Determining the Latin American country most similar to the Middle East and North Africa requires considering various social, cultural, economic, and political factors.
One way to answer this complex question is by analyzing the data from the Country Similarity Index. The index attempts to quantify how similar countries are to each other relative to other countries, using a variety of statistics from five broad categories: demographics, culture, politics, infrastructure, and geography.
The data suggests that Mexico and Argentina are the two most similar Latin American nations to the Middle East. On the other end of the spectrum, Costa Rica has the least amount of traits in common with the Middle East.
(Middle Eastern countries are defined as Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen)
Some aspects of Mexican culture, such as religiosity, strong family ties, and hospitality, have loose parallels in certain Middle Eastern cultures. Furthermore, infrastructure development can vary widely across the Middle East and Mexico. However, the biggest reason why Mexico is the most similar Latin American country to the Middle East is its geography.
Unlike many Latin American countries, Mexico has regions with arid and semi-arid climates, such as the northern states and parts of the Baja California Peninsula. These areas may have landscapes that are typical characteristics of the Middle East, which is mostly desert. In addition, Mexico is at roughly the same latitude as the Middle East and North Africa.
The Most Similar Middle Eastern Country to Mexico
The Country Similarity Index suggests that Tunisia is the most similar country in the Middle East and North Africa to Mexico. Both countries are democracies. In addition, Tunisia has some of the most liberal laws in the Middle East. In addition, Tunisia and Mexico are developing country with a similar level of infrastructure and standard of living.
