Population

The population of Mexico was divided into a specific caste system, largely established during Colonial rule, and originally made up of Spanish, Indians, and Africans. The elite were those born in Spain. Their offspring, criollos, lighter skinned than the native population, held a prominent place in society, working as merchants, mine owners or large land owners. Mestizos were most often children of Spanish men and native women. Large numbers of Indians native to Mexico lived throughout the country. A few Africans came to Mexico with the Spanish. As the Indian population declined and the economy expanded, many African slaves were brought to Mexico. By the early 19th century, inter-marriage between the castas was common, blurring many of the racial lines. The criollos usually still held the most prominent places in society, but they represented the smallest percentage of the population.