Mexico

I. Geography

Mexico is a country of great regional diversity. The extraordinary tourist resorts contrasted with romantic and old-fashioned towns and whole city sectors. In Mexico you can find snow-capped volcanoes, forests, deserts, and tropical beaches. The geography is also very different, since the territory is crossed by two huge mountain ranges: Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental . There are mountains, valleys, and extensive plateaus. As a consequence, the variety of climates and landscapes is amazing: suffocating tropics, mild plateaus, immense deserts, and innumerable beaches.

Mexico was named after the Mexicas, who were ancient inhabitants of the territory and founders of Tenochtitlan , which is now Mexico City . Our country has 32 states and a Federal District where Mexico City is located.

Some important data about Mexico :

•  Area: 1,959,248 Km2

•  Boundaries: The United States on the North (3,152 km); on the Southeast Guatemala, (959.1 km) and Belize (259.2 km); the Pacific Ocean on the West, the Gulf of Mexico on the East; and the Caribbean Sea on the Southeast.

•  Main cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Toluca, Morelia, Oaxaca, Jalapa, Merida, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Hermosillo, and Cuernavaca.

•  Population: approximately 100 million

II. Map of Mexico

If you want to find more maps about Mexican states we recommend you to visit the following web page: http://www.mapasdemexico.net/

III. Climate

The Mexican climate varies. The coast is hot and humid, while in places like Guadalajara and Mexico City the climate is mild and cool due to the high altitude. The northeast is dry, and the southwest very humid.

The hottest months of the year are from May to October, the rainy season is June - September, which is also the warmest period in most of the territory. Rain is more frequent in the coast than in other regions. The coldest weather occurs in December - February. Regions with high altitudes and far from the coast are moderately cool.

IV. The Economy

Currency: Mexican peso

Major industries and manufacturers : sugar, beer, cigarettes, cotton textiles, sodium hydroxide, gasoline, lube oil, tires, cement, steel, polyethylene, automotive, refrigerators, washing machines, television.

Exports : petrochemicals, gas, produce, poultry, lumber , poultry, cattle, and manufactured goods.

Imports : hydrocarbons, automobiles, manufactured goods.

V. People and Culture

Mexico has approximately 106 million inhabitants, which makes it the second most populated country in Latin America .

Undoubtedly, climate, vegetation, and altitude as well as cultural and ethnic legacies influence Mexico 's features. Its atmosphere and the people are clear reflections of an extraordinary history. Mexican culture is a rich and complex mixture of native and Spanish traditions, which throughout time have also incorporated aspects of the modern U.S. and European cultures. In spite of its colonial legacy and constant modernization, around 50 aboriginal groups still exist in Mexico. Each group has their own language, which helps to preserve vestiges of ancient lifestyles.

Many rural areas, particularly in the south, are still inhabited by pure descendants of the Mayas, Aztecs, Toltecs, and descendants of the Spaniards and Indians (mestizos) who were small farmers and labourers. Their individual legacies have enriched regional culture. European influence is more evident in the cities, particularly the Spanish and French, as well as modern American cities.

Celebrations in Mexico are traditional. Many people gather to bond culturally, historically and socially. There isn't a precise record of popular Mexican festivities. The Dirección General de Culturas Populares agency lists 5,083 in its popular celebrations and commemorations calendar. These have preserved their religious character. Among the most important are:

•  Coming of the Three Wise men (January 6)

•  La Candelaria (February 2)

•  Lent (variable)

•  Easter (variable)

•  Day of All Hollows (November 2)

•  Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12)

•  The posadas (December 16-24)

•  Christmas (December 25)

Note: not all of these festivities are days off at Tec.