Five years later, the Colombian government refused to allow the United States to attempt to build a canal. The United States responded by supporting a rebellion in Panama. When the rebels succeeded in forming an independent Panama, America recognized the new government and signed an agreement with the Panamanian rebels that allowed America to lease the land for 99 years. Mexico City Mexico City is part of the world's largest metropolitan area. The metropolitan area includes the areas surrounding Mexico City.
Experts believe that more than twenty million people are crowded in the city and surrounding area.
Manufacturers include textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, steel, and transportation equipment. Mexico City is the center of an emerging manufacturing belt stretching from Guadalajara to Veracruz. Mexico City is an educational and cultural center. More than two dozen colleges are located in the vicinity including the University of Mexico. The area's numerous museums include the National Museum of Anthropology, with unparalleled exhibits of pre-Columbian artifacts as well as the Museum of Modern Art.