Mexico and the Millennium Development Goals at the Subnational Level

Abstract

This paper reviews Mexico’s mixed track record in pursuing the Millennium Development Goals, with progress in health and education but a seemingly entrenched problem of poverty. Given that the country is one of the most equal in Latin America, the paper goes on to disaggregate the data and analysis to subgroups or regions. Regional disparities are stark in terms of education and infrastructure, as well as in poverty, with a North–South divide in the country and indigenous groups worst off in terms of poverty, illiteracy levels, gender equity and basic infrastructure. Nevertheless, there are positive trends based on an assessment that shows slow but steady convergence across three variables, life expectancy, education enrollment and literacy rates. The paper recommends focus on vulnerable subgroups and regions learning from successful national programs.