Mexico is a country located in the southern part of North America. It is the third-largest country in Latin America, after Brazil and Argentina, and the 13th largest country in the world. Mexico has a rich history and culture, with influences from its indigenous peoples, Spanish colonization, and modern-day global trends.

Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, delicious food, and vibrant music and dance. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico include Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mexico City, and Cozumel.

Mexico is also home to many ancient archaeological sites, including the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and the Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacan. Other popular attractions include the floating gardens of Xochimilco, the colonial city of Guanajuato, and the beautiful copper canyon region in the north.

Mexican cuisine is known for its variety and flavors, including dishes such as tacos, tamales, enchiladas, and guacamole. Mexican drinks, including tequila and mezcal, are also famous around the world.

Mexico is a diverse country, with a mix of indigenous, European, and African cultures. Spanish is the official language, but many indigenous languages are also spoken. The Mexican population is largely Roman Catholic, and there are many religious festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

Mexico has a warm climate throughout most of the year, making it a popular destination for tourists looking to escape colder climates. However, the country can also experience natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, so it's important to check local conditions and take necessary precautions while traveling.

Overall, Mexico offers a rich cultural experience, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food and drink, making it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Telephone Code
52

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 065; Fire: 068; Police: 060

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Varies from tropical to desert

Currency (Code)
Mexican pesos (MXN)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages
Spanish, indigenous languages

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 82.7%, Pentecostal 1.6%, Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, other Evangelical Churches 5%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Mexico, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Cancún and Mayan Riviera; Puerto Vallarta; Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos Corridor; Copper Canyon; Teotihuacan; Calakmul; Palenque; Mexico City's Historic Center (includes Templo Mayor, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Museum of Anthropology); Chichén Itzá

Major Sports
Soccer, baseball, basketball, boxing

Cultural Practices
When greeting in social situations, women pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder, rather than shake hands.

Tipping Guidelines
It is customary to tip 10-20% of the total bill in restaurants. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but giving them 10 pesos is appreciated, especially if they help with your luggage. Tip porters and bellhops 12-26 pesos per bag or more if you have a lot of luggage. Leave 13 pesos a night for housekeeping.

Souvenirs
Talavera tiles/pottery, wooden instruments, sombrero hats, ponchos, animal figurines, leather goods, woven hammocks, Lucha Libre masks, Huarache shoes, Day of the Dead Souvenirs, mole and other sauces

Traditional Cuisine
Tacos; Mole poblano — a thick dark red-brown sauce made with dried poblano peppers and chocolate; typically served with chicken or turkey; Chiles en nogada — poblano chile peppers stuffed with picadillo (a mixture of shredded meat, spices, fruits, and spices) topped with nogada (a walnut-based cream sauce), pomegranate seeds, and parsley

Geography
Area
total: 1,964,375 sq km
land: 1,943,945 sq km
water: 20,430 sq km

Climate
varies from tropical to desert

Natural resources
petroleum, silver, antimony, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber

People and Society
Population
129,875,529 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 62%, predominantly Amerindian 21%, Amerindian 7%, other 10% (mostly European) (2012 est.)

Languages
Spanish only 93.8%, Spanish and indigenous languages 5.4%, indigenous only 0.6%, unspecified 0.2%; note - indigenous languages include various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional languages (2020 est.)

Religions
Roman Catholic 78%, Protestant/evangelical Christian 11.2%, other 0.002%, unaffiliated (includes atheism) 10.6% (2020 est.)

Population growth rate
0.61% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
federal presidential republic

Capital
name: Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)

Economy
Economic overview
one of the world’s largest economies; USMCA buttresses its manufacturing sector; has underperformed growth targets for three decades; COVID-19 disrupted export-based economy; corruption and cartel-based violence undermine economic stability

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.418 trillion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$19,100 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
sugarcane, maize, milk, oranges, sorghum, tomatoes, poultry, wheat, green chillies/peppers, eggs

Industries
food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism

Exports
$522.235 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
United States 75% (2019)

Exports - commodities
cars and vehicle parts, computers, delivery trucks, crude petroleum, insulated wiring (2019)

Imports
$544.752 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
United States 54%, China 14% (2019)

Imports - commodities
integrated circuits, refined petroleum, cars and vehicle parts, office machinery/parts, telephones (2019)