Part 11/17:
Analysts like Flannery describe Mexico as a country of contradictions—what he calls the "Mexico paradox." Despite being one of the world's most violent countries, with over 200,000 deaths linked to organized crime and violence in the past six years, Mexico also boasts burgeoning wealth, emerging urban redevelopment, and increasing interest from foreigners and expatriates. The wealth gap is acute; while some neighborhoods rival upscale cities in the U.S., a large portion of the population lives in poverty, earning approximately $6,000 a year and working in informal employment.