Mexico

Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in North America. It is the northernmost country in Latin America and borders the United States of America to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast. It also has coasts along the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the southeast, and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. Mexico covers 1,972,550 km². It is the thirteenth-largest country in the world by land area. With a population exceeding 130 million, Mexico is the tenth-most populous country in the world and has the largest number of native Spanish speakers.

People have lived in Mexico since at least 8,000 BC. Mesoamerica was home to many advanced societies, including the Olmecs, Maya, Zapotecs, Teotihuacan civilization, and Purépecha. In 1521, Spanish colonization began when forces defeated the Aztec Empire, leading to the establishment of the colony of New Spain. New Spain became an important center during the Age of Discovery, with silver mining and trade between Europe and Asia.

Mexico is a federal republic with a presidential system of government. The federal legislature is the bicameral Congress of the Union, which includes the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. Mexico is a newly industrialized and developing country, and it has the world's 15th-largest economy. It ranks first in the Americas and seventh in the world for the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Mexico is one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, with rich biodiversity. It is a popular tourist destination and is the sixth most-visited country in the world.

Etymology

Main article: Name of Mexico

The name "Mexico" comes from the Nahuatl word Mēxihko. It means the heartland of the Aztec Empire in the Valley of Mexico. This area was very important to the Aztecs. The name has stayed the same even as the country grew and changed.

Mexico has had many names throughout history. When it became independent from Spain in 1821, it was sometimes called the Mexican Empire. Today, the official name is the United Mexican States, but it has different names in many of Mexico's native languages.

History

Mexico has a rich and long history. People have lived in Mexico for thousands of years. They grew crops like corn, tomatoes, and beans, which helped them live in villages.

One of the first great civilizations was the Olmec people. They lived along the coast and made impressive artworks. Later, the Maya and Zapotec built big cities with temples. In central Mexico, the city of Teotihuacán grew very large and had huge pyramids.

In the 1500s, Spanish explorers arrived and took control of Mexico. They ruled for over 300 years and brought new traditions. Mexico gained its independence in the early 1800s after a long struggle.

In the 1800s and early 1900s, Mexico faced many challenges. A big change happened in 1910 with the start of the Mexican Revolution. After the revolution, Mexico worked to build a stable government.

Today, Mexico is a vibrant country with a rich history and diverse cultures.

Main article: History of Mexico

See also: History of the Catholic Church in Mexico, Economic history of Mexico, and Military history of Mexico

Geography

Main article: Geography of Mexico

Mexico is a big country in North America. It lies between latitudes 14° and 33°N, and longitudes 86° and 119°W. It is the 13th largest country by total area, with an area of 1,972,550 km² (761,606 sq mi). Mexico has coasts along the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of California, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. The country also has many islands in these seas.

Mexico’s landscape has high plateaus, mountain ranges, and coastal plains. The Mexican Plateau is a large high area in the middle of the country. Mountain ranges like the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental run through Mexico. The country also has volcanoes, with some tall peaks in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

Climate

Main articles: Climate of Mexico and Climate change in Mexico

Mexico has many different climates because it is large and has varied heights. The Tropic of Cancer divides the country into cooler northern areas and warmer southern areas. Some places in Mexico get very hot, with temperatures reaching 50 °C (122 °F) in areas like the Sonoran Desert. Other areas have mild temperatures all year.

Rainfall changes across the country. Coastal areas and southern regions can get a lot of rain, while northern areas are often dry. Mexico also faces natural risks such as hurricanes and tsunamis in some coastal zones.

Biodiversity

See also: Wildlife of Mexico

Mexico is very rich in plants and animals. It is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with over 200,000 species. Mexico has many different kinds of reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and plants. The country has many protected areas to help save its wildlife, including national parks and reserves.

Mexico is also famous for its special foods, like maize, tomatoes, beans, chocolate, vanilla, avocado, and many types of spicy peppers. The drink tequila comes from Mexico and is made from a type of cactus called agave.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Mexico and Federal government of Mexico

Mexico has a democratic government led by a president. The president is the leader of the country and the head of the government. The country has a Congress with two parts: the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. Together, they make laws, decide on taxes, and approve important plans for the country.

The highest court in Mexico is the Supreme Court of Justice. It has nine judges who serve for twelve years. These judges help explain laws and decide big cases that affect the whole country. Mexico has several political parties, with three main ones helping people choose leaders and decide on laws.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Mexico

See also: Economic history of Mexico

Mexico has a large economy and is 13th biggest in the world. It makes about US$3.4 trillion in goods and services each year. The country is very good at making electronics and cars. Many famous car companies have factories in Mexico, which helps create jobs.

Mexico also has beautiful beaches and cities that attract many visitors. Tourism is important to the country's economy, bringing in money from people who come to enjoy Mexico's sunny coasts and rich history. Some people in Mexico still face challenges, and work is being done to improve living conditions for everyone.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Mexico

In 2022, Mexico had about 129 million people. By 2025, the population grew to around 132 million. Mexico has been the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world since the 1970s.

During the 20th century, Mexico’s population grew very fast, especially between the 1930s and 1980s. Life expectancy improved a lot, from 36 years in 1895 to 75 years in 2020.

Urban areas

Main article: Metropolitan areas of Mexico

See also: List of cities in Mexico

In 2020, about 53% of Mexico’s people lived in big cities. The largest is Greater Mexico City with 21.8 million people. Other big cities include Greater Monterrey (5.3 million), Greater Guadalajara (5.2 million), Greater Puebla (3.2 million), and Greater Toluca (2.3 million). Most people in Mexico, around 77%, live in cities.

Ethnicity and race

Main article: Mexicans

Mexico’s people come from many different backgrounds. Today, many Mexicans have mixed ancestry. About 19% of people identify as indigenous, and 6% speak an indigenous language. There are also smaller groups, like Afro-Mexicans, who make up about 2% of the population.

Emigration and immigration

Main articles: Emigration from Mexico and Immigration to Mexico

Many Mexicans live outside the country, mostly in the United States. In 2018, most people moving to Mexico came from the U.S., followed by neighboring Guatemala. Other groups come from countries like Colombia, Argentina, and Spain.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Mexico

Spanish is the main language spoken by most Mexicans. The government recognizes many indigenous languages, such as Nahuatl and Yucatec Maya. English is the most commonly taught foreign language in schools.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Mexico

Most Mexicans are Catholic, making it the largest Catholic country after Brazil. Other groups include Protestants, people with no religion, and smaller communities like Jews and Muslims.

Education

Main article: Education in Mexico

In 2020, about 95% of Mexicans could read and write. The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is the top public university. There are also many private universities, such as the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in Mexico

Mexico has improved healthcare, especially in rural areas. Public institutions like the Mexican Social Security Institute help provide care. Private healthcare is also available and often cheaper than in other North American countries.

Culture

Mexican culture is rich and varied. It was shaped by many different peoples over time through moving, conquest, and trade. Spanish rule for three centuries mixed Spanish traditions with those of indigenous groups, creating a special mix. Many old customs and traditions still exist today, especially in rural areas.

Painting has been important in Mexico for thousands of years, with cave paintings from about 7,500 years ago. Pre-Columbian art appears in buildings, caves, and objects like ceramics and clothes. In the 20th century, famous artists like Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco created large wall paintings. Frida Kahlo is also well-known for her personal portraits.

Mexico has a long history of building, from ancient pyramids to modern buildings. The Spanish brought new building styles, which mixed with indigenous designs. In the 20th century, Mexico developed its own modern style, with famous buildings like the Ciudad Universitaria in Mexico City.

Mexican literature began with ancient indigenous poetry and grew over time. Important writers include Octavio Paz, Carlos Fuentes, and Juan Rulfo. Mexican films from the 1940s and 1950s are famous around the world, and more recent directors like Alfonso Cuarón and Guillermo del Toro are also well-known.

Mexico has a lively musical tradition, from ancient times to today. Traditional music includes mariachi, banda, and ranchera, and modern Mexican artists have also made their mark in rock and pop music. Folk dances are an important part of Mexico’s culture.

Mexican cuisine mixes Spanish and indigenous foods, creating dishes like tacos, tamales, and mole sauce. Traditional cooking ways and ingredients have been passed down for generations.

Sport in Mexico became organized in the late 19th century. Football is the most popular sport, and Mexico has hosted big events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Boxing and wrestling, known as lucha libre, are also very popular.