Overview of Mexico

Profile

Mexico is a federal republic facing the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea, bordered by the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south. The territory is about five times the size of Japan, with volcanic ranges and plateaus creating diverse climates. Ancient civilizations including Olmec, Maya, and Aztec flourished, followed by over 300 years as a Spanish colony from the 16th century. After gaining independence in 1821, the current presidential federal state was established through repeated civil wars, foreign wars, and revolution. The economy relies on manufacturing, petroleum, and tourism, boasting a GDP ranking around 15th globally. Rich food culture, music, and UNESCO World Heritage archaeological sites and colonial cities attract travelers worldwide.

Official name

United Mexican States

Common name

Mexico

Numeric code

484

Alpha-3 code

MEX

Alpha-2 code

MX

Population

127 million (2023)

Population density

Approximately 65

Primary languages

Spanish, Indigenous languages (Nahuatl, Mayan languages, etc.)

Major religions

Catholicism, Protestantism, Other Christianity

National anthem

Himno Nacional Mexicano (Mexican National Anthem)

Calling code

+52

Internet TLD

.mx

History

Gained independence from Spain in 1821 and established the current constitutional system through the 1910 Mexican Revolution.

In the early 16th century, conquistador Cortés destroyed the Aztec Empire and established the Viceroyalty of New Spain. After 300 years of colonial rule, Father Hidalgo's 1810 uprising sparked the independence war, leading to independence in 1821 as the Mexican Empire. The 19th century saw consecutive foreign wars including Texas separation, the Mexican-American War, and French intervention, resulting in territorial losses and continued civil wars and political upheaval. Long-term Díaz regime resentment led to the 1910 Mexican Revolution, resulting in the 1917 constitution. The late 20th century saw economic growth under de facto one-party PRI rule, but regime change occurred in 2000. Currently democratization progresses under a multi-party system, while the struggle with drug cartels continues.

Geography & climate

Diverse terrain including mountain ranges and volcanic chain through central plateau, arid northern highlands, tropical rainforest southeast, and long coastlines.

Diverse climate from arid to tropical rainforest

Area

North America / 1964375 km²

Capital

Mexico City

Largest city

Mexico City

Coastal status

Yes

Major lakes

Lake Chapala, Lake Catemaco, Lake Cuitzeo

Bordering countries

United States, Guatemala, Belize

Politics

Government: Federal presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)

GDP (nominal): 1.79 trillion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 3.60 trillion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Spanish, Indigenous languages (Nahuatl, Mayan languages, etc.)

Time zone: UTC−8, UTC−7, UTC−6, UTC−5

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Mestizo, Indigenous peoples, European descent, African descent, Asian descent

Life expectancy

75.2

Literacy rate

95.4

National sports

Football, Lucha libre, Boxing, Baseball, Charrería, Basketball

Flag

Emblem