World Population Day , commemorated every July 11 , was established by the UN to draw attention to the planet's demographic challenges. In this context, Mexico is undergoing a period of profound transformation. Its population structure is constantly changing, with significant effects on urban planning, the economy, health, and education. By 2025, the country faces the challenge of balancing a population that is still largely young but rapidly aging with unequal access to opportunities and resources.
This analysis not only seeks to highlight key figures but also offers a critical perspective on how demographic trends affect the future of millions of Mexicans. Through data, graphs, and comparisons, you'll gain a better understanding of the national landscape in the context of World Population Day.
Demographic reality of Mexico in 2025
Population size and growth
By 2025, Mexico's population is estimated to reach 131 million , representing a moderate increase compared to previous years. The population growth rate has consistently slowed, hovering around 1.0% annually. This phenomenon is primarily due to a decline in fertility rates and increased longevity.
The country is in an advanced stage of demographic transition , where natural growth is tending to stabilize. Although significant births are still occurring, the combination of family planning policies and cultural changes has resulted in smaller families and lower generational turnover.
Age structure
Population aging
Aging is one of the most significant demographic phenomena in Mexico. By 2025, approximately 10% of the population will be over 65 years old , representing a steady increase compared to previous decades. This age group increasingly demands specific health, pension, and long-term care services.
The change in the age structure poses profound challenges for the social security system, which must adapt to remain sustainable. It also presents opportunities in sectors such as geriatric care, assistive technology, and the development of accessible infrastructure.
Young and working population
Despite its aging, Mexico still maintains a significant demographic window . The 20-39 age group represents approximately 30% of the national total, which represents a competitive advantage if leveraged through employment, training, and entrepreneurship policies.
However, this segment faces significant challenges: difficulties entering the formal labor market, low starting salaries, a shortage of affordable housing, and a lack of services in some urban areas. Youth are a key asset for economic development, but they are also a vulnerable group if they are not guaranteed inclusion and opportunities.
Urban-rural distribution
Mexico is a deeply urbanized country: 8 out of 10 inhabitants live in urban areas , especially in large metropolitan areas such as Mexico City , Guadalajara , and Monterrey . These regions concentrate the majority of services, infrastructure, and employment.
In contrast, rural areas are experiencing depopulation, accelerated aging, and limited investment. This urban-rural divide creates social and economic tensions. Policies are needed to foster roots in rural communities through connectivity, sustainable development, and equitable access to basic services.
Main social and economic challenges
Pressure on public services
Population growth and changes in the age structure are placing significant pressure on public services . The health system faces a dual challenge: serving both a young population with preventive needs and older adults with chronic and degenerative diseases.
In education, although the birth rate has decreased, inequalities in quality and access persist, especially in Indigenous and marginalized communities. Regarding housing, urban growth has outpaced the planning capacity of many cities, creating areas with precarious services or insecurity.
Employment and labor market
The Mexican labor market shows mixed signs. Although there have been advances in digitalization and new industries, the informal employment rate remains high, exceeding 55% . This impedes access to social benefits, economic stability, and quality of life.
To reverse this trend, public policies are needed to promote employment formalization, tax incentives for small businesses, and technical training aligned with emerging productive sectors, such as clean energy, digital technologies, and the circular economy.
Internal and external migration
Mexico continues to be a country with significant migration flows , both internally and abroad. In 2025, movements from rural to urban areas remain common, motivated by the search for employment and education. Internationally, millions of Mexicans live abroad, especially in the U.S., generating remittances essential to the national economy.
Furthermore, the country is now receiving migrants from Central America and other countries in transit. This dynamic demands a comprehensive migration policy that guarantees human rights and opportunities for all.
Opportunities and institutional response
Faced with this situation, Mexico has begun implementing institutional responses aimed at managing demographic change. These include preventive health programs, investments in social infrastructure, and strategies to digitalize public services.
Continuing education for adults, access to affordable housing, and the professionalization of highly informal sectors are also being promoted. However, significant gaps remain that require coordination between levels of government, civil society, and the private sector.
Comparative analysis: How does Mexico compare to the world?
| Indicator | Mexico 2025 | OECD average |
|---|---|---|
| Annual growth rate | ~1.0 % | ~0.5% |
| Proportion >65 years | 10% | 18% |
| Urbanization | 80% | 75% |
| Informal employment | 55% | 22% |
This chart shows that Mexico maintains a younger population than many developed countries, although it also faces more pronounced structural challenges, such as a high level of informality and inequality in access to basic services.
Perspective and action for World Population Day
The commemoration of World Population Day invites us to look beyond the numbers: to reflect on the quality of life of the people who make up these statistics. Mexico is at a decisive stage. It has the potential to capitalize on its remaining demographic dividend, but it must also prepare for progressive aging and increasing social demands.
Population changes are not neutral: they affect access to work, healthcare, education, and equity. Every citizen, every business, and every public policy counts. Being informed and acting today is key to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is World Population Day celebrated on July 11?
It was established by the United Nations in 1989 to raise awareness of the problems associated with global population growth.
2. How does the aging of the population influence this?
Aging creates economic and social challenges: increasing pressure on the healthcare system, pensions, and accessibility needs.
3. What is happening with the birth rate in Mexico?
The birth rate has declined in recent decades. Women are having fewer children on average, for economic, social, and cultural reasons.
4. How to combat informal employment?
Through incentives for formalization, access to credit, digitalization, financial education, and effective labor protection.
5. What is the urban population projection towards 2030?
More than 85% of Mexicans are expected to live in urban areas, which will require better city planning and management.