# Mexico

> country in North America

**Wikidata**: [Q96](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q96)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mexico

## Summary
Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a sovereign state and country in North America with a population of approximately 132 million as of 2024. It covers an area of 1,972,550 square kilometers and is bordered by the United States to the north, Belize and Guatemala to the south, and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to the west and east, respectively. Mexico is a federal republic governed under the 1917 constitution, with Mexico City as its capital.

## Key Facts
- **Area**: 1,972,550 square kilometers.
- **Population**: Approximately 132 million (2024 estimate).
- **Capital**: Mexico City.
- **Government**: Federal republic, presidential system.
- **Independence**: Declared on September 16, 1810; recognized on December 1836.
- **Currency**: Mexican peso.
- **Time Zones**: Central, Mountain, and Pacific Time Zones.
- **Member Of**: United Nations, G20, OECD, NAFTA, and others.
- **Official Languages**: Spanish, with recognition of indigenous languages.
- **Demonym**: Mexican (masculine), Mexicana (feminine).
- **National Anthem**: "Himno Nacional Mexicano".
- **Highest Point**: Citlaltépetl (Pico de Orizaba) at 5,610 meters.
- **Lowest Point**: Laguna Salada at -10 meters.
- **Bordering Countries**: United States, Belize, Guatemala.

## FAQs
- **What is Mexico's political structure?** Mexico is a federal republic with a presidential system, divided into 31 states and Mexico City as a federal entity.
- **When did Mexico gain independence?** Mexico declared independence from Spain on September 16, 1810, and was recognized as independent in 1836.
- **What are Mexico's major international memberships?** Mexico is part of the UN, G20, OECD, NAFTA, and the World Trade Organization.
- **What are Mexico's official languages?** Spanish is the primary official language, with 68 indigenous languages recognized, including Nahuatl and Yucatec Maya.
- **What is Mexico's economic profile?** Mexico has the 15th-largest nominal GDP globally, with key industries in manufacturing, oil, and agriculture.

## Why It Matters
Mexico plays a critical role in North American geopolitics and economics, serving as a bridge between the U.S. and Latin America. Its rich cultural heritage, blending indigenous traditions with Spanish colonial influences, contributes significantly to global cultural diversity. Economically, Mexico is a major exporter of oil, automobiles, and agricultural products, and its strategic location makes it a vital trade partner under agreements like NAFTA/USMCA.

## Notable For
- **Biodiversity**: Home to 10% of the world's species, including the monarch butterfly biosphere reserve.
- **Cultural Heritage**: 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chichén Itzá and the historic center of Mexico City.
- **Cuisine**: Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, featuring dishes like tacos and mole.
- **Economic Influence**: A founding member of the OECD and a key player in regional trade agreements.
- **Historical Significance**: Site of the Aztec and Maya civilizations, with ongoing archaeological discoveries.

## Body
### Geography and Environment
Mexico spans 1,972,550 km², stretching from the U.S. border to Central America. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea to the east. The country's diverse geography includes volcanic peaks like Citlaltépetl, deserts such as the Sonoran, and rainforests in the south. Mexico is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes.

### History
- **Pre-Columbian Era**: Home to advanced civilizations such as the Aztecs and Maya.
- **Colonial Period**: Conquered by Spain in 1521, becoming a viceroyalty.
- **Independence**: Gained independence in 1821 after a decade-long war.
- **Modern Era**: Experienced the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920), leading to the 1917 constitution.

### Government and Politics
Mexico operates as a federal republic with three branches of government. The president serves as both head of state and government, elected for a single six-year term. The current president is Claudia Sheinbaum, inaugurated in 2024. Mexico is a member of over 40 international organizations, including the UN and G20.

### Economy
Mexico has the 15th-largest economy globally, driven by manufacturing, oil production, and agriculture. It is a major exporter of automobiles, electronics, and agricultural products. The country faces challenges like income inequality and corruption, with a GDP per capita of approximately $14,600 (2022).

### Culture
Mexican culture is a blend of indigenous and European influences. Key elements include:
- **Language**: Spanish is dominant, with 68 recognized indigenous languages.
- **Cuisine**: Known for corn-based dishes, chili peppers, and chocolate.
- **Arts**: Famous for muralism (e.g., Diego Rivera) and traditional crafts.
- **Festivals**: Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is a globally recognized celebration.

### Demographics
As of 2024, Mexico's population is approximately 132 million, with 50.7% identifying as mestizo, 37.2% as white, and 15.7% as indigenous. The majority practice Roman Catholicism, though religious diversity is increasing. Life expectancy is around 75 years, with a literacy rate of 94.8%.

### Education and Science
Mexico invests about 2.4% of GDP in education, with institutions like the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) ranking among the top in Latin America. The country has made significant contributions to science, including the development of the first synthetic birth control pill.

### Infrastructure and Technology
Mexico has an extensive road network and is a leader in aerospace manufacturing. It launched its first satellite, Morelos 1, in 1985, and has a growing tech sector, particularly in Guadalajara, known as "Mexico's Silicon Valley."

### Challenges
Mexico faces issues such as drug-related violence, corruption, and environmental degradation. It is also vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and desertification.

### International Relations
Mexico maintains strong ties with the U.S. through trade agreements like USMCA. It plays a key role in regional diplomacy and has been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council multiple times.

## References

1. [Source](http://unstats.un.org/unsd/methods/m49/m49regin.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/mexico)
3. [Source](https://archivos.juridicas.unam.mx/www/bjv/libros/7/3434/13.pdf)
4. [Source](http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0041-86332011000300003)
5. [Source](https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/nuevazelandia/index.php/sobremexico/gobiernoyestructura#:~:text=M%C3%A9xico%20es%20una%20Rep%C3%BAblica%20Federal,con%20la%20Constituci%C3%B3n%20de%201824.&text=El%20Supremo%20Poder%20de%20la,Poderes%20Legislativo%2C%20Ejecutivo%20y%20Judicial.)
6. [Source](https://www.gob.mx/gobierno)
7. [Source](https://gobierno.cdmx.gob.mx/)
8. [Source](https://www.jalisco.gob.mx/)
9. Source
10. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
11. BnF authorities
12. CiNii Research
13. [Source](https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:MX)
14. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
15. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Americas/MEXICO)
16. [International Hydrographic Organization](https://www.iho.int/srv1/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=452&lang=en)
17. [Nuclear Suppliers Group](http://www.nuclearsuppliersgroup.org/en/participants1)
18. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
19. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/mexico)
20. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
21. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
22. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=196)
23. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
24. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/mexico)
25. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
26. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
27. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
28. [Source](https://books.google.lv/books?id=WdzY7YjhRroC&pg=PA83&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false)
29. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
30. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
31. FIPS 10-4
32. MusicBrainz
33. Integrated Authority File
34. [Human Development Report. 2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
35. Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía
36. World Bank Open Data
37. [Source](https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/mexico-population/)
38. [Source](https://datos.gob.mx/busca/dataset/proyecciones-de-la-poblacion-de-mexico-y-de-las-entidades-federativas-2020-2070/resource/9e23c5ca-c866-4627-8ef0-6cfeca2391c0)
39. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
40. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
41. Virtual International Authority File
42. [Source](https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/finlandia/index.php/embajada/acerca-de-mexico)
43. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
44. [Source](https://www.inali.gob.mx/bicen/pdf/GLOSARIO_nahuatl_huasteca_potosina.pdf)
45. The National Terminology Database for Irish
46. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
47. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
48. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
49. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
50. [Source](http://best-hashtags.com/hashtag/mexico/)