Mexico

Language • 97% Speak Spanish• 7.1% speak indigenous languages• 1.2% don’t speak Spanish

The law has granted more than 60 languages the status of “national languages”. Mexico has the largest Spanish speaking population in the world with more than twice as many as the second largest Spanish speaking county. It also has the largest number of Native American language speakers on the continent.

Mexico in the world

Location/Geography • 23° N 102° W • total: 1,972,550 sq km

land: 1,923,040 sq km water: 49,510 sq km

• Capital: Mexico City• Land sharing: Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, USA 3,141 km

Mexico is the world’s 14th largest country. Mexico is commonly not considered a Central American country. It is in North America.

Clima/Weather• South: 24°C ~ 28°C • North: 20°C ~ 24°C • Above 2,000m: 16°C ~ 18°C

The climate of Mexico varies according to altitude. Most of Mexico experiences a defined rainy season during the summer months

Government • federal republic

• 31 states

The United Mexican States are a federal presidential representative democratic republic whose government is based on a congressional system.

Culture Religion MusicArtHolidays SportFood

Religion • 95% Catholic

The Spanish arrival and colonization brought Roman Catholicism to the country and became the main religion of Mexico. It’s the second largest Catholic nation in the world

Music

The foundation of the music of Mexico comes from its indigenous sounds and heritage

•drums•flutes•sea shells•Voices•guitar

Art

Mexico is known worldwide for its folk art traditions, mostly derived from a combination of the indigenous and Spanish crafts.

•Folk art

Holidays

• Carnaval

• Semana Santa

• Cinco de mayo

• Día de los muertos

During the festivals, the people pray and burn candles to honor their saints in churches decorated with flowers and colorful utensils.

Sports

•Charrería •Bullfighting •Soccer •Baseball •Football

Soccer is the most popular sport in Mexico, however, boxing, baseball, long distance races, and, more recently, golf are also popular.

Food • Tacos• Tamales • Enchiladas

Mexican food is a style of food that originated in Mexico. Mexican cuisine is known for its intense and varied flavors, colorful decoration, and variety of spices.