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Mexico has a population of slightly over 100 million people making it the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world and the third most populous country in the Western Hemisphere. Based on a gross domestic product (GDP) of $677 billion in 2004 (about six percent of U.S. GDP), Mexico has a free market economy with a strong export sector that is very sensitive to changes in the U.S. economy. Mexico’s economy is relatively small compared to the U.S. economy. Economic conditions in Mexico are important to the United States because of the close trade and investment interactions, and because of other social and political issues that could be affected by economic conditions, such as immigration.

In October 2007, the United States and Mexico announced the Mérida Initiative, a multi-year proposal for $1.4 billion in U.S. assistance to Mexico and Central America aimed at combating drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime. This report outlines the various appropriations and other foreign aid measures outlined in the Mérida Initiative and what future actions regarding this ongoing effort will include.

In October 2007, the United States and Mexico announced the Mérida Initiative, a three-year program of U.S. assistance to Mexico and Central America to combat drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime. This report provides an overview and discussion of the funding provided for Mérida, and presents several issues that Congress may consider as it oversees implementation of the Initiative and shapes its future direction.

The Nesbitt Memorial Library Journal contains historical information about Colorado County, Texas including personal accounts and research into area stories.

Photograph of Raul Ramirez and a group of individuals. Ramirez stands behind a podium and looks down. Text on the podium reads: "City of Austin." Seventeen individuals stand behind him. A blank screen hangs behind the group.

Photograph of seventeen individuals raising an extremely large Mexican flag. All individuals are male. The flag is folded at a diagonal; each individual holds up part of the flag. The sky is blue with a few clouds. Hills can also be seen.

Photograph of a large cake being cut in Saltillo, Mexico. The group stands inside a party tent. A woman assists a young girl in cutting the cake. Another young girl stands to the right. The cake is green, yellow, and red. Icing on the cake reads: "Via Saltillo 423." The last word on the cake is illegible.

Photograph of a wreath of flowers in Saltillo, Mexico. The flowers are white, yellow, red, and pink. The wreath hangs on a stone wall outdoors. Text on a sign above the wreath reads: "Cristo." Two men in suits stand on the left. Second from the left stands a woman who wears a turquoise blouse. On the other side of the wreath, right, stands a man who wears glasses and a suit.

Photograph of a museum in Saltillo, Mexico. A portion of the roof is glass. The building itself is concrete and painted a muted mauve color. Cacti and rocks line pathways. The sky is mostly clear.

Photograph of eight individuals. Seven are male. Raul Ramirez stands fourth from the left and wears a dark suit. A woman stands farthest to the right and wears a red skirt suit. They stand behind a circular dinner table littered with glassware.

Photograph of Sylvia Orozco on the Day of the Mule in Saltillo, Mexico. Orozco wears a black shirt and black and white checked skirt. She stands on a sidewalk. Large pieces of colorful cloth hang from screens made of straw behind her. Potted plants sit near the screens. A tall iron and cement gate can be seen in the background.

Photograph of a group assembled for Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Many wear white polo shirts. They stand in a garden.

Photograph of a group in front of a statue at the entrance of the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo in Monterrey, Mexico.

Photograph of a man speaking to a group in honor of Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Paintings of men hang on the walls of the room. Flags are set up behind the speaker. Audience members are seated at tables.

Photograph of four individuals assembled in honor of Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Sylvia Orozco stands second from the left. She wears a black and white patterned blouse. A young woman stands leftmost. On the right side stands a man who wears a suit and a woman who wears a leopard print shawl. A Mexican flag is displayed behind them.

Photograph of three individuals assembled in honor of Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Sylvia Orozco sits farthest to the left. Two women sit next to her. A selection of wines appear behind them.

Photograph of three individuals cutting a ribbon in honor of Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Sylvia Orozco stands in the center. An older man stands on the left. A woman stands on the right. Individuals applaud in the background.

Photograph of four individuals assembled in honor of Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Sylvia Orozco stands second from the right. They stand in front of a title wall, which reads: "Gigantes en miniatura. Hermanados en el arte."

Photograph of a title wall at Gigantes en Miniatura, an exhibition of artwork in Saltillo, Mexico. Patrons stand in the gallery. A woman standing on the right points to a title wall. The title wall reads: "Gigantes en miniatura. Hermanados en el arte."

Photograph of a group assembled for Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. The group poses in front of a metal statue of three musicians. Sylvia Orozco stands second from the left. The photograph was taken outdoors.

Photograph of a group assembled for Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. Members of the group applaud in front of a metal statue of three musicians. The photograph was taken outdoors.

Photograph of four individuals assembled for Gigantes en Miniatura in Saltillo, Mexico. They stand in front of a large statue of a bird. Sylvia Orozco stands second from the left.

This publication addresses the National Infrastructure Program 2007-2012 objectives, strategies, goals and actions designed to increase the coverage, quality, and competitiveness of the country's infrastructure. It is divided into four parts covering current infrastructure, long-term vision, specific goals, and investment requirments.