One of a series of booklets on world issues, this five-part document presents information about Mexico. Part one examines Mexican history from Cortez to Madero. Emphasis is placed on the revolution era (1910-1920) and the creation of two political parties: the Partido de la Revolucion Mexicana (Mexican Revolutionary Party or PRM) and the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (Institutional Revolutionary Party or PRI). Part two examines the Mexican economy over the last 100 years which has been characterized by two fundamental transitions: export-expansion and industrialization. How social structure and social class has been effected by economic development is explored, too. Part three examines the Mexican political system created by the revolution (1910) and the PRI and the development of opposition parties. Part four discusses how petroleum has helped and hindered Mexican development during the early 1980s. Part five examines United States and Mexican relations through two sets of issues: regional and bilateral agenda. An alternative approach is also explored. "Talking It Over" offers questions for students and discussion groups. An annotated reading list concludes the document. (RSL)