Mexico is the third-largest country in Latin America, covering about 2 million square kilometers. It is located in the southern part of North America and shares a long border with the United States to the north. To the south, Mexico borders Guatemala and Belize. With a population of around 130 million people, Mexico is the eleventh most populated country in the world. The official language is Spanish, and the country’s full name is the United Mexican States.
Mexico has a wide variety of landscapes, from dry deserts in the north to thick tropical rainforests in the south. The Sierra Madre mountain ranges run along the eastern and western sides of the country, creating dramatic valleys and highland plateaus in between. Mexico is also home to several active volcanoes, including Popocatépetl, which rises to over 5,400 meters near Mexico City. The Yucatán Peninsula in the southeast features flat limestone terrain dotted with natural sinkholes called cenotes. Beautiful coastlines stretch along both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Mexico City is the capital and largest city in Mexico, and it is one of the biggest cities in the entire world. More than 21 million people live in the greater Mexico City area, making it a busy center of culture, business, and government. The city was built on the site of Tenochtitlan, the ancient capital of the Aztec Empire. Today, visitors can see the ruins of Aztec temples alongside modern skyscrapers and colonial-era churches. Mexico City is also known for its many museums, parks, and lively street life.
Mexico was home to some of the most advanced ancient civilizations in the Americas. The Maya built impressive cities with towering stone pyramids, and their famous site at Chichén Itzá is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Aztec Empire controlled much of central Mexico from their capital Tenochtitlan, which they founded on an island in Lake Texcoco around 1325. The Olmec civilization, often called the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica, thrived along the Gulf Coast as early as 1500 BCE. These ancient peoples made important advances in mathematics, astronomy, writing, and agriculture.
Mexican food is enjoyed around the world and was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. Popular dishes include tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and guacamole, which is made from avocados that are native to Mexico. Chocolate has its roots in Mexico as well, since cacao was first cultivated by ancient Mesoamerican peoples thousands of years ago. One of Mexico’s most famous celebrations is the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), a colorful holiday in early November when families honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Mexican culture is also rich in music, dance, and visual arts, from traditional mariachi bands to the paintings of Frida Kahlo.
Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, home to more than 200,000 different species of plants and animals. The country’s diverse ecosystems include deserts, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and mountain forests. Mexico is a critical habitat for monarch butterflies, which migrate thousands of kilometers from Canada and the United States each winter to roost in the oyamel fir forests of central Mexico. The waters off Mexico’s coasts support whale sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. Many species found in Mexico, such as the axolotl salamander and the vaquita porpoise, live nowhere else on Earth.
For nearly 300 years, Mexico was a colony of Spain, beginning with the Spanish conquest led by Hernán Cortés in the early 1500s. The Mexican War of Independence began in 1810 when a priest named Miguel Hidalgo rang a church bell and called for freedom from Spanish rule. After more than a decade of fighting, Mexico finally gained its independence on September 27, 1821. The country went through many changes over the following century, including the Mexican Revolution of 1910, which reshaped its government and society. Today, September 16 is celebrated as Mexican Independence Day, marking the anniversary of Hidalgo’s famous call to action.
Today Mexico has one of the largest economies in the world, with major industries in manufacturing, oil production, and tourism. The country is a leading producer of automobiles, electronics, and agricultural products like avocados, tomatoes, and peppers. Millions of tourists visit Mexico every year to enjoy its beaches, historical sites, and cultural festivals. Mexico is a federal republic made up of 31 states and Mexico City, with an elected president leading the government. The country plays an important role in international trade, especially through its partnerships with the United States and Canada.
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