Mexico is located in the southern part of North America, bordered to the north by the United States, to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean, to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea, and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 23.6345° N latitude and 102.5528° W longitude.
Geography
Mexico boasts a diverse geography that includes mountains, deserts, tropical rainforests, and coastal plains. The climate varies from arid and semi-arid in the north to tropical in the south. The country is home to a wide range of fauna, including jaguars, howler monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Mexico’s longest river is the Rio Grande, which forms part of the border between Mexico and the United States. The highest peak is Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltépetl, standing at 5,636 meters (18,491 feet) above sea level.
History
Prehistory
Mexico has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The earliest known civilization in the region was the Olmec, who flourished around 1200 BCE. They were followed by other pre-Columbian civilizations such as the Maya, Zapotec, and Toltec.
Spanish Conquest
In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico and began the conquest of the Aztec Empire. Despite fierce resistance, Cortés and his men eventually defeated the Aztecs and established New Spain, with Mexico City as its capital.
Colonial Period
For the next three centuries, Mexico remained a Spanish colony, known as New Spain. The colonial period brought significant cultural and societal changes, including the introduction of Catholicism, Spanish language, and European-style governance.
Independence
Mexico’s struggle for independence began in the early 19th century, inspired by the ideals of liberty and equality. On September 16, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla proclaimed the famous “Grito de Dolores,” marking the start of the War of Independence. After a decade of fighting, Mexico finally achieved independence from Spain on September 27, 1821.
Modern Era
Since gaining independence, Mexico has experienced periods of political instability, revolution, and economic growth. The 20th century saw the Mexican Revolution, which led to the establishment of a more democratic government and significant social reforms. Today, Mexico is a federal republic with a diverse economy and a vibrant culture that reflects its indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial legacy.
Demographics
Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world and has a population of approximately 130 million people. The majority of the population is Mestizo, a mix of European and indigenous ancestry, followed by indigenous peoples, predominantly of Nahua and Maya descent. Spanish is the official language, but there are also numerous indigenous languages spoken throughout the country. The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, although there is religious diversity, including Protestantism and indigenous beliefs.
Administrative Divisions
Mexico is divided into 32 federal entities: 31 states and the capital city, Mexico City. Each state has its own government, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The states are further divided into municipalities, which are the smallest administrative units.
- Aguascalientes – Population: 1.4 million
- Baja California – Population: 3.7 million
- Baja California Sur – Population: 900,000
- Campeche – Population: 1 million
- Chiapas – Population: 5.5 million
- Chihuahua – Population: 3.8 million
- Coahuila – Population: 3.3 million
- Colima – Population: 750,000
- Durango – Population: 1.8 million
- Guanajuato – Population: 6.3 million
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Mexico City – Population: 9 million
- Guadalajara – Population: 1.5 million
- Monterrey – Population: 1.1 million
- Puebla – Population: 1.5 million
- Tijuana – Population: 1.8 million
- Ciudad Juárez – Population: 1.3 million
- León – Population: 1.6 million
- Zapopan – Population: 1 million
- Monclova – Population: 200,000
- Nezahualcóyotl – Population: 1.2 million
Education Systems
Education in Mexico is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 14 years. The country has a comprehensive education system that includes preschool, primary school, secondary school, and higher education. Mexico has numerous universities and colleges, both public and private, offering a wide range of academic programs. Some of the top universities in Mexico include the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN).
Transportation
Airports
Mexico has several major international airports, including:
- Mexico City International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez)
- Cancún International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún)
- Guadalajara International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Guadalajara)
- Monterrey International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional General Mariano Escobedo)
- Tijuana International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Tijuana)
Railways
Mexico has an extensive railway network operated by Ferrocarril Mexicano (Ferromex) and Kansas City Southern de México (KCSM). The total length of railways in Mexico is approximately 26,000 kilometers.
Highways
Mexico has a well-developed highway system, with over 412,000 kilometers of roads, including toll roads (cuotas) and free highways (libres). The major highways include the Pan-American Highway (Carretera Panamericana) and the Mexican Federal Highway System (Sistema Federal de Carreteras).
Ports
Mexico has several major ports along its Pacific and Gulf coasts, including the Port of Veracruz, the Port of Manzanillo, the Port of Altamira, the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas, and the Port of Ensenada.
Country Facts
- Population: 130 million
- Capital: Mexico City
- Language: Spanish
- Religion: Roman Catholicism
- Race: Mestizo (mixed European and indigenous ancestry)
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
- ISO Country Codes: MX, MEX
- International Calling Code: +52
- Top-Level Domain: .mx