The population of Mexico is to expand by 32 percent in the next 50
years to nearly 132 million, according to government forecasts. The current population
of 97.4 million presents
challenges in terms of education, jobs, food and health care.
It is projected that in President Fox's administration from 2000 to 2006,
the population will grow by at least 7.7 million, far greater than the 1.2
million added during the term of Zedillo.
Mexico's population has been growing at a slower rate than had been
expected, thanks to migration out of the country, government promotion of
birth control and family planning.
If Mexico can maintain economic expansion of around five percent annually
for the next 15 years, the need for new jobs can be taken care of, though
not the deficit in jobs left over from previous years.