Knowledge City

Knowledge city

The term "Knowledge City" is short hand for a regional economy driven by high value-added manufacturing and services created through research, technology and human capital.

Social Freedoms

“Mexico City’s civil society has a mature citizenship card. The dynamics of freedom and the force of public opinion are on the side of civil society...”

Rogelio Gómez Hermosillo, World Bank consultant and Chairman, Alianza Cívica.

Mexico City has a long tradition of respecting political liberties and freedoms. Freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and freedom of association are fully respected by the government. In addition, Mexico City has taken the lead in supporting citizen’s freedoms and rights, including the rights of women, LGBT and other populations. It is argued that more tolerant cities offer far higher human development and more economic freedom to residents, making social freedoms a key component to economic growth and a knowledge city.

Facts and Figures:

  • Mexico City has de-penalized abortion, and adopted gender equity laws.
  • Mexico City passed Latin America’s first gay marriage law and is among the few cities that have legislated in favor of LGBT adoption of children.
  • Mexico City’s government believes that promoting political freedom and social equity contribute to economic growth by enabling citizens to realize their full potential, and make the city more attractive to foreign investment in knowledge-based sectors.

Focus on Social Freedoms:

Mexico City is one of the most advanced cities in the Americas in terms of diversity achieved through legislation and education. In the streets of Mexico City you will hear Spanish, Nahuatl, an indigenous language, English (spoken by at least 400,000 Mexico City residents), Korean, Chinese, French, Russian and Arabic, among other languages. Alongside Roman Catholic churches in the capital you will find synagogues, mosques and temples for every system of worship. The city is cosmopolitan and has enshrined into law the right to freedom for all of its citizens to choose the lifestyle that they prefer, and to do so in a spirit of complete and uncompromised equity.

Mexico City: Bike Town

Voices from the city:

Mexico City: Bike Town

On a recent morning in Mexico City, David Alvarado, 34, looks happy as a kid. As a teenager he emigrated to the United States. Now he’s back in town for a vacation and to visit friends, for the first time since he left. "I can't believe the sky is blue," he smiles. In the 1990s, the city experienced an environmental dark age that turned skies gray and triggered frequent pollution emergencies. read more

Centro Cultural Universitario UNAM

This center presents a dizzying array of performances, and the Orquesta Filarmónica de la UNAM plays here regularly.

Address: Insurgentes Sur 3000
Phone: 5665-6825
www.cultura.unam.mx

view all hidden gems »

December 03 – December 14, 2012

Feria Anual Tradicional del Sarape

The sarape is an iconic piece of clothing in Mexico, sold in large numbers each year during this popular trade fair. read more

December 10, 2012 Palacio de los Deportes

Bruce Springsteen in Mexico City

The Wrecking Ball tour comes to a close in Mexico City. read more

December 12, 2012

Dia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe

Millions of pilgrims come to honor Mexico’s religious patron each year, for the culmination of ten days of celebrations in Mexico City. read more

December 15 – December 19, 2012 Alcoman

Feria de la Piñata

Certainly one of the area’s most colorful events, Feria de la Piñata features all kinds of piñatas to purchase and admire. read more

December 15 – December 24, 2012

Latin American Festival of Pastorelas

Mexico City’s festivities in the lead up to Christmas includes this parade, whose many characters tell the story of the nativity. read more

December 16 – December 24, 2012

Feria de la Nochebuena y Articulos Navidenos

Pick up last-minute gifts and holiday decorations at the Feria de la Nochebuena, held through late December. read more

Surprising Fact

Mexico City is the fourth-largest economy in Latin America — behind Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico itself.

Overheard

With more than 150 museums, the capital offers a stellar education in all things Mexican.

— Christine Delsol, 10 Great Reasons to Visit Mexico City

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