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| Mexico Information |
| Mexico Costs |
Population: 111,211,789 Dialing Code: +52 Languages: Spanish only 92.7%, Spanish and indigenous languages 5.7%, indigenous only 0.8%, unspecified 0.8%; note - indigenous languages include various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional languages (2005) Religions: Roman Catholic 76.5%, Protestant 6.3% (Pentecostal 1.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.1%, other 3.8%), other 0.3%, unspecified 13.8%, none 3.1% (2000 census) Internet TLD: .mx Located: Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the United States and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the United States Area: 1,972,550 sq km Residents with HIV: 200,000 Literacy: 91% Comparative Size: slightly less than three times the size of Texas Nationality Noun: Mexican(s) Nationality Adjective: Mexican currencyMXN |
Much like a revolutionary once said “Viva Mexico” as a rallying cry for defeating colonialism, the term is also apt for describing Mexico as a tourist destination. Blessed with an intoxicating combination of vibrant culture, historical heritage (Mayan archaeological sites and colonial architecture), scenic beaches (Cancun), and a rugged landscape (Eje Volcanico Range), the country has captured the imagination of people from all over the world. Some 22.6 million tourists visit it every year, making it the 7th most popular destination in the world.
Mexico occupies much of the bottom half of the North American continent. At almost two million square kilometers in area, it is the 14th largest independent nation in the world. And it has an economy to match its size: its 1.5 trillion USD annual GDP ranks 11th in the world, buoyed by its industrial and tourism sectors. However, the wealth is not really distributed equally, and the country is still plagued by its notorious drug cartels.
Maracas, Tacos, and More
What stands out in Mexico is perhaps its incredible culture and historical heritage. This country has a collection of 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - more than any other nation in the Americas. Not to mention that it has been a territory for numerous ancient civilizations, notably the Maya, Aztec, Teotihuacan, Olmec, and Zapotec. All of these had flourished nearly 4,000 years before the Europeans first arrived, and one can find various traces of these empires today (in Teotihuacan, Oaxaca, and Palenque).
The Spanish colonists arrived in Mexico by the 16th century, led by the famed Hernando Cortes. Though its independence had long been achieved in 1810, the foreign influence has survived up to this day - the country is one of the largest Spanish-speaking and Roman Catholic nations. Its cuisine, on the other hand, fuses pre-Colombian and colonial influences, resulting in unique delicacies that are popular around the world (tacos, burritos, tamales).
The Mexican Experience
Apart from culture excursions, the Mexican experience also includes exploring the country's rugged landscape. Featuring extensive coastlines borne out of being bounded by the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean, as well as valleys and mountains in the middle, it is definitely a paradise for the adrenaline, beach, and nature junkies.
The country is home to some 200,000 different animal and plant species, which can be discovered at the various nature reserves scattered throughout the land. Swimming and water sporting are at a premium at the Yucatan Peninsula, while trekkers and mountain climbers can try scaling the peaks at the Eje Volcanico mountain range.