Mexico Seeks To Change Its Name

Mexican President Felipe Calderon has sent a bill to congress to change the official name of the country. The current name, the United States of Mexico, was adopted in 1824 and was intended to emulate its northern neighbour. President Calderon wants to change it to just Mexico, as the country is known the world over. Mr Calderon, who leaves office on 1 December, said Mexico no longer needed to copy any foreign power. "The name of our country no longer needs to emulate that of other nations," Mr Calderon told a news conference. "Forgive me for the expression, but Mexico's name is Mexico." The name United States of Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) was brought in after independence from Spain. It is used mostly on official documents, money and other government material. Mr Calderon first suggested the name change as a congressman in 2003, but the bill did not make it to a vote.