Capital: Mexico City

Mexico is a country located in the southern part of North America. It shares borders with the United States to the north and Belize and Guatemala to the south. Mexico is the 11th most populous country in the world.

Geography: Mexico has a diverse geography that encompasses a variety of landscapes. To the west, it is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental are the two major mountain ranges in Mexico. The country is also home to several active volcanoes. The Yucatan Peninsula in the southeast is known for its extensive network of underground rivers and cenotes (natural sinkholes). Mexico is also famous for the Copper Canyon, a series of canyons larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon (in Northern Arizona). El Tren Maya is a 966-mile railway project that will interconnect the major cities and tourist regions of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.

History: Mexico has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. The region was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Mayans and the Aztecs, who built advanced civilizations with impressive architectural and cultural achievements. At the centre of the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá is the Temple of Kukulcan, a monumental step pyramid. In 1519, the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes arrived in Mexico and conquered the Aztec Empire, establishing Spanish colonial rule. Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

When in 1861, English, Spanish and French troops invaded Mexico. By April 1862, the English and Spanish had withdrawn. The French army were not driven out for another five years. Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is celebrated in a variety of different states across the United States, from California to Florida.

Flora and Fauna: Mexico is home to a wide range of plant and animal species. In the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico, one can find a variety of plant species, such as palms, oaks, pines, and various tropical hardwoods.

The rainforest is also home to a wide variety of animals, including armadillo, puma, jaguar, bear, tapir, opossum, and several species of monkey. The only remaining elephant seals in the world are on Guadalupe Island west of Baja California. Additionally, the area is a haven for many bird species, such as toucans, parrots, and quetzals. The monarch butterfly has the longest migration trajectory of any insect, and their journey is a wonder in itself.

Cultural Life: Mexican culture is a vibrant blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. The country is known for its rich traditions, diverse cuisine and colourful festivals. Mexican music encompasses a range of styles, including traditional folk music like mariachi and regional genres like banda and norteño. Mexican art is highly regarded. The 20th-century Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was known for her many self-portraits, and works based on Mexican culture.

Did You Know that Rabindranath Tagore visited Mexico? The Mexican writer Jose Vasconcelos, central figure of Mexican modern education, favored the teaching of Tagore's literature along with the Western classics as early as 1920, while using his ideas for the layout of Mexico's schooling system.

The people of Mexico were among the first to develop agriculture. Around 10,000 years ago early Mesoamerican cultures that later developed into the Mayan civilization grew crops like corn, beans, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, chayotes and other squash, avocados and papayas. Typical Mexican dishes include tacos, salsa, enchiladas, tamales and guacamole. These foods are still the basis of Mexican cuisine. Mexico is one of the world's leading producers of jalapeños, and a wide variety of them are grown in the country.

Sports: Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Mexico. The national team has a strong following, and Mexican clubs compete in the Liga MX, the country's top professional league. Baseball is also popular, especially in the northern regions of the country. Mexican boxers have achieved considerable success internationally, and boxing is a highly regarded sport in Mexico. Other popular sports include basketball, wrestling (lucha libre), and bullfighting, which hold cultural significance despite being controversial.

Mexico is a captivating destination with a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on pristine beaches, indulging in delicious cuisine, or immersing yourself in vibrant festivals, Mexico has something for everyone. Did You Know that Rabindranath Tagore visited Mexico in 1954?

Time to Do

On an outline map of Mexico, mark and label the following: [a] The Sierra Madre Occidental, [b] The Sierra Madre Oriental, [c] Popocatepetl, [d] The Yucatan Peninsula, [e] Copper Canyon.

Home > Resources for learning > Mexico

Recommended books and references:

1. Yucatan: Healthy Traveler's Handbook. Robert H. Page, ‎Curtis P.

2. Aztec, Inca & Maya. Elizabeth Baquedano

3. Mexico. Barbara Saffer, Susan Schroeder

Your photos of nature, landscape, sunrise/sunset, travel, guide, tree/plants and beaches are welcome.