Difference between revisions of "Mexico"
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*Flag Day, February 24: honoring the Mexican Flag | *Flag Day, February 24: honoring the Mexican Flag | ||
*Primero de Mayo: May 1: equivalent to the U.S. Labor Day | *Primero de Mayo: May 1: equivalent to the U.S. Labor Day | ||
| − | *Cinco de Mayo: May 5: honoring the Mexican victory over the French army at [[Puebla]] in 1862. | + | *Cinco de Mayo: May 5: honoring the Mexican victory over the French army at [[Puebla]] in 1862. Though it's only celebrated in the State of Puebla, it is also celebrated in the U.S. |
Revision as of 22:28, June 19, 2007
Mexico is a country in North America, directly south of the United States; bordering the North Pacific Ocean is between Guatemala and the US and bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the US. Mexico is a federal republic with 31 states and 1 federal district. It's capital is Mexico City. At present Mexico's territory covers almost 2 million square kilometers with a population of about 108 million (2007).
The states of Texas, New Mexico, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Wyoming, and Colorado, were part of Mexico until the Mexican American War. Many U. S. citizens in this region speak Spanish as their native language.
People
People who live in Mexico are often referred to as Mexicans. Spanish is the de facto language of Mexicans.
Economy
Mexico has a free market economy. Per capita income is one-fourth that of the U. S.; income distribution remains highly unequal.
It is a newly industrialized country, meaning it is in the intermediate stage between third world and full development. However, some parts of the country (mostly in the south) are noted because of a poor economy, causing it to be the main contributor of illegal immigration to the United States to find work.
The Oil production is estimated as 3.6 million bbl/day (2007). Most of the oil production (63 percent) is being pumped from deposits in waters in front of Campeche (Gulf of Mexico).
Government
Mexico's government is representative, democratic and republican. It's chief of state and head of government is President Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa (since 1 December, 2006). The current president is from the PAN or National Action Party. Calderon and the PAN are conservative.
Tourism
The most visited destinations are Mexico City, Cancun, Acapulco and the border cities. Mexico City is the world's third-largest metropolis (following Tokyo and NYC). New tourist areas are Huatulco, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa, and Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast
The Ministry of Tourism, through INFOTUR, provides free information to Mexican and foreign tourists, including co-nationals, about tourist destinations, attractions and services.
National Holidays
- Mexican Independence Day, September 16: the day that Miguel Hidalgo delivered El Grito de Dolores, and announced the Mexican revolt against Spanish rule.
- Flag Day, February 24: honoring the Mexican Flag
- Primero de Mayo: May 1: equivalent to the U.S. Labor Day
- Cinco de Mayo: May 5: honoring the Mexican victory over the French army at Puebla in 1862. Though it's only celebrated in the State of Puebla, it is also celebrated in the U.S.
- Official and Religious Holidays Pinnacle Travel.
Religion
The dominant Religion of Mexico is Roman Catholicism. Mexican society tend to be conservative in certain aspects, such as family values; (90% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant, 4% other).
Some facts
- Official Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Land Area: 1,958,200 sq km.
- Latitude/Longitude: 19.2ºN, 99.1ºW
- Highest Point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,700 Mts.
- Time Zone: GMT/UTC
- Electricity: 127V 60HzHz
- Country Dialing Code: 52
- Major Industries: Food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism. [1]
See also
External links
- Mexico - 2007 Facts and more
- Mexico at "Everything2"
- Travel destinations