Mexico is a country located in North America, bordering the United States to the north and Central America to the south. It is one of the largest nations in the region, with a rich cultural and historical heritage.

Geography

Location: North America

Coordinates: Approximately 23.6345° N, 102.5528° W

Area: About 1,964,375 square kilometers.

Borders:

• North: United States (3,145 kilometers)
• South: Guatemala and Belize (963 kilometers)
• East: Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea
• West: Pacific Ocean

Climate:

Varies from desert in the north to tropical in the south, with temperate climates in mountainous and coastal areas. The central region enjoys a moderate climate.

Topography:

Mexico has diverse topography with mountains, coastal plains, plateaus, and deserts. Major mountain ranges include the Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, and Sierra Madre del Sur.

Elevation:

The highest peak is Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltépetl), with an elevation of 5,636 meters.

Natural Resources:

Mexico is rich in natural resources such as oil, natural gas, silver, gold, copper, coal, and industrial minerals.

Land Use:

• 54% agriculture
• 33% forests
• 13% urbanized and other uses

Population Distribution:

Population density is higher in metropolitan areas like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, while it is lower in rural regions.

Population and Society

Population: Approximately 128 million (2024 estimate).

Ethnic Groups:

The majority of the population is mestizo (around 62%), with indigenous groups (around 21%) and people of European descent (around 10%).

Languages:

The official language is Spanish. Over 60 indigenous languages are spoken, including Nahuatl and Maya.

Religions:

Christianity, primarily Roman Catholicism (around 78%), is the dominant religion, with a growing number of evangelicals and other religious minorities.

Age Structure:

Mexico has a young population, although the aging rate is increasing. The median age is approximately 29 years.

Population Growth Rate:
Around 1.1% annually.

Country

Official Name: United Mexican States

Common Name: Mexico

Reason for Name: Derived from the Nahuatl word “Mēxihco,” which was the name of the heart of the Aztec Empire.

Type of Government: Federal Representative Republic.

Capital: Mexico City (CDMX)

Reason for Naming Capital: Simply named “Mexico,” reflecting its historical and political centrality.

Local Time: Mexico has several time zones: Pacific, Central, and Southeastern.

Daylight Saving Time: Observed in most parts of the country, with exceptions in states bordering the United States.

Administrative Divisions: 32 federal entities, consisting of 31 states and Mexico City as a special entity.

Territories: Mexico does not have any overseas territories.

Independence: Gained from Spain on September 16, 1810.

Citizenship Acquisition: By birth in Mexico, descent from Mexican citizens, or naturalization.

Legal System: Civil law system based on the Constitution of 1917.

Executive Branch: The president is both head of state and government.

Legislative Branch: Congress of the Union, composed of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

Judicial Branch: Includes the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation and other federal courts.

Political Parties: Includes the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), National Action Party (PAN), Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), among others.

Flag Description: The Mexican flag features three vertical stripes of green, white, and red, with the national coat of arms in the center of the white stripe.

Country Code: MEX

Economy

GDP: Approximately $1.3 trillion USD.

Agricultural and Animal Products: Corn, beans, coffee, avocados, livestock, and seafood.

Industries: Mexico has a strong manufacturing industry, notably in automobile production, electronics, processed foods, and oil.

Budget: Mexico maintains a budget deficit but is working to stabilize its economy.

Exports: Vehicles, oil, electronics, machinery, and food products.

Imports: Machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals, consumer goods, and fuel.

Foreign Reserves: Approximately $200 billion USD.

External Debt: About $470 billion USD.

Local Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN).

Communications

Landlines: About 20 million lines.

Mobile Lines: About 127 million lines.

Country Code: +52

Broadcast Media: Mexico has a wide range of national and regional television and radio stations, both public and private.

Internet Code: .mx

Internet Users: Approximately 90 million people.

Transportation

National Air Transport System: Mexico has a well-developed air transport network, with international airports in Mexico City, Cancún, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Airports: Over 1,800 airports, including commercial and private flights.

Helipads: Major cities have helipads.

Pipelines: Extensive pipeline network for transporting oil and gas.

Railroads: Mexico has a rail network of over 20,000 kilometers, primarily for freight transport.

Road Network: More than 370,000 kilometers of roads, including modern highways.

Ports: Major ports include Veracruz, Manzanillo, and Lázaro Cárdenas.

Military

Military Composition: The Mexican Armed Forces include the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Military Spending: Approximately $7 billion USD annually.

Military and Security Personnel: About 230,000 active-duty members.

Military Equipment: Includes fighter jets, warships, helicopters, and armored vehicles.

Military Service Age: Military service is compulsory for men starting at 18 years old.