Mexico Snapshot

With rich and fascinating history, beautiful nature, beaches and sunshine, and friendly people, Mexico is one of the world's favorite vacation destinations.

Mexico is located in North America Region, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the United States and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the U.S. With total land area about 1,923,040 square kilometers, Mexico is slightly less than three times the size of Texas.

Based on July 2004 estimate, Mexico has 104,959,594 population, including mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, and other 1%. Spanish is the official language in Mexico. But some Mexican people also speak various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages.

The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. Today, Mexico has a free market economy with a mixture of modern and outmoded industry and agriculture. Mexico's government continuously privatizes and expands competition in sea ports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity, natural gas distribution, and airports. Mexico has a highly developed telephone system. In 2002, Mexico has about 10 million Internet users. It uses Mexican peso as its currency. Based on January 2002 exchange rate, US$1 equal to 9.1614 Mexican pesos.

The capital Mexico City was the center of ancient Aztec civilization and is the hub of economic and culture today. The ruins of Teotihuacan, the National Museum of Anthropology, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Templo Mayor, are some major tourist attractions around Mexico City.

Located on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is a mega resort with white sandy beaches, luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and evening entertainment.

Mayan Riviera, located south of Cancun, is a peaceful resort. It is perfect for snorkeling in crystal-clear water and relax on white sandy beaches.

Cozumel, the largest Caribbean island in Mexico, is one of the top five dive sites in the world.

Acapulco is Mexico's largest resort. With majestic mountains, beautiful beaches, world-class hotels and restaurants, outdoor activities - swimming, water-skiing, tennis, golf, and non-stop nightlife, Acapulco is one of the finest vacation destinations.

Puerto Vallarta is one of the Mexico's most popular vacation spots set between the beautiful Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific coast.