Mexican population is soaring, and most are young

12-29 year olds account for a third of the nation



Guadalajara -
Mexico's census bureau reported late last week that by July 1, the country will have an estimated 118.4 million citizens.

The National Council on Population (CONAPO) said 51% are women and 49% are men. The life expectancy for those born in 2013 is 74.5.

The nation's three most populous states are the Federal District, with 8.9 million; the State of Mexico, known as Edomex, with 16.4 million; and Veracruz, with 7.9 million. Together Edomex and the Federal District comprise the largest metroplex in the nation.

CONAPO reported that Mexico has about 33 million women of child bearing age (15-49). That number represents 54% of all females, and nearly 28% of the entire population. Public health experts noted in response that the need for sex and reproductive counseling will present a "significant challenge" for policy planners and governmental agencies in the years ahead (Criminal charges for abortion soar in Mexico, with poor indigenous women often the defendants).

Mexico is young. Almost one third of the nation is between 12 and 29 (38 million people). Most, even those with education, face a challenging future (Yucatán has well-educated labor force, but offers one of Mexico's worst job markets).

Gross economic disparities prevail in Mexico, and a huge percentage of the population labors in the "informal economy" - self-employment endeavors such as street retailing, which offer a subsistence living without benefits or security of any type, and which generate little or no tax revenues. Over 65% of Mexicans are of working age (15-64). President Enrique Peña Nieto has said that "ending poverty" and increasing employment opportunities across the nation will be a key focus of his administration.

Senior citizens - known here as persons of the tercera edad - have even less of a safety net than the youngest members of society. The new PRI government has promised to improve their lot as well. Enrique Peña Nieto's three smart decisions.

June 30 - Mexico is expected to have a population of 150 million by 2050, with a life expectancy of almost 80.

Apr. 29 - Mexican Supreme Court ruling expands abortion rights
Feb. 16, 2013 - A nine year old drug addict dies alone on Jalisco street
Dec. 19 - Enrique's challenging homework
Nov. 16 - Gross economic disparity still a hard fact of Mexican life
Nov. 11 - Seven of 10 Mexican households report food shortages
Jul. 23 - Enrique Peña Nieto's biggest challenges will be economy and environment, not drug cartels
Jul. 21 - Mexico facing greater political crisis this year than in 2006
April 23, 2012 - AMLO: Economic inequality is the primary cause of Mexico's insecurity

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