
Annual Trade Between Nations
$661 billion
Political System
Federal presidential constitutional republic
Federal presidential constitutional republic
Military Strength
World's most powerful military
Focused on internal security and ranked lower globally
Global Rankings
3rd largest by land area, 1st by economy
14th largest by land area, 15th by economy
Mexico and the United States Relations
Mexico and the United States share a deeply interconnected relationship marked by extensive trade, cultural exchange, and complex political dynamics. As neighbors, both countries benefit from a robust economic partnership, evident in their trade figures. Bilateral trade between Mexico and the United States exceeded $600 billion in 2021, with the United States importing more than $350 billion worth of goods from Mexico and exporting over $250 billion to Mexican markets. This trade relationship is governed by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in July 2020. The USMCA aims to ensure fairer trade practices, modernize provisions to encompass the digital economy, and strengthen labor and environmental standards.
Moreover, the U.S.-Mexico relationship extends beyond economics, impacting matters of security and immigration. Cooperation on issues such as counter-narcotics efforts, law enforcement, and border management is integral to maintaining stability and safety across both borders. The Mérida Initiative, launched in 2008, represents a significant cooperative effort between the two nations to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. Since its inception, the United States has provided over $3 billion in assistance to support Mexico's rule of law, human rights, and public security initiatives.
In terms of immigration, the U.S. is the primary destination for Mexican migrants, with approximately 11 million Mexican-born individuals residing in the United States as of 2020. The immigration issue remains a central topic of bilateral discussions, particularly regarding undocumented migration and border security. Both governments engage in continuous dialogue to address these concerns while respecting human rights and fostering economic opportunity.
Culturally, the relationship is enriched by the substantial Mexican American community in the United States, which contributes to the social fabric through language, cuisine, art, and traditions. Festivals, culinary experiences, and media reflect the deep-rooted connections that bind the two nations.
History
The historical relationship between Mexico and the United States is deep-rooted and multifaceted, reflecting a complex web of interactions in political, economic, social, and cultural realms.
The relationship began in the 19th century, marked by significant events that shaped the course of both nations. One notable episode was the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), which concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty led to the United States acquiring large territories, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Texas. This acquisition had lasting impacts on the demographic and economic landscapes of both countries.
In the 20th century, the two nations experienced fluctuating relations. During the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), the U.S. kept a wary eye on its southern neighbor, sometimes intervening directly, such as the occupation of Veracruz in 1914. Post-revolution, Mexico nationalized its oil industry in 1938, which created tensions with American oil companies operating in Mexico. However, World War II saw a period of cooperation, with Mexico providing the U.S. with strategic metals and labor through the Bracero Program, which allowed Mexican workers to legally enter the U.S. for agricultural labor, addressing wartime labor shortages.
The latter half of the 20th century and the early 21st century have been characterized by increasing economic integration, most notably through the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) implemented in 1994. NAFTA created one of the largest free trade zones in the world, significantly boosting trade and investment flows between the two countries. According to data from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, U.S. goods and services trade with Mexico totaled an estimated $677.3 billion in 2019. Mexico is the second-largest export market for U.S. products, and the third-largest supplier of goods imported to the United States.
Migration has also been a critical aspect of the U.S.-Mexico relationship. According to the Pew Research Center, as of 2016, there were approximately 11.6 million Mexican immigrants living in the U.S., forming the largest immigrant group in the country. This migration has had profound effects on both nations, from labor markets to cultural exchanges. Issues around undocumented immigration and border security have been persistent focal points, leading to extensive policy discussions and reforms.
In recent years, both countries have continued to cooperate on various fronts, including security, with joint efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, and environmental issues, such as managing shared waterways and addressing climate change impacts.
Diplomatic Missions
Diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States have long been a cornerstone of regional stability and cooperation. The two nations officially established a diplomatic relationship in 1822, shortly after Mexico gained independence from Spain. Since then, their bilateral ties have evolved, encompassing a wide range of issues including trade, immigration, security, and cultural exchanges.
Trade between Mexico and the United States is particularly significant, with Mexico being the United States' second-largest trading partner. In 2021, trade between the two countries amounted to over $600 billion, facilitated by agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020. This trade relationship supports millions of jobs and supplies a wide range of goods and services, from automotive parts to agricultural products.
Immigration is another critical aspect of the diplomatic missions between the two neighbors. The United States is home to over 36 million people of Mexican descent, making up a significant portion of its population. Policies related to immigration, border security, and labor have been central topics of negotiation and cooperation. Efforts to manage the flow of people across the shared 2,000-mile border include initiatives like the Merida Initiative, a security cooperation agreement aimed at combating organized crime and enhancing border security.
Educational and cultural exchanges also play a vital role in the relationship. Programs like the Fulbright-García Robles scholarship foster academic and cultural understanding between students and professionals from both countries. This exchange of knowledge and culture enriches both societies, promoting mutual respect and collaboration.
Security cooperation is another key focus, with both nations working together to address shared concerns such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and transnational crime. Joint efforts through law enforcement collaboration and intelligence sharing aim to enhance regional security and protect citizens on both sides of the border.
Common Memberships
Mexico and the United States share numerous common memberships in international organizations, reflecting their cooperative relationship and mutual interests. Both countries are members of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now superseded by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This agreement aims to promote economic growth through trade liberalization, fostering significant trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
Furthermore, Mexico and the United States are joint members of the United Nations (UN), where they collaborate on global issues including peacekeeping, human rights, and sustainable development. Within the UN framework, they support initiatives by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address global health crises and economic stability.
Both countries also participate in the Organization of American States (OAS), an essential platform for political dialogue, cooperation, and policy development in the Western Hemisphere. The OAS facilitates efforts to strengthen democracy, protect human rights, and promote peace and security in the region. Additionally, Mexico and the United States are involved with the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), although full implementation remains a future objective.
In the sphere of environmental protection, both nations are active members of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), an organization established under NAFTA to address regional environmental concerns. The CEC enables collaborative efforts to develop policies and practices that protect and enhance the environment in North America.
There are also shared memberships in regional and bilateral security organizations, such as the Merida Initiative, which focuses on combating drug trafficking, organized crime, and violence. Through this partnership, the United States and Mexico work together to provide law enforcement training, enhance judicial processes, and expand cooperation in intelligence sharing.
Economic collaboration extends to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), where Mexico and the United States participate to promote free trade and economic cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region. This membership underscores their commitment to integrating with global markets and pursuing economic prosperity.
The two countries also share diplomatic and economic interests in the Group of Twenty (G20), a forum for the world's largest economies. Participation in the G20 highlights their roles in addressing global financial issues, fostering economic growth, and coordinating international economic policies.
Through these extensive memberships and collaborations, Mexico and the United States exemplify their commitment to bilateral and multilateral cooperation, addressing mutual challenges, and promoting shared interests on the global stage. The ongoing partnerships emphasize the intertwined destinies of these neighboring countries, impacting economic, political, environmental, and security arenas.
