Mexico, one of the world’s 14 largest countries, stretches north to south across two major mountain ranges: the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental, both extensions of the Rocky Mountains. Mexico’s territory includes many islands, the most notable being Revillagigedo, Marías, and Guadalupe; all together, non-continental Mexico covers about 5,000 km2. Wide plains merge into peninsulas such as Yucatan, surrounded by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
Crossed by the Tropic of Cancer, Mexico features remarkable climate diversity: depending on where you are, you can encounter temperate or tropical weather. In the 16th century, Mexico—land of flourishing Aztec empires—was invaded by Spanish conquistadors, who dominated so long they left two lasting legacies: the Spanish language and the Catholic faith.
However, centuries of colonial rule couldn’t erase the rich indigenous cultures, which travelers can still admire in places like Teotihuacán, the largest pre-Columbian archeological site in North America. Anyone visiting will experience a vibrant culture shaped by natives, mestizos, and Europeans. Mexico is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, cultures, and social traditions.
Mexico: Fast Facts
- Country: United Mexican States
- Area: 1,972,550 km²
- Capital: Mexico City
- Population: 106,203,000 inhabitants
- Language: Spanish
- Religion: Catholic majority
- Government: Federated republic
- Main cities: Mexico City, Acámbaro, Acapulco, Cancan, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Leon, medicali, Monterrey, Puebla, Queretaro, Tampico, Tijuana, Veracruz, Zacatecas, Merida, Oaxaca, Cuernavaca
Useful information for visiting Mexico
- Currency: Mexican Peso (1 euro = 14.73 MXN)
- International dialing code: +52
- International vehicle plate: MEX
- Driving side: right
- Entry documents: Passport
- Mandatory vaccinations: None
- Electricity: 110V, 60Hz (American voltage)
- Measurement system: metric
- Time zone: 7 to 9 hours behind Italy; Mexico has three time zones
- Fixed-date holidays: January 1: New Year’s Day; February 5: Constitution Day; March-April: Good Friday; March-April: Easter; March-April: Easter Monday; March 21: Anniversary of Benito Juarez’s birth; April 8: Children’s Day; May 1: Labor Day; May 5: Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla; September 1: National Day; September 16: Independence Day; October 12: Día de la Raza; November 20: Revolution Day; December 25: Christmas; December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
- Climate: Dry tropical, arid; two main seasons: dry (November-May) and wet (June-October)
- Average temperatures: from 9°C to 29°C yearly; climate changes significantly north-south and even more with altitude
- Transport: National airline: Aeromexico; international carriers flying to/from Mexico: American Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Alitalia, Iberia, among others. Domestic flights served by Aero California, Aeroméxico, and Mexicana, connecting the main cities.
- Airports: Major international airports in Mexico City, Mérida, Cancun, Acapulco, and Guadalajara. Each state has airports for domestic and/or international flights
