Facts About Mexico: Its Land and Its People
When it comes to facts about Mexico, many people think of the world-famous beach resorts found along the western edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Still others think of the temptations of Tijuana, and some bring up illegal immigration into the United States. All of these topics and more are a part of the Country of Mexico.
Facts About Mexico – The Land
Mexico is part of the Continent of North America, and it is located to the south of the United States. The States of California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas all share a border with Mexico. To the south, Mexico is bordered by the Countries of Guatemala and Belize. The Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea sparkle on the east coast of Mexico, and to the west is the Pacific Ocean.
Mexico has deserts, mountains, valleys and some of the most amazing beaches in the entire world. Tourism is one of the biggest sources of income in Mexico, and beach lovers from all over the world flock to cities like Acapulco on the Pacific Coast and Cancun and Cozumel on the Gulf Coast of Mexico.
Facts About Mexico – The People
The population of Mexico is approximately 109 million people, as of early 2008. The capital city of Mexico City alone has a population of nearly 20 million, making it the second largest city in the entire world. (It was the largest for many years, only recently being overtaken by Tokyo, Japan.)
The people of Mexico are called Mexican, but the most prevalent ethnicity is known as Mestizo, Amerindian-Spanish. Nearly everyone in Mexico speaks Spanish exclusively, but there are a small number of indigenous languages spoken, including Mayan. The most prevalent religion in the Country of Mexico is Catholicism.
Mexican people are said to be very friendly, which is why tourism is a natural for this nation. For a variety of reasons, some Mexicans choose to cross over the border into the United States for work, and it is estimated that up to 5 million Mexicans live illegally in the U.S.
Facts About Mexico – Tourism
Mexico is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the planet, and for good reason. Mexico has a wealth of options for tourists, whether you desire a week soaking up the sun or a dose of ancient history. Vacationers bring a big boost to the economy of Mexico, and the country is generally divided into 6 different tourist regions:
> Baja Peninsula: just over the California border, home to the City of Tijuana.
> Central Mexico: heartland of the country with Mexico City in the middle.
> Northern Mexico: arid deserts and mountain vistas along the U.S. border.
> Southern Mexico: known as the Emerald Coast, popular with eco-tourists.
> Yucatan Peninsula: home to the beach resort cities of Cancun and Cozumel along with ancient Mayan ruins.
> Pacific Coast: typically tropical Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.