Fast Facts

Mexico Flag(green on left, white in middle, red on right) Mexico is located on the

southern tip of the continent of North America. It borders the United States (California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) to the north. Guatemala and Belize, two Central American countries, border Mexico to the south. The Pacific Ocean borders Mexico on the west coast and the Gulf of Mexico on the east coast.

Where is Mexico?

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Mexico

Official Name: United Mexican States

Capital: Mexico City

Language: Spanish

Money: peso

Size: 758,449 square miles

Population: over 125 million

Fast Facts

Mexico Flag

!Jennifer Oglesby, The Rocket Resource !Jennifer Oglesby, The Rocket Resource

GeographyMexico is a varied country

with mountains, valleys, deserts, rain forests, and beaches. The northern parts of Mexico are covered with deserts. The largest is the Chihuahua Desert. It is located between the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain ranges. Central Mexico has plateaus of rolling hills and valleys. This land is great for farming and ranching. Another portion of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range can be found in south central Mexico. It has two active volcanoes and the highest peaks in Mexico. In southern Mexico and the Yucatan peninsula is the Pacific lowlands. This area has tropical rain forests and a desert-like region.

Most of the people in Mexico live in cities and small towns. Only about one-third live in rural areas, like farms and ranches. Most Mexicans are mestizos, which means they have a mix of Indian and Spanish blood. Most people in Mexico speak Spanish. Mexicans are a religious people. About 90% of the population is Roman Catholic. Some people in Mexico make and sell items in open markets. Many Mexicans work for larger manufacturers that make products for people around the world. Men in Mexico often wear cotton pants and shirts, while women in Mexico often wear colorful skirts and blouses.

People

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Mexico is a varied country Most of the people in

third live in rural areas,

!Jennifer Oglesby, The Rocket Resource!Jennifer Oglesby, The Rocket Resource

CultureFor thousands of years,

Mexican Indians, like the Aztecs and Mayans, were the only people who lived in Mexico. In 1519, Spanish explorers came and settled the land. Spanish and Mexican cultures have blended together over the years. A traditional craft of the Mexican Indians is weaving and embroidery. Women make brightly colored clothing to sell in the town markets. Sculptures, murals, and jewelry are also popular Mexican crafts. Mexican music is often played with guitars. The mariachi band, which is made up of 2 violins, 2 trumpets, 2 guitars, and a bass guitar, strolls around playing music. Sports are also a big part of the culture, with soccer being very popular.

Mexican food is popular around the world. Natural foods, like fruits and vegetables, make up traditional Mexican dishes. Foods are prepared with spices, like chilies, making them hot. Tortillas are an important part of Mexican food. A tortilla is a flat bread made from cornmeal or flour. Tortillas are served soft or crunchy in dishes like tacos and burritos. Guacamole is a popular healthy dish made from avocados. It is often served as a topping or a dip. Mexico is popular for its fresh juices. The tropical and exotic

fruits found in Mexicoare blended togetherand sold at roadsidestands.

Food

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For thousands of years, Mexican Indians, like the Aztecs

For thousands of years, Mexican Indians, like the Aztecs

Mexican food is

world. Natural foods, like fruits and vegetables, make up

fruits found in Mexicoare blended togetherand sold at roadsidestands.

!Jennifer Oglesby, The Rocket Resource!Jennifer Oglesby, The Rocket Resource

Plants and Animals

Mexico has a range of temperatures because of the varied land. This means many different types of plants and animals can survive here. Plants, like cactus and yucca, are common in the northern deserts. Many types of trees, like hardwoods and coconut palms, make up the thick forests. In the north, wolves, coyotes, and jaguars can be found. Rabbits, snakes, and armadillos are common in the plateau regions. The forest areas are home to spider monkeys, antelope, and toucans. The coastal regions are home to seals and gray whales.

The Olmec people were the first Indians to live in Mexico. Next came the Maya, Toltec, and Aztec people. These ancient people groups built large pyramids and huge cities. When the Spanish arrived, they brought diseases that killed many of the native people. Others were forced into slavery. The Spanish also took over and destroyed many ancient landmarks. Spain ruled Mexico until 1821, when Mexico won the battle for independence. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.

History

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plateau regions. The forest areas

monkeys, antelope, and

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battle for independence. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.

!Jennifer Oglesby, The Rocket Resource !Jennifer Oglesby, The Rocket Resource