, , officially the officially the United Mexican StatesUnited Mexican States,,is a is a federalfederal constitutional republic in constitutional republic in North AmericaNorth America. . It is borderedIt is bordered on the north on the north

by the by the United States of AmericaUnited States of America; on the south and west by the ; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by GuatemalaGuatemala, , BelizeBelize, and the , and the Caribbean SeaCaribbean Sea; and on the east by the ; and on the east by the Gulf of MexicoGulf of Mexico.. Covering Covering

almost two million square kilometres (over 760,000 sq mi),Mexico is almost two million square kilometres (over 760,000 sq mi),Mexico is the fifth largest country in the the fifth largest country in the AmericasAmericas by total area and the by total area and the

thirteenth largest independent nation in the worldthirteenth largest independent nation in the world. With an . With an estimated population of over 113 million,it is the world's estimated population of over 113 million,it is the world's

eleventh most populous countryeleventh most populous country and the and the most populous Spanish-speakingmost populous Spanish-speaking country. Mexico is a federation country. Mexico is a federation

comprising comprising thirty-one statesthirty-one states and a and a Federal DistrictFederal District, the capital city., the capital city.

In In pre-Columbian Mexicopre-Columbian Mexico many cultures matured into advanced many cultures matured into advanced civilizations such as the civilizations such as the OlmecOlmec, the , the ToltecToltec, the , the TeotihuacanTeotihuacan, the , the

ZapotecZapotec, the , the MayaMaya and the and the AztecAztec before first contact with before first contact with Europeans. In 1521, Spain Europeans. In 1521, Spain conqueredconquered and colonized the territory and colonized the territory

frfromom its base in its base in México-TenochtitlanMéxico-Tenochtitlan, which was administered as the , which was administered as the Viceroyalty of Viceroyalty of New SpainNew Spain. This territory would eventually become . This territory would eventually become

Mexico following recognition of the colony's Mexico following recognition of the colony's independenceindependence in 1821. in 1821. The post-independence period was characterized by The post-independence period was characterized by economic instabilityeconomic instability, the , the Mexican-American WarMexican-American War and and

territorial cessionterritorial cession to the United States, a to the United States, a civil warcivil war, , two empirestwo empires and and a domestic dictatorshipa domestic dictatorship. The latter led to the . The latter led to the Mexican RevolutionMexican Revolution in in

1910, which culminated with the promulgation of the 1910, which culminated with the promulgation of the 1917 Constitution1917 Constitution and the emergence of the country's current and the emergence of the country's current

political systempolitical system. . Elections held in July 2000Elections held in July 2000 marked the first time marked the first time that an opposition party won the presidency from the that an opposition party won the presidency from the

Institutional Revolutionary PartyInstitutional Revolutionary Party. Since 2006 the country has been . Since 2006 the country has been in the midst of a in the midst of a drug wardrug war which has caused 60,000 deaths. which has caused 60,000 deaths.

Mexico has one of the world's Mexico has one of the world's largest economies, and is largest economies, and is considered both a considered both a regional powerregional power and and middle powermiddle power.In addition, .In addition, Mexico was the first Latin Mexico was the first Latin American member of the American member of the Organisation for Economic Co-opOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and Developmenteration and Development OECD (since 1994), and OECD (since 1994), and considered an upper-middle considered an upper-middle income country by the World income country by the World Bank. Mexico is considered a Bank. Mexico is considered a newly industrialized countrynewly industrialized countryand and an an emerging poweremerging power. It has the . It has the thirteenth largestthirteenth largest nominal GDP nominal GDP and the and the eleventh largesteleventh largest GDP by GDP by purchasing power paritypurchasing power parity. The . The economyeconomy is strongly linked to is strongly linked to those of its those of its North American Free Trade AgreNorth American Free Trade Agreementement (NAFTA) partners, especially the (NAFTA) partners, especially the United States.Mexico ranks sixth United States.Mexico ranks sixth in the world and first in the in the world and first in the Americas by number of Americas by number of UNESCOUNESCO World Heritage SitesWorld Heritage Sites with and in with and in 2007 was the tenth most visited 2007 was the tenth most visited country in the world with 21.4 country in the world with 21.4 million international arrivals per million international arrivals per year.year.

Mexico is located between latitudes Mexico is located between latitudes 14°14° and and 33°N33°N, and , and longitudes longitudes 86°86° and and 119°W119°W in the southern portion of North in the southern portion of North

America.Almost all of Mexico lies in the America.Almost all of Mexico lies in the North American PlateNorth American Plate, with small parts of the , with small parts of the

Baja California peninsulaBaja California peninsula on the on the PacificPacific and and Cocos PlatesCocos Plates. . GeophysicallyGeophysically, some geographers include the territory east , some geographers include the territory east

of the of the Isthmus of TehuantepecIsthmus of Tehuantepec (around 12% of the total) (around 12% of the total) within Central America.within Central America.GeopoliticallyGeopolitically, however, Mexico is , however, Mexico is entirely considered part of North America, along with entirely considered part of North America, along with Canada and the United States.[Mexico's total area is Canada and the United States.[Mexico's total area is

1,972,550 km2 (761,606 sq mi), making it the 1,972,550 km2 (761,606 sq mi), making it the world's 14th largest country by total areaworld's 14th largest country by total area, and includes , and includes

approximately 6,000 km2 (2,317 sq mi) of islands in the approximately 6,000 km2 (2,317 sq mi) of islands in the Pacific Ocean (including the remote Pacific Ocean (including the remote Guadalupe IslandGuadalupe Island and and the the Revillagigedo IslandsRevillagigedo Islands), ), Gulf of MexicoGulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and , Caribbean, and

Gulf of CaliforniaGulf of California. From its farthest land points, Mexico is a . From its farthest land points, Mexico is a little over 2,000 mi (3,219 km) in length.little over 2,000 mi (3,219 km) in length.

Snow-capped Snow-capped Pico de OrizabaPico de Orizaba, the highest point in Mexico, the highest point in MexicoOn its north, Mexico shares a 3,141 km (1,952 mi) On its north, Mexico shares a 3,141 km (1,952 mi)

border with the United Statesborder with the United States. The meandering Río Bravo del . The meandering Río Bravo del Norte (known as the Norte (known as the Rio GrandeRio Grande in the United States) in the United States)

defines the border from defines the border from Ciudad JuárezCiudad Juárez east to the Gulf of east to the Gulf of Mexico. A series of natural and artificial markers delineate Mexico. A series of natural and artificial markers delineate the United States-Mexican border west from Ciudad Juárez the United States-Mexican border west from Ciudad Juárez

to the Pacific Ocean. On its south, Mexico shares an to the Pacific Ocean. On its south, Mexico shares an 871 km (541 mi) border with Guatemala and a 251 km 871 km (541 mi) border with Guatemala and a 251 km

(156 mi) border with Belize.(156 mi) border with Belize.

Mexico is crossed from north to Mexico is crossed from north to south by two mountain ranges south by two mountain ranges known as known as Sierra Madre OrientalSierra Madre Oriental and and Sierra Madre OccidentalSierra Madre Occidental, which are , which are the extension of the the extension of the Rocky MountainsRocky Mountains from northern from northern North America. From east to west North America. From east to west at the center, the country is at the center, the country is crossed by the crossed by the Trans-Mexican Volcanic BeltTrans-Mexican Volcanic Belt also also known as the Sierra Nevada. A known as the Sierra Nevada. A fourth mountain range, the fourth mountain range, the Sierra Madre del SurSierra Madre del Sur, runs from , runs from MichoacánMichoacán to to OaxacaOaxaca..

As such, the majority of the As such, the majority of the Mexican central and northern Mexican central and northern territories are located at high territories are located at high altitudes, and the highest altitudes, and the highest elevations are found at the Trans-elevations are found at the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt: Mexican Volcanic Belt: Pico de OrizabaPico de Orizaba (5,700 m, 18,701 ft), (5,700 m, 18,701 ft), PopocatepetlPopocatepetl (5,462 m, 17,920 ft) (5,462 m, 17,920 ft) and and IztaccihuatlIztaccihuatl (5,286 m, 17,343 ft) (5,286 m, 17,343 ft) and the and the Nevado de TolucaNevado de Toluca (4,577 m, (4,577 m, 15,016 ft). Three major urban 15,016 ft). Three major urban agglomerations are located in the agglomerations are located in the valleys between these four valleys between these four elevations: elevations: TolucaToluca, , Greater Mexico CityGreater Mexico City and and PueblaPuebla..

The The Tropic of CancerTropic of Cancer effectively divides the country into temperate and tropical effectively divides the country into temperate and tropical zones. Land north of the twenty-fourth parallel experiences cooler temperatures zones. Land north of the twenty-fourth parallel experiences cooler temperatures during the winter months. South of the twenty-fourth parallel, temperatures are during the winter months. South of the twenty-fourth parallel, temperatures are fairly constant year round and vary solely as a function of elevation. This gives fairly constant year round and vary solely as a function of elevation. This gives Mexico one of the world's most diverse weather systems.Areas south of the Mexico one of the world's most diverse weather systems.Areas south of the twenty-fourth parallel with elevations up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) (the southern twenty-fourth parallel with elevations up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) (the southern parts of both coastal plains as well as the parts of both coastal plains as well as the Yucatán PeninsulaYucatán Peninsula), have a yearly ), have a yearly median temperature between 24 to 28 °C (75.2 to 82.4 °F). median temperature between 24 to 28 °C (75.2 to 82.4 °F).

Temperatures here remain high throughout the year, with only a 5 °C (9 °F) Temperatures here remain high throughout the year, with only a 5 °C (9 °F) difference between winter and summer median temperatures. Both Mexican difference between winter and summer median temperatures. Both Mexican coasts, except for the south coast of the Bay of Campeche and northern Baja, coasts, except for the south coast of the Bay of Campeche and northern Baja, are also vulnerable to serious are also vulnerable to serious hurricaneshurricanes during the summer and fall. Although during the summer and fall. Although low-lying areas north of the twentieth-fourth parallel are hot and humid during low-lying areas north of the twentieth-fourth parallel are hot and humid during the summer, they generally have lower yearly temperature averages (from 20 the summer, they generally have lower yearly temperature averages (from 20 to 24 °C or 68 to 75.2 °F) because of more moderate conditions during the to 24 °C or 68 to 75.2 °F) because of more moderate conditions during the winter.winter.

Many large cities in Mexico are Many large cities in Mexico are located in the Valley of Mexico or in located in the Valley of Mexico or in adjacent valleys with altitudes adjacent valleys with altitudes generally above 2,000 m (6,562 ft). generally above 2,000 m (6,562 ft). This gives them a year-round This gives them a year-round temperate climate with yearly temperate climate with yearly temperature averages (from 16 to temperature averages (from 16 to 18 °C or 60.8 to 64.4 °F) and cool 18 °C or 60.8 to 64.4 °F) and cool nighttime temperatures throughout nighttime temperatures throughout the year.Many parts of Mexico, the year.Many parts of Mexico, particularly the north, have a dry particularly the north, have a dry climate with sporadic rainfall while climate with sporadic rainfall while parts of the tropical lowlands in the parts of the tropical lowlands in the south average more than south average more than 2,000 mm (78.7 in) of annual 2,000 mm (78.7 in) of annual precipitation. For example, many precipitation. For example, many cities in the north like cities in the north like MonterreyMonterrey, , HermosilloHermosillo, and , and MexicaliMexicali experience temperatures of 40 °C experience temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) or more in summer. In the (104 °F) or more in summer. In the Sonoran DesertSonoran Desert temperatures temperatures reach 50 °C (122 °F) or more.In reach 50 °C (122 °F) or more.In 2012, Mexico passed a 2012, Mexico passed a comprehensive climate change bill, comprehensive climate change bill, a first in the developing world, that a first in the developing world, that has set a goal for the country to has set a goal for the country to generate 35% of its energy from generate 35% of its energy from clean energy sources by 2024, and clean energy sources by 2024, and to cut emissions by 50% by 2050, to cut emissions by 50% by 2050, from the level foundfrom the level found in 2000. in 2000.

ReligionReligion The 2010 census by the The 2010 census by the

Instituto Nacional de Estadística y GeograInstituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografíafía gave gave Roman CatholicismRoman Catholicism as the main as the main religion, with 82.7% of the population, religion, with 82.7% of the population, while 9.7% (10,924,103) belong to other while 9.7% (10,924,103) belong to other Christian denominations, including Christian denominations, including EvangelicalsEvangelicals (5.2%); (5.2%); PentecostalsPentecostals (1.6%); (1.6%); other Protestant or Reformed (0.7%); other Protestant or Reformed (0.7%); Jehovah's WitnessesJehovah's Witnesses (1.4%); (1.4%); Seventh-day AdventistsSeventh-day Adventists (0.6%); and (0.6%); and members of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintsaints (0.3%).172,891 (or less than 0.2% of the (0.3%).172,891 (or less than 0.2% of the total) belonged to other, non-Christian total) belonged to other, non-Christian religions; 4.7% declared having religions; 4.7% declared having no religionno religion; 2.7% were unspecified.The ; 2.7% were unspecified.The 92,924,48992,924,489 Catholics of Mexico constitute Catholics of Mexico constitute in absolute terms the second largest in absolute terms the second largest Catholic community in the world, after Catholic community in the world, after BrazilBrazil's.47% percent of them attend 's.47% percent of them attend church services weekly. Most Mexican church services weekly. Most Mexican cities, towns and villages hold a yearly cities, towns and villages hold a yearly feast dayfeast day to commemorate their local to commemorate their local patron saintspatron saints.The feast day of .The feast day of Our Lady of GuadalupeOur Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint , the patron saint of Mexico, is celebrated on December 12 of Mexico, is celebrated on December 12 and is regarded by many Mexicans as the and is regarded by many Mexicans as the most important religious holiday of theirmost important religious holiday of their country.country.

Mexican culture reflects the complexity of Mexican culture reflects the complexity of the the country's historycountry's history through the blending of through the blending of indigenous cultures and the indigenous cultures and the culture of Spainculture of Spain, , imparted during Spain's 300-year imparted during Spain's 300-year colonization of Mexico. Exogenous cultural colonization of Mexico. Exogenous cultural elements mainly from the United States have elements mainly from the United States have been incorporated into Mexican culture.The been incorporated into Mexican culture.The Porfirian era (Porfirian era (el el PorfiriatoPorfiriato), in the last quarter ), in the last quarter of the 19th century and the first decade of of the 19th century and the first decade of the 20th century, was marked by economic the 20th century, was marked by economic progress and peace. After four decades of progress and peace. After four decades of civil unrest and war, Mexico saw the civil unrest and war, Mexico saw the development of philosophy and the arts, development of philosophy and the arts, promoted by President Díaz himself. Since promoted by President Díaz himself. Since that time, as accentuated during the that time, as accentuated during the Mexican RevolutionMexican Revolution, cultural identity has had , cultural identity has had its foundation in the its foundation in the mestizajemestizaje, of which the , of which the indigenous (i.e. Amerindian) element is the indigenous (i.e. Amerindian) element is the core. In light of the various ethnicities that core. In light of the various ethnicities that formed the Mexican people, formed the Mexican people, José VasconcelosJosé Vasconcelos in his publication in his publication La Raza CósmicaLa Raza Cósmica (The (The Cosmic Race) (1925) defined Mexico to be Cosmic Race) (1925) defined Mexico to be the melting pot of all races (thus extending the melting pot of all races (thus extending the definition of the the definition of the mestizomestizo) not only ) not only biologically but culturally as well.This biologically but culturally as well.This exalting of exalting of mestizajemestizaje was a revolutionary was a revolutionary idea that sharply contrasted with the idea of idea that sharply contrasted with the idea of a superior pure race prevalent in Europe at a superior pure race prevalent in Europe at the time.the time.

Culture

MusicMusic Mexican society enjoys a vast array of Mexican society enjoys a vast array of

music genres, showing the diversity of music genres, showing the diversity of Mexican culture. Traditional music Mexican culture. Traditional music includes includes MariachiMariachi, , BandaBanda, , NorteñoNorteño, , RancheraRanchera and and CorridosCorridos; on an every-; on an every-day basis most Mexicans listen to day basis most Mexicans listen to contemporary music such as contemporary music such as poppop, rock, , rock, etc. in both English and Spanish. etc. in both English and Spanish. Mexico has the largest media industry Mexico has the largest media industry in Latin America, producing Mexican in Latin America, producing Mexican artists who are famous in Central and artists who are famous in Central and South America and parts of Europe, South America and parts of Europe, especially Spain. Some well-known especially Spain. Some well-known Mexican singers are Mexican singers are ThalíaThalía, , Luis MiguelLuis Miguel, , Alejandro FernándezAlejandro Fernández, , Julieta VenegasJulieta Venegas and and Paulina RubioPaulina Rubio. Mexican singers of . Mexican singers of traditional music are: traditional music are: Lila DownsLila Downs, , Susana HarpSusana Harp, , JaramarJaramar, , GEO MenesesGEO Meneses and and Alejandra RoblesAlejandra Robles. Popular groups . Popular groups are are Café TacubaCafé Tacuba, , MolotovMolotov and and ManáManá, , among others. Since the early years of among others. Since the early years of 2000s (decade), 2000s (decade), Mexican rockMexican rock has has seen widespread growth both seen widespread growth both domesticly and domesticly and internationally.According to the internationally.According to the Sistema Nacional de Fomento Musical, Sistema Nacional de Fomento Musical, there are between 120 and 140 youth there are between 120 and 140 youth orchestras affiliated to this federal orchestras affiliated to this federal agency from all federalagency from all federal states. states.

Mexican cuisine is known for its intense and Mexican cuisine is known for its intense and varied flavors, colorful decoration, and variety varied flavors, colorful decoration, and variety of spices. Most of today's Mexican food is of spices. Most of today's Mexican food is based on pre-Columbian traditions, including based on pre-Columbian traditions, including the Aztecs and Maya, combined with culinary the Aztecs and Maya, combined with culinary trends introduced by Spanish colonists.trends introduced by Spanish colonists.

The The conquistadoresconquistadores eventually combined their eventually combined their imported diet of rice, beef, pork, chicken, wine, imported diet of rice, beef, pork, chicken, wine, garlic and onions with the native pre-garlic and onions with the native pre-Columbian food, including maize, tomato, Columbian food, including maize, tomato, vanillavanilla, , avocadoavocado, , guavaguava, , papayapapaya, , pineapplepineapple, , chili pepperchili pepper, , beansbeans, , squashsquash, , sweet potatosweet potato, , peanut, and peanut, and turkeyturkey..

Mexican food varies by region, because of local Mexican food varies by region, because of local climate and geography and ethnic differences climate and geography and ethnic differences among the indigenous inhabitants and because among the indigenous inhabitants and because these different populations were influenced by these different populations were influenced by the Spaniards in varying degrees. In modern the Spaniards in varying degrees. In modern times, other cuisines of the world have become times, other cuisines of the world have become very popular in Mexico, thus adopting a very popular in Mexico, thus adopting a Mexican fusion. The most internationally Mexican fusion. The most internationally recognized dishes include chocolate, recognized dishes include chocolate, tacostacos, , quesadillasquesadillas, , enchiladasenchiladas, , burritosburritos, , tamalestamales and and molemole among others. Regional dishes include among others. Regional dishes include mole poblanomole poblano, , chiles en nogadachiles en nogada and and chalupaschalupas from from PueblaPuebla; ; cabritocabrito and and machacamachaca from from Monterrey, Monterrey, cochinita pibilcochinita pibil from from YucatánYucatán, , TlayudasTlayudas from from OaxacaOaxaca, as well as , as well as barbacoabarbacoa, , chilaquileschilaquiles, , milanesasmilanesas, and many others., and many others.

Cuisine

TourismTourism

Mexico reports the twenty-Mexico reports the twenty-third highest tourism-based third highest tourism-based income in the world, and the income in the world, and the highest in Latin America.The highest in Latin America.The vast majority of tourists come vast majority of tourists come to Mexico from the United to Mexico from the United States and Canada followed States and Canada followed by Europe and Asia. A smaller by Europe and Asia. A smaller number also come from other number also come from other Latin American countries.In Latin American countries.In the 2008 the 2008 Travel and Tourism CompetitiTravel and Tourism Competitiveness Indexveness Index, fifth among Latin American , fifth among Latin American countries, and the ninth in the countries, and the ninth in the Americas.Americas.

Energy production in Mexico is Energy production in Mexico is managed by state-owned managed by state-owned companies: the companies: the Federal Commission of ElectricityFederal Commission of Electricity and and PemexPemex..

Pemex, the public company in Pemex, the public company in charge of exploration, extraction, charge of exploration, extraction, transportation and marketing of transportation and marketing of crude oil and natural gas, as well crude oil and natural gas, as well as the refining and distribution of as the refining and distribution of petroleum products and petroleum products and petrochemicals, is one of the petrochemicals, is one of the largest companies in the world largest companies in the world by revenue, making US $86 by revenue, making US $86 billion in sales a year.Mexico is billion in sales a year.Mexico is the sixth-largest oil producer in the sixth-largest oil producer in the world, with 3.7 million barrels the world, with 3.7 million barrels per day.In 1980 oil exports per day.In 1980 oil exports accounted for 61.6% of total accounted for 61.6% of total exports; by 2000 it was only exports; by 2000 it was only 7.3%.The largest hydro plant in 7.3%.The largest hydro plant in Mexico is the 2,400 MW Manuel Mexico is the 2,400 MW Manuel Moreno Torres Dam in Moreno Torres Dam in Chicoasén, Chiapas, in the Chicoasén, Chiapas, in the Grijalva River. This is the world's Grijalva River. This is the world's fourth most productive fourth most productive hydroelectric planthydroelectric plant..

Energy

Gender equalityThe World Economic Forum 2011 Global Gender Gap Report ranked Mexico 89th out of 135 countries for gender parity, making it one of the least gender balanced countries in the North American region, particularly to the disadvantage of women, who have a below average degree of political participation and labor equality. Education and health indicators for Mexican women were however better than the average in the study.