Mexico – The United Mexican States

November 25, 2023

Mexico (Spanish: México) is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique traditions that set it apart from the rest of the world

The most famous symbol of Mexico is the national emblem, which is a golden eagle perched atop a cactus, grasping a rattlesnake in its talons.

1. Current Information

In 2017, Mexico was listed as the 6th most visited country in the world
It had the 15th highest income from tourism in the world which is also the highest in Latin America.
The majority of tourists come from the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia
Lesser numbers come from other Latin American countries

2. For Your Information

Country: Mexico – The United Mexican States

Government: According to the 1917 Constitution, the United Mexican States are a federation whose government is representative, democratic and republican based on a presidential system. The constitution establishes three levels of government: the federal union, the state governments and the municipal governments.

Mexico consists of 32 federal entities (31 states) & Mexico City as a separate entity
Capital: Mexico City
Area: (sq. km): 1,972,400
Population: 113,700,000
Time Zones: GMT -6 to -8
Religion: Roman Catholic
Language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican Peso
Electricity: 110 volts, 60 cycles AC
Drive on: Right

3. Capsule History of Mexico

Mayas, Toltecs, and Aztecs rule, pre-1519
Cortes conquers, 1519-1521
Mexicans overthrow Spaniards, 1821
War with United States, 1846-1848
French invade and rule, 1861-1867
Juarez is president, 1855 and 1867
Civil War, 1920
Major oil deposits discovered, 1975
Political unrest, 1996
PAN party voted in, after 70 years of PRI party ruling Mexico, 2000
Crackdown on drug cartels leads to increased violence, 2006 –

4. National Sport of Mexico

Mexico is known for its love of football (soccer) and the national team has seen plenty of success, having qualified for the World Cup more times than any other nation from CONCACAF.

In addition to soccer, Mexican people also enjoy sports such as basketball, boxing, and lucha libre wrestling. So when it comes to the question, What’s the most popular sport in Mexico? — it depends on who you ask.

What then is Charreria?

It is the national sport of Mexico! While this equestrian sport holds the designation, the most popular sports in Mexico are soccer and lucha libre wrestling.

5. Geography of Mexico

Location

Mexico is in the southern part of North America.
Mexico is about one-fifth the size of Canada.
The country is situated between the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south.
To the west are the warm waters of the Gulf of California (also called the Sea of Cortes) and the Pacific Ocean.
To the east, are the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

6. Natural Resources

Petroleum, silver, antimony, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber

7. Some Major Tourist Areas

Baja [BAH-hah] Peninsula:

This area stretches southward from California for nearly 1200 km. Several areas are:

Cabo San Lucas
Ensenada
La Paz
San Jose del Cabo
Guerro Negro
Tijuana: [tee-WAH-nah]

Mexican Riviera:

Mazatlán
Puerto Vallarta
Manzanillo
Ixtapa
Acapulco
Huatulco

The Yucatan Peninsula:

Considered to be part of the Caribbean. It is also the location of many of Mexico’s most dramatic ruins.

Cancun
Playa del Carmen
Mayan Riviera
Cozumel Island
The archaeological ruins

The Colonial Region:

Mexico City
Guadalajara
Cuernavaca
Taxco
Oaxaca

Some of Mexico City’s many first-rate attractions:

The National Museum of Anthropology and History
Zocalo: The Birthplace of the Constitution
The National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de la Asuncion de Maria)
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes)
Teotihuacan Pyramids (City of the Gods) A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco [so-she-MEEL-ko] A UNESCO Site
Paseo de la Reforma and the Angel of Independence

Veracruz (& Tampico): Port cities west of the peninsula used as cruise stopovers.

Veracruz was Founded in 1519 by conqueror Hernan Cortes
- Famous for:
  - The production of: wool weavings from Soledad, Atzompa
  - Rugs from Xicomonco
  - Embroidered shirts from Papantla
  - Musical instruments from Tlacotalpan
  - Various palm, tortoise shell and seashell items from nearby communities on the Gulf Coast
- Endowed with many attractions from natural landscapes to historical monuments such as:
  - Cathedral, Convent and Church of San Francisco,
  - Bastion of Santiago Site Museum
- Veracruz’ Gastronomy
  - Wide variety and precise combination of ingredients places it in an outstanding place in Mexican cuisine

The Copper Canyon: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Copper Canyon is a series of 6 canyons
It is 4 times larger than the Grand Canyon
It cuts through the Sierra Madre Occidental in northwestern Mexico
The amazing gorges were carved out of the volcanic mountains by rivers
These rivers join together to form the Río Fuerte
The rivers empty into the Gulf of California
It’s known for its spectacular landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventure
The Copper Canyon system has predominantly been mined for silver and gold
The name Copper Canyon comes from the reddish, copper-like color of the canyon walls
Mining operations in the Copper Canyon makes Mexico the world’s largest producer of silver
There are no paved roads that wind through the canyons
The best way to see and enjoy the Copper Canyon is on board El Chepe, the Copper Canyon train.

Preview of Mexico’s Destination Delights

Mexico is a destination that has something to offer every traveler. Whether you’re interested in the arts, pre-Hispanic history, nature, beaches, surfing, or cuisine, Mexico has something for everyone.

Los Cabos (La Paz, Cabo San Lucas & San Jose): Cabo San Lucas is known for its marlin fishing.

Los Cabos

Whale watching in Los Cabos

Cancun

Cancun [kan-KOON] is the chief resort. Very popular beach destination among university students during spring break.

Cancun Bridge Panoramic

Tulum: Noted for its ruins of Maya Civilization

Acapulco

Acapulco: South of Mexico City, is a major seaport in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

Cliff Divers in Acapulco

Cozumel

Cozumel [kosu mel] is an island and municipality in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula

Part of the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico
The economy of Cozumel is based on tourism

Popular activities:

balnearios
scuba diving
snorkeling

Cozumel Island: Has gorgeous beaches and is a stopover for cruise ships!

Mexico’s Colonial Regions:

Guadalajara, Cuernavaca, Taxco de Alarcon [TAS-ko], & Mexico City

View overlooking Taxco

8. The Archaeological Ruins

Hidalgo, Mexico

Teotihuacan – Aztec Ruins

Chichen Itza

9. Travel Advisory – Canadian & U.S. Governments

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mexico.html

10. How Travellers Get There

Aeromexico (AM), the country’s national carrier, and its partners fly out of several Canadian gateways. Many Canadian, U.S. carriers, as well as charter companies, fly into Mexico.

Principal Airports: Mexico City, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Cancun.

Flying Time: Toronto to Mexico City – 5 hours; Toronto to Cancun is 4 hours

11. Weather Patterns

Most people believe that Mexico is hot and humid.

Mexico City sits on a plateau. The city is sometimes warm though rainy at times in the summer.
Mexico City is cool in the winter. Average daytime high of around 16 degrees Celsius in December.
The beach cities are hot and humid in the summer and early fall.
Winter is warm and dry.
Along the Baja Peninsula and the Gulf of California, winter air and water temperature can be chilly.

12. Getting Around in Mexico

It is best to fly from one place to another.
Fly everywhere except to The Copper Canyon. Take a train ride – El Chepe – The Copper Canyon Train.
Several tour companies operate motorcoach trips between major beach resorts and Mexico City.
There’s a major subway in Mexico City.
Taxis are always an option.
Always negotiate the taxi fare in advance especially if the driver has no meter.

13. Cultural Patterns

The Mexican culture reflects the complexity of the country’s history through the blending of indigenous cultures and the culture of Spain during Spain’s 300-year colonial rule of Mexico.
The custom of mañana [maˈnjɑːnə] (putting off a task until tomorrow) persists.
Doing business during a long, extended lunch is still popular.
It is customary to bring a small gift if visiting the home of a local.
Starting times for parties are rarely observed.
The price of almost anything is negotiable, especially souvenirs.