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Mexico

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Mexico is a large country located in North America.

Mexico (orthographic projection)
Mexico (orthographic projection)

It sits at the northern end of Latin America. To the north, it shares a border with the United States. To the southeast, it borders Guatemala and Belize. The country has many different coastlines. The Pacific Ocean is to the west. The Caribbean Sea is to the southeast. The Gulf of Mexico is to the east.

Mexico map
Mexico map

It is the thirteenth-largest country in the world by land area.

Many people live in this diverse land. More than 130 million people call Mexico home. This makes it the tenth-most populous country on Earth. As of 2020, it has the most native Spanish speakers in the world. Mexico City is the capital and the largest city. It is one of the most crowded metropolitan areas globally. The country is also very rich in nature. It is one of 17 megadiverse countries. It ranks fifth in the world for natural biodiversity.

Mexican wolf lounging
Mexican wolf lounging

Human history in Mexico goes back a very long time. People have lived there since at least 8,000 BC. This area is known as Mesoamerica. It was a cradle for many advanced societies. The Olmecs were the first complex civilization here. Later, the Maya and Zapotecs built great centers.

Chichen Itza 3
Chichen Itza 3

Teotihuacan was once a massive city with huge pyramids.

Off-center view of Pyramid of the Sun from Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacan
Off-center view of Pyramid of the Sun from Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacan

The Aztecs later built a powerful empire. Their capital was Tenochtitlan.

Painting of Tenochtitlan-Tlatelolco on Lake Texcoco (9755215791)
Painting of Tenochtitlan-Tlatelolco on Lake Texcoco (9755215791)

History changed greatly when Spain arrived. Spanish colonization began in 1521. They defeated the Aztec Empire and started New Spain. This colonial era lasted for 300 years. During this time, Mexico became a center for silver mining. This helped connect Europe and Asia through trade. Eventually, Mexico fought for its independence. This war lasted from 1810 to 1821. After the war, the country became a sovereign nation. It has had many different forms of government since then.

Guanajuato Skyline
Guanajuato Skyline

Today, Mexico is a federal republic. This means the government is split into three branches. These are the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The country has 32 states that have their own power. Mexico has a very strong economy. It is the 15th-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. People from all over the world love to visit. In 2022, over 42 million international travelers arrived.

Bandera Mexicana - panoramio - cz354x (3)
Bandera Mexicana - panoramio - cz354x (3)

It also has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It ranks first in the Americas for these special places.

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🖼️ Images & Media (56)
Himno Nacional Mexicano instrumental.ogg
File:Mexico (orthographic projection).svg
Mexico (orthographic projection).svg
File:Mexico states map w names.png
Mexico states map w names.png
File:Off-center_view_of_Pyramid_of_the_Sun_from_Pyramid_of_the_Moon,_Teotihuacan.jpg
Off-center_view_of_Pyramid_of_the_Sun_from...
File:Chichen Itza 3.jpg
Chichen Itza 3.jpg
File:Painting_of_Tenochtitlan-Tlatelolco_on_Lake_Texcoco_(9755215791).jpg
Painting_of_Tenochtitlan-Tlatelolco_on_Lak...
File:Guanajuato_Skyline.jpg
Guanajuato_Skyline.jpg
File:Plaza de Dolores.JPG
Plaza de Dolores.JPG
File:Batalla de la Alhóndiga de Granaditas.jpg
Batalla de la Alhóndiga de Granaditas.jpg
File:Generales del Trigarante.jpg
Generales del Trigarante.jpg
File:FalloftheAlamo.jpg
FalloftheAlamo.jpg
File:Photograph_of_Benito_Juarez.jpg
Photograph_of_Benito_Juarez.jpg

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