Mexico is a federal republic in the southern portion of North America.
The United States of Mexico, more commonly known as Mexico, is a republic made up of thirty-two free and sovereign states in North America. To the north of Mexico is the United States of America, and to the south are the countries of Guatemala and Belize. It is surrounded by several large bodies of water, with the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Gulf of California runs between the northwestern part of mainland Mexico and the Baja Peninsula.
The capital of Mexico is Mexico City, and it was formerly known as the Federal District. It was founded by the Aztecs in 1325, making it the oldest city in North America. At its founding, the capital was known as Tenochtitlán, and it was built on an island in Lake Texcoco. It was a densely populated island city with towers and fortresses as welland ashad a thriving economy. The city's current landscape took shape after the Spanish invaded, drained the lake that surrounded it, and restructured the city. There are still remnants of the style the Aztecs used to build the original city, such as canals and rivers, that run through the city.
Mexico has thirty-one UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase feats accomplished by the complex civilizations that were dominant in the country's history. Today, Mexico has the second-largest economy in Latin America. It plays a crucial part in global economics with its open policy for trading and plays a crucial part in global economics with its open policy for trading as well as beingis a hub for fulfilling the manufacturing needs of global enterprises.
The origin of the name of Mexico is debated but it is thought that the nameto comescome from the Mayan language of the Nahuatl word Mēxihco, meaning "navel of the moon." The Mexica is what the Aztec people called themselves; they were a nomadic people who settled in the area after traveling from a northern land that is known to have been the home of the ancestral Aztecs.
In the early 1500s, the Spanish started making trips to Mexico. Spanish terrorist Hernan Cortes invaded the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, in 1521 after having gainedgaining allies and warriors from enemies of the Aztec empire to help fight. Cortes and his allies were able to capture the capital through violent, organized assaults and by killing portions of the population with the smallpox virus that he and his fellow Spaniards had brought with them from Europe.
The War of Independence was started in 1810 by Mexican priest Miguel Hildago. This war led to the Spanish eventually retreating in 1821 and Mexico gaining its independence. The country was initially changed to an empire, and the emperor was Agustin de Iturbide, who had been a leader in the fight for independence when the Spanish were finally expulsed. The people of the country did not like this new leader or this form of government;, so in 1823, Mexico became a republic.
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated every year on September 16th, which is the day Father Hildago made the historic call for independence, known as "El GritoEl Grito" in Spanish.
The terrain of the country varies greatly depending on its geographical location. Much of the north of the country is made up of deserts, and to the east are rainforests and a mountain range called the Sierra Madre Oriental. The southern part of the country also has both rainforests and mountains. To the west, there is the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range and beaches along the coast that meet the Pacific Ocean. The central part of Mexico, where 25 percent of the country's population lives in or around the capital of Mexico City, has volcanoes, some of which are covered in snow.
In addition to being surrounded by water on both the east and west coasts, Mexico has various bodies of water throughout the country. There are more than forty-two rivers throughthroughout Mexico with the longest being the Río Bravo del Norte (also known as the Rio Grande).
It is reported that Mexico experiences earthquakes every day, although most of them are small tremors. The excessive number of earthquakes is due to its location in the "Ring of Fire," where two tectonic plates (Cocos and North America) meet and inevitably collide when shifting, causing earthquakes. Most of the earthquakes in Mexico occur on the west coast, although the most recent catastrophic earthquake experienced in the country was in Mexico City in September 2017.
In May 2023, Popocatepetl, which is located in the central part of Mexico, started showing signs of increased activity, including plumes of ash being spewedspewing into the air. The volcano had been dormant since 1994, and its activity is cause for serious alarm as more than 25 million people live within its vicinity.
The varying landscape of Mexico creates a lotvariety of different habitats for wildlife creatures to thrive. Some of those creatures are dangerous to both humans and theother animals' predatorsspecies. There are many poisonous lizards, snakes, and insects. There areand also dangerous aquatic species off the shores of Mexico, including box jellyfish.
The constitutionConstitution of Mexico was written in 1917 and is the third constitutionConstitution of the present-day country. It was written around the end of the Mexican Revolution and thus contains the ideas and values of a country experiencing a revolution, such as liberties for the people of Mexico.
Federal elections and elections for senators are held concurrently every six years. They are held on the first Sunday of July, and voting is legally compulsory for all eligible voters. Governors are also elected every six years, while elections for the chamberChamber of deputiesDeputies are held once every three years.
The president is the only member of the federal executive branch and is also named Chief of State and the Army. Registered voters from the thirty-two states of Mexico can vote for the president during the election, which is once every six years. Presidents historically have only been able to serve one term and have no vice president.
Mexico's military is operated through two government ministries: the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) and the Secretariat of the Navy. It is ranked as the thirty-first strongest military out of 145 countries evaluated in 2023 and is well-funded, with SEDENA receiving more than $7 billion in a trust fund in 2023.
It is often referred to as the "Mexican Armed Forces" and has three branches: the Army, Air Force, and Navy. The responsibilities of the military extend beyond international protection, and the military is often used in domestic settings as law enforcement for drug mitigation efforts and disaster relief. The military is also sometimes used to carry out infrastructure projects, such as a new airport in Mexico City.
Law enforcement in Mexico is divided into different forces depending on their power and jurisdiction. There are law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and municipal levels. At the federal level, there is the National Guard. There are two main branches of the national police force: the uniformed branch, called "Policia Federal," and the plain-clothed branch that specializes in criminal investigations, "Policía Federal Ministerial."
The colors used on the Mexican flag are green, white, and red. The meanings of the colors have changed since the flag was first made in 1821. Today, it is generally accepted that the color green represents hope for the nation, the white represents unity, and the red represents the blood of the Mexicans who fought and died for the country's independence.
The architecture that can be seen in Mexico spans from pre-Hispanic times through present day, with modern skyscrapers in major cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Mexican food has become increasingly popular over the years, and the country has become a hub for culinary conventions and events, such as the grand finale for popular cooking TV show Top Chef.
In addition to the cuisine in Mexico being regionally distinct, there are also culinary influences from other cultures. In Veracruz, the food is influenced by West African cultures due to the enslaved people who were brought to the city. Spanish influence can be seen in Mexican food, with the use of ingredients that were brought to Mexico from Spain, such as tomatoes, garlic, and capers.
The music that is played in Mexico is influenced by its indigenous groups and music from other regions of the world, including Spain, the United States, and the Caribbean. The dominant genres of music in the country include those below:
One such sport that is unique to Mexico is charrería, which was formed from the traditional practice of livestock herding. Another example is Lucha libre, a form of Mexican wrestling that is famous for its colorful masks that completely conceal the wrestlers' faces.
The United States of Mexico, more commonly known as Mexico, is a republic made up of 32thirty-two free and sovereign states in North America. To the north of Mexico is the United States of America and to the south are the countries of Guatemala and Belize. It is surrounded by several large bodies of water with the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Gulf of California runs between the north westernnorthwestern part of mainland Mexico and the Baja Peninsula.
The capital of Mexico is Mexico City, and it was formerly known as the Federal District. It was founded by the Aztecs in 1325, making it the oldest city in North America. At its founding, the capital was known as Tenochtitlán, and was built on an island in Lake Texcoco. It was a densely populated island city with towers and fortresses as well as a thriving economy. The city's current landscape took shape after the Spanish invaded, drained the lake that surrounded it, and restructured the city. There are still remnants of the style the Aztecs used to build the original city, such as canals and rivers, that run through the city.
Mexico has 31thirty-one UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase feats accomplished by the complex civilizations that were dominant in the country's history. Today, Mexico has the second largestsecond-largest economy in Latin America and plays a crucial part in global economics with its open policy for trading as well as being a hub for fulfilling the manufacturing needs of global enterprises.
The origin of the name of Mexico is debated but it is thought that the name comes from the Mayan language of the Nahuatl word MēxihcoMēxihco, meaning "navel of the moon.". The Mexica is what the Aztec people called themselves and; they were a nomadic people who settled in the area after traveling from a northern land that is known to have been the home of the ancestral Aztecs.
Other large societies in Mexico included the Maya, Toltecs, Mixtecs, and Zapotecs. There were also some other smaller groups of people who inhabited Mexico.
The Spanish enforced military and economic control. They also forced Catholicism on the people of Mexico while continuing to spread diseases that drastically reduced the indigenous population.
The War of Independence was started in 1810 by Mexican priest Miguel Hildago. This war led to the Spanish eventually retreating in 1821 and Mexico gaining its independence. The country was initially changed to an empire and the emperor was Agustin de Iturbide, who had been a leader in the fight for indepedence when the Spanish were finally expulsed . The people of the country did not like this new leader nor this form of government, so in 1823, Mexico became a republic.
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated every year on September 16th, which is the day that Father Hildago made the historic call for independence, known as "El Grito" in Spanish.
The Spanish enforced military and economic control. They also forced Catholicism on the people of Mexico while continuing to spread diseases that drastically reduced the indigenous population.
The War of Independence was started in 1810 by Mexican priest Miguel Hildago. This war led to the Spanish eventually retreating in 1821 and Mexico gaining its independence. The country was initially changed to an empire and the emperor was Agustin de Iturbide, who had been a leader in the fight for independence when the Spanish were finally expulsed. The people of the country did not like this new leader or this form of government; so in 1823, Mexico became a republic.
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated every year on September 16th, which is the day Father Hildago made the historic call for independence, known as "El Grito" in Spanish.
Mexico covers an area of about 761,600 square miles with approximately 7,000 miles of coast linecoastline. It is the fifth largestfifth-largest country in the Americas and the 14th largestfourteenth-largest country in the world.
The terrain of the country varies greatly depending on its geographical location. Much of the north of the country is made up of deserts, and to the east there are rainforests and a mountain range called the Sierra Madre Oriental. The southern part of the country also has both rainforests and mountains. To the west, there is the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range and beaches along the coast that meet the Pacific Ocean. The central part of Mexico, where 25% percent of the country's population lives in or around the capital of Mexico City, has volcanoes, some of which are covered in snow.
In addition to being surrounded by water on both the east and west coasts, Mexico has various bodies of water throughout the country. TheThere are more than forty-two rivers through Mexico with the longest river isbeing the Río Bravo del Norte (also known as the Rio Grande) and there are more than 42 rivers throughout Mexico.
There are also large lakes in the country, such as Lake Chapala and the Lakes of Montebello, the latter of which are located in the southern part of Mexico near the Guatemala border.
Mexico has a diverse landscape, which yields various natural resources. It has a lot of agricultural resources, including corn, coffee, and avocados, as well asand the maguey plant, which is used to make tequila. Other natural resources that are available in the country include oil, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, and wood.
The geography of Mexico, combined with its size, means that there are several different climates throughout the country. Some scientific climate classification systems indicate that there are seven different climate regions in Mexico:
Other systems state that there are simply two climate regions: tropical and temperate. The regions are divided by the Tropic of Cancer, and the region to the north is considered temperate, especially in areas with higher elevation. The region south of the Tropic of Cancer is more tropical and experiences heat and humidity for much of the year, especially along the coasts.
It is reported that Mexico experiences earthquakes every day, although most of them are small tremors. The excessive number of earthquakes is due to its location in the "Ring of Fire,", where two tectonic plates (Cocos and North America) meet and inevitably collide when shifting, causing earthquakes. Most of the earthquakes in Mexico occur on the west coast, although the most recent catastrophic earthquake experienced in the country was in Mexico City in September 2017.
Mexico has more than 70seventy volcanoes throughout the country. Many of them are located in the aforementioned "Ring of Fire," and the most active ones are named Popocatepetl, Colima, and El Chichon. In March 1982, one of the deadliest volcano eruptions in recent history in Mexico killed 1,879 people when El Chicon erupted. The volcano is located in the southern region of the country.
In May 2023, Popocatepetl, which is located in the central part of Mexico, started showing signs of increased activity, including plumes of ash being spewed into the air. The volcano had been dormant since 1994, and its activity is cause for serious alarm as more than 25 million people live within its vicinity.
The varying landscape of Mexico creates a lot of different habitats for wildlife creatures to thrive. Some of those creatures are dangerous to both humans and the animals' predators. There are many poisonous lizards, snakes, and insects. There isare also dangerous aquatic life species off the shores of Mexico, including box jellyfish.
Mexico is a federal republic with a government led by a democratically elected president. There are three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is almost exclusively controlled by the president, who has control over the states and the ruling party of the country. The legislative branch is governed by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, and the judicial branch is governed by the Supreme Court.
The constitution of Mexico was written in 1917 and is the third constitution forof the present-day country. It was written around the endingend of the Mexican Revolution and thus contains the ideas and values of a country experiencing a revolution, such as liberties for the people of Mexico.
Federal elections and elections for senators are held concurrently every six years. They are held on the first Sunday of July, and voting is legally compulsory for all eligible voters. Governors are also elected every six years, while elections for the chamber of deputies are held once every three years.
The National Electoral Institute (INE) was established in 1990 under the name Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) as a non-partisan and independent agency to oversee elections and curb political corruption. In 2023, the senateSenate passed a bill to minimize the power of the organization, making the future of the organization unclear.
Each of Mexico's 32thirty-two states has its own rights and elects its own officials for its government. The leader of each state is an elected governor , and in the capital, there is a chief of government.
ThereEach isstate has a Supreme Court and Congress for each state, which allows them to enact their own laws within the power that is allowed by the federal government. Each state is also divided into smaller municipalities that can elect their own mayors.
The legislative branch is known as the Congress, which is divided into two parts: the senateSenate and the chamberChamber of deputiesDeputies. The senateSenate is known as the "Upper Chamber," and the chamberChamber of deputiesDeputies is known as the "Lower Chamber.". The elected officials in this branch of government have power over the laws of the country and debate renewing existing laws and enacting new ones.
At the federal level, the judicial branch of the government in Mexico is composed of 11eleven ministers who are elected to be part of the Supreme Court and hold their position for a term of 15fifteen years. The main purpose of the supremeSupreme courtCourt is to defend the Constitution and protect human rights.
Mexico's military is operated through two government ministries: the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) and the Secretariat of the Navy. It is ranked as the 31stthirty-first strongest military out of 145 countries evaluated in 2023, and is well-funded with SEDENA receiving more than $7 billion in a trust fund in 2023 .
It is often referred to as the "Mexican Armed Forces" and has three branches: the Army, Air Force, and Navy.TheNavy. The responsibilities of the military extend beyond international protection and the military is often used in domestic settings as law enforcement for drug mitigation efforts and disaster relief. The military is also sometimes used to carry out infrastructure projects, such as a new airport in Mexico City.
Due to the strength and power that the military has within the country, there are accusations of corruption and abuse of power. International organizations, such as Amnesty International, have also noted that they have documentation of abuses by the military.
Law enforcement in Mexico is divided into different forces depending on their power and jurisdiction. There are law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and municipal levels. At the federal level, there is the National Guard. There are two main branches of the national police force: the uniformed branch that is, called "Policia Federal," and the plain-clothed branch that specializes in criminal investigations, which is called "Policía Federal Ministerial.".
The country's economy fell by 8% percent in 2020 due to issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The economy slowly recovered after 2020, and although the country experienced noticeable inflation along with the rest of the world,. someSome salaries also increased, allowing some Mexicans to keep spending money in the economy.
While the economy is fairly strong in Mexico, the uneven wealth distribution is abnormally high. In 2021, it was reported that the top 10% percent of the wealthiest people in Mexico held nearly 80% percent of the wealth. It was also found that the bottom 50% percent of people held -0.2% percent of the wealth in Mexico, meaning that, on average, the bottom 50% percent had more debt than assets. According to the World Inequality Report of 2022, these statistics make Mexico one of the most economically unequal countries in the world.
There are nearly 130 million people in Mexico belonging to different ethnic groups, such as those below:
The largest ethnic group is the Mestizos, but that is only estimated because Mexico does not collect census data based on ethnicity. The major cities in the country, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Puebla, are densely populated.
Given the fact that there were various separate tribes throughout Mexico in pre-Hispanic times, the country was founded with multiple different indigenous cultures that ended up being influenced by Spanish culture. These cultures blend together and impact the culture that is seen in Mexico today through art, food, music, and more.
Art in Mexico can be traced back thousands of years with ceramics with art painted on them being uncovered from the Maya and Aztec civilizations. Murals have also been found in ancient temples throughout the country.
Mexico experienced a surge in art and artists after the Mexican Revolution. Many of the painters from the 1900s captured the people and culture of Mexico in their paintings. Famous Mexican painters include the following:
There is a large presentpresence of folk art in Mexico as well. The folk art varies from region to region as artists use different local resources and materials to create the art or crafts. Materials that are used include clay, wood, metal, stones, and plants. Mexican folk art is known for its vibrant colors, which can be seen in paintings, artisanal goods, and patterns in clothing.
Ruins of ancient stone architecture can be seen in places such as Chiapas and Tabasco. Archaeological sites throughout the country show the architecture that was used by civilizations prior to the arrival of the Spanish. One example of these sites is Chichen Itza, which is located on the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and several pieces of architecture, such as temples and a pyramid, from the Mayan civilization, are located there. The architecture is made of stone and is designed for practical as well as aesthetic purposes.
Once the Spanish arrived in Mexico, the architecture that was being constructed had colonial influence from Europe. A lotMuch of the architecture was in the form of churches and monasteries to house places to spread the religion of Spain, Catholicism. This type of architecture was also constructed with stone but used architectural styles that were popular in Europe, including Gothic and Baroque.
There are cities throughout Mexico whichthat are considered "colonial" cities because of the style of architecture that is dominant in the city. Examples include Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende, and these cities have buildings that are influenced by Spanish architecture. These cities are also known for their colorful buildings and houses that are painted bright colors, such as red, orange, and yellow on the stucco facades.
A lot of Mexican cuisine has been developed around ingredients that are available locally. Those ingredients vary depending on geographical location; thus, the cuisine varies from place to place in Mexico. Ingredients that are commonly used throughout the entire country include corn, limes, poblano chilies, beans, and various types of meat. Given the vast coastlines along Mexico, seafood is also very popular and plentiful. It is often used in soups, tamales, and other dishes.
Some of the cuisine in Mexico has roots fromin the indigenous cultures, such aas mole, which is a complex sauce that is popular in Oaxaca. The recipes for these indigenous foods were passed down by indigenous people, and the cuisine was developed before the Spanish and other cultures arrived in Mexico.
In addition to the cuisine in Mexico being regionally distinct, there are also culinary influences from other cultures in the food. In Veracruz, the food is influenced by West African cultures due to the enslaved people who were brought to the city. Spanish influence can be seen in Mexican food with the use of ingredients that were brought to Mexico from Spain, such as tomatoes, garlic, and capers.
The music that is played in Mexico is influenced fromby its own indigenous groups as well asand influencesmusic from other regions inof the world, including Spain, the United States, and the Caribbean. The dominant genres of music in the country include those below:
Various sports are popular in Mexico, some of which are also popular in other parts of Latin America, such as boxing, soccer, and baseball. Other sports that are popular in Mexico are unique to the country or are a variation of a sport from another country, such as bullfighting.
One such sport that is unique to Mexico is charrería, which is a sport that was formed from the traditional practice of livestock herding. Another example is Lucha libre, which is a form of Mexican wrestling that is famous for its colorful masks that completely conceal the wrestlers' faces.
The capital of Mexico is Mexico City and it was formerly known as the Federal District. It was founded by the Aztecs in 1325, making it the oldest city in North America. At its founding, the capital was known as Tenochtitlán and was built on an island in Lake Texcoco. It was a densely populated island city with towers and fortresses as well as a thriving economy. The city's current landscape took shape after the Spanish invaded, drained the lake that surrounded it, and restructured the city. There are still remnants of the style the Aztecs used to build the original city, such as canals and rivers, that run through the city.
Mexico has 31 UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase feats accomplished by the complex civilizations that wewere dominant in the country's history. Today Mexico has the second largest economy in Latin America and plays a crucial part in global economics with its open policy for trading as well as being a hub for fulfilling manufacturing needs of global enterprises.
The War of Independence was started in 1810 by Mexican priest Miguel Hildago. This war led to the Spanish eventually retreating in 1821 and Mexico gaining its independence. The country was initially changed to an empire and the emperor was Agustin de Iturbide, who had been a leader in the leader of fight for indepedence when the Spanish were finally expulsed . The people of the country did not like this new leader nor this form of government, so in 1823, Mexico became a republic.
Mexico's large size and availability of plains allow it to be a major producer of meat products, such as beef. The aforementioned vast coastlines give the country access to marine resources, such aslike seafood.
The National Electoral Institute (INE) was established in 1990 under the name Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) as a non-partisan and independent agency to oversee elections and curb political corruption. In 2023, the senate passed a bill to curbminimize the power of the organization, making the future of the organization unclear.
Each of Mexico's 3132 states has its own rights and elects its own officials for its government. The leader of each state is an elected governor and in the capital, there is a chief of government.
The president is the only member of the federal executive branch and is also named Chief of State and the Army. Registered voters from the thirty-onethirty-two states of Mexico and the federal district can vote for the president during the election, which is once every six years. Presidents historically have only been able to serve one term and have no vice president.
Due to the strength and power that the military has within the country, there are accusations of corruption and abuse of power. International organizations, such as Amnesty InternationalAmnesty International, have also noted that they have documentation of abuses by the military.
While the economy is fairly strong in Mexico, the uneven wealth distribution is abnormally high. In 2021, it was reported that the top 10% of the wealthiest people in Mexico held nearly 80% of the wealth. It was also found that the bottom 50% of people held -0.2% of the wealth in Mexico, meaning that, on average, the bottom 50% had more debt than assets. According to the World Inequality Report of 2022, these statistics make Mexico one of the most economically unequal countries in the world.
The largest ethnic group is the Mestizos but that is only estimated because Mexico does not collect census data based on ethnicity. The major cities in the country, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Puebla, are densely populated.
Spanish is the most spoken language in Mexico, but there are people who speak the language of their native tribe. Examples of those languages include Nahuatl, Yucatec Maya, Mixtec, Zapotec, Tzeltal Maya, Tzotzil Maya, and Otomi.
Ruins of ancient stone architecture can be seen places such as Chiapas and Tabasco. Archaeological sites throughout the country show the architecture that was used by civilizations prior to the arrival of the Spanish. One example of these sites is Chichen ItzaChichen Itza, which is located on the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and several pieces of architecture, such as temples and a pyramid, from the Mayan civilization are located there. The architecture is made of stone and is designed for practical as well as aesthetic purposes.
Modern architecture can be seen in large cities, such as Mexico City. In Mexico City in particular, in Mexico City, modern architecture can be seen in the museums, libraries, and religious centers. The architecture has modern features, such as curved shapes and the use of metal and glass for both the facade and interior of the buildings.
Mexican food has become increasingly popular over the years and the country has become a hub for culinary conventions and events, such as the grand finale for popular cooking TV show Top Chef.
Mexican food has become increasingly popular over the years and it has become a hub for culinary conventions and events, such as the grand finale for popular cooking TV show Top Chef. A lot of Mexican cuisine has been developed around ingredients that are available locally. Those ingredients vary depending on geographical location thus the cuisine varies from place to place in Mexico. Ingredients that are commonly used throughout the entire country include corn, limes, poblano chilies, beans, and various types of meat. Given the vast coastlines along Mexico, seafood is also very popular and plentiful. It is often used in soups, tamales, and other dishes.
November 2021
The country enters into a recession.
December 2018
October 2018
September 19, 2017
The earthquake happens on the exact same day 32 years after the devastating earthquake that killed nearly 10,000 people in Mexico City.
185
October 2007
December 2006
2000
His presidency ends a 70-year era of a single party holding presidencey.
1997
January 1, 1994
The movement is fueled by armed indiginous people who declare war on the Mexican government due to its treatment of the Mayan people as well as the poor througout the country. The group also wants to draw attention to the environmental devastation that is occuring in the state of Chiapas.
1994
September 19, 1985
1976
President Jose López Portillo and the government start borrowing money from foreign countries to create programs to benefit the country, such as social welfare programs and industrial expansion. Portillo thinks Mexico can easily repay the loans, but it turns out that the oil that was discovered was low-grade and lucrative enough to pay back the debt, leaving Mexico with massive foreign debt.
1968
Protestors hold several demonstrations to draw attention to the social inequality and lack of democracy. On October 2, Mexican forces open fire on protestors in Tlatelolco Plaza, killing at least 100 people.
1934
He initiates land and oil reform as well as industrial expansion.
1929
The political party dominates the Mexican government for 71 years.
1917
It is the same constitution that Mexico uses today.
1913
He is assassinated the next year.
November 20, 1910
Francisco Madero, a vocal oppositionist of Porfirio Diaz, issues the Plan of San Luis Potosi calling for reform of the government, elections, and how the working class is treated.
1877
1867
Benito Juarez is reinstated as president.
1863
He is put into power by Napoleon III.
1861
England, France, and Spain send a joint army to recoup the debt. After making deals for repayment, England and Spain leave Mexico; France stays and imposes a monarchy in Mexico.
1858
1857
1857
The reforms include lessening the power of the Catholic Church and increasing individual rights for some citizens within the country.
1857
1846
The war ends in 1848 with Mexico being forced to sell some of its northern provinces.
185
The music that is played in Mexico is influenced from its own indigenous groups as well as influences from other regions in the world including Spain, the United States, and the Caribbean. The dominant genres of music in the country include:
Mariachi in Mexico
Various sports are popular in Mexico, some of which are also popular in other parts of Latin America such as boxing, soccer, and baseball. Other sports that are popular in Mexico are unique to the country or are a variation of a sport from another country, such as bullfighting.
Lucha libre professionals
One such sport that is unique to Mexico is charrería, which is a sport that was formed from the traditional practice of livestock herding. Another example is Lucha libre, which is a form of Mexican wrestling that is famous for its colorful masks that completely conceal the wrestlers' faces.
1846
The war ends in 1848 with Mexico being forced to sell some of its northern provinces.
April 1836
1824
1821
The country is established as an empire with a emperor.
September 16, 1810
This marks the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence.
August 13, 1521
February 1517
Approximatley half of the invaders were killed or captured by the locals in Yucatán defending their land.
1325
Mexican food has become increasingly popular over the years and it has become a hub for culinary conventions and events, such as the grand finale for popular cooking TV show Top Chef.
Mexican food has become increasingly popular over the years and it has become a hub for culinary conventions and events, such as the grand finale for popular cooking TV show Top Chef. A lot of Mexican cuisine has been developed around ingredients that are available locally. Those ingredients vary depending on geographical location thus the cuisine varies from place to place in Mexico. Ingredients that are commonly used throughout the entire country include corn, limes, poblano chilies, beans, and various types of meat. Given the vast coastlines along Mexico, seafood is also very popular and plentiful. It is often used in soups, tamales, and other dishes.
Some of the cuisine in Mexico has roots from the indigenous cultures, such a mole, which is a complex sauce that is popular in Oaxaca. The recipes for these indigenous foods were passed down by indigenous people and the cuisine was developed before the Spanish and other cultures arrived in Mexico.
In addition to the cuisine in Mexico being regionally distinct, there are also influences from other cultures in the food. In Veracruz the food is influenced by West African cultures due to the enslaved people who were brought to the city. Spanish influence can be seen in Mexican food with the use of ingredients that were brought to Mexico from Spain, such as tomatoes, garlic, and capers.
Mexico's flag
Mexico's flag
A painting of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera by Frida Kahlo
The architecture that can be seen in Mexico spans from pre-Hispanic times through present day with modern skyscrapers in major cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Ruins of ancient stone architecture can be seen places such as Chiapas and Tabasco. Archaeological sites throughout the country show the architecture that was used by civilizations prior to the arrival of the Spanish. One example of these sites is Chichen Itza, which is located on the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and several pieces of architecture, such as temples and a pyramid, from the Mayan civilization are located there. The architecture is made of stone and is designed for practical as well as aesthetic purposes.
Once the Spanish arrived in Mexico, the architecture that was being constructed had colonial influence from Europe. A lot of the architecture was in the form of churches and monasteries to house places to spread the religion of Spain, Catholicism. This type of architecture was also constructed with stone but used architectural styles that were popular in Europe including Gothic and Baroque.
Guanajuato City
There are cities throughout Mexico which are considered "colonial" cities because of the style of architecture that is dominant in the city. Examples include Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende and these cities have buildings that are influenced by Spanish architecture. These cities are also known for their colorful buildings and houses that are painted bright colors, such as red, orange, and yellow on the stucco facades.
Modern architecture can be seen in large cities, such as Mexico City. In particular, in Mexico City, modern architecture can be seen in the museums, libraries, and religious centers. The architecture has modern features, such as curved shapes and the use of metal and glass for both the facade and interior of the buildings.
Mexican food has become increasingly popular over the years and it has become a hub for culinary conventions and events, such as the grand finale for popular cooking TV show Top Chef.
Law enforcement in Mexico is divided into different forces depending on their power and jurisdiction. There are law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and municipal levels. At the federal level there is the National Guard. There are two main branches of the national police force: the uniformed branch that is called "Policia FederalPolicia Federal" and the plain-clothed branch that specializes in criminal investigations, which is called "Policía Federal MinisterialPolicía Federal Ministerial".
The country's economy fell by 8% in 2020 due to issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemicCOVID-19 pandemic. The economy slowly recovered after 2020 and although the country experienced noticeable inflation along with the rest of the world, some salaries also increased, allowing some Mexicans to keep spending money in the economy.
The largest ethnic group is the Mestizos but that is only estimated because Mexico does not collect census data based on ethnicity. The major cities in the country, including Mexico City, GuadalajaraGuadalajara, and PueblaPuebla are densely populated.
Spanish is the most spoken language in Mexico, but there are people who speak the language of their native tribe. Examples of those languages include Nahuatl, Yucatec MayaYucatec Maya, MixtecMixtec, Zapotec, Tzeltal MayaTzeltal Maya, Tzotzil Maya and Otomi.
The image that can be seen on Mexico's official flag is of an eagle perched on a prickly pearprickly pear cactus holding a snake in its beak. This is a symbol from an Aztec prophecy that stated that the Aztecs, who were nomadic people at the time, would find a permanent place to live when they saw an eagle perched on a prickly pear tree with a snake in its beak. The nomadic Aztecs found that near Lake Texcoco and started to build Teotihuacán, the original Mexico City.
Mexico's flag
The colors used on the Mexican flag are green, white, and red. The meanings of the colors have changed since the flag was first made in 1821. Today it is generally accepted that the color green represents hope for the nation, the white represents unity, and the red represents the blood of the Mexicans who fought and died for the country's independence.
Given the fact that there were various separate tribes throughout Mexico in pre-Hispanic times, the country was founded with multiple different indigenous cultures that ended up being influenced by Spanish culture. These cultures blend together and impact the culture that is seen in Mexico today through art, food, music, and more.
Art in Mexico can be traced back thousands of years with ceramics with art painted on them being uncovered from the Maya and Aztec civilizations. Murals have also been found in ancient temples throughout the country.
Mexico's flag
The colors used on the Mexican flag are green, white, and red. The meanings of the colors have changed since the flag was first made in 1821 and today it is generally accepted that the color green represents hope for the nation, the white represents unity, and the red represents the blood of the Mexicans who fought and died for the country's independence.
Mexico experienced a surge in art and artists after the Mexican Revolution. Many of the painters from the 1900s captured the people and culture of Mexico in their paintings. Famous Mexican painters include:
There is a large present of folk art in Mexico as well. The folk art varies from region to region as artists use different local resources and materials to create the art or crafts. Materials that are used include clay, wood, metal, stones, and plants. Mexican folk art is known for its vibrant colors, which can be seen in paintings, artisanal goods, and patterns in clothing.
February 1517
Approximatley half of the invaders were killed or captured by the locals in Yucatán defending their land.
September 13, 1428
1325
The capital of Mexico is Mexico City and it iswas formerly known as the federalFederal districtDistrict. It was founded by the Aztecs in 1325, making it the oldest city in North America. At its founding, the capital was known as Tenochtitlán and was built aroundon an island in Lake Texcoco. It was a lake. It was densely populated island city with towers and fortresses as well as a thriving economy. The city's changedcurrent tolandscape whattook it looks likeshape after the Spanish invaded, drained the lake that surrounded it, and restructured the city. There are still remnants of the style the Aztecs used to build the original city, such as canals and rivers that run through the city.
Mexico City today
Mexico City today
Mexico has 31 UNESCO World Heritage sites withthat showcase feats accomplished by the complex civilizations that we itsdominant in the country's history of major, complex civilizations. Today Mexico has the second largest economy in Latin America and plays a crucial part in global economics with its open policy for trading as well as being a hub for fulfilling manufacturing needs of global enterprises.
Mexican Independence Day is celebreatedcelebrated every year on September 16th, which is the day that Father Hildago made the historic call for independence, known as "El Grito" in Spanish.
The terrain of the country varies greatly depending on its geographical location. Much of the north of the country is made up of deserts and to the east there are rainforests and a mountain range called the Sierra Madre Oriental. The southern part of the country also has both rainforests and mountains. To the west, there is the Sierra Madre OccidentalSierra Madre Occidental mountain range as well asand beaches along the coast that meet the Pacific Ocean. The central part of Mexico, where 25% of the country's population lives in or around the capital of Mexico City, has volcanoes, some of which are covered in snow.
One of the Lakes of Montebello
One of the Lakes of Montebello
Mexico has a diverse landscape, which yields various natural resources. It has a lot of agricultural resources, including corn, coffee, and avocados, as well as the maguey plant, which is used to make tequila. Other natural resources that are available in the country include oil, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, and wood.
Mexico's large size and availability of plains allow for it to be a major producer of meat products, such as beef. The aforementioned vast coastlines give the country access to marine resources, such as seafood.
The geography of Mexico, combined with its size, means that there are several different climates throughout the country. Some scientific climate classification systems indicate that there are seven different climate regions in Mexico:
Other systems state that there are simply two climate regions: tropicaltropical and temperatetemperate. The regions are divided by the Tropic of Cancer and the region to the north is considered temperate, especially in areas with higher elevation. The region south of the Tropic of Cancer is more tropical and experiences heat and humidity for much of the year, especially along the coasts.
Mexico's varying geography and climates meansmean that there are different natural hazards that occur throughout the country, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
It is reported that Mexico experiences earthquakes every day, although most of them are small tremors. The excessive amountnumber of earthquakes is due to its location in the "Ring of Fire", where two tectonic plates (Cocos and North America) meet and inevitably collide when shifting, causing earthquakes. Most of the earthquakes in Mexico occur on the west coast, although the most recent catastrophic earthquake experienced in the country was in Mexico City in September 2017.
The varying landscape of Mexico creates a lot of different habitats for wildlife creatures to thrive. Some of those creatures are dangerous to both humans and the animal'sanimals' predators. There are many poisonous lizards, snakes, and insects. There is also dangerous aquatic life off the shores of Mexico, including box jellyfish.
Mexico is a federal republic with a government that is led by a democratically-electeddemocratically elected president. There are three branches of the government: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is almost exclusively controlled by the president, who has control over the states and the ruling party of the country. The legislative branch is governed by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate and the judicial branch is governed by the Supreme Court.
Federal elections and elections for senators are held concurrently every six years. They are held on the first Sunday of July and voting is legally compulsory for all eligible voters.Governorsvoters. Governors are also elected every six years, while elections for the chamber of deputies are held once every three years.
The government is split into three branches to divide the power of the country, per Article 49 of the Mexican Mexican constitutionConstitution.
The president is the only member of the federal executive branch and is also named as Chief of State and the Army. Registered voters from the thirty-one states of Mexico and the federal district can vote for the president during the election, which is once every six years. Presidents historically have only been able to serve one term and have no vice president.
The legislative branch is known as the congressCongress, which is divided into two parts: the senate and the chamber of deputies. The senate is known as the "Upper Chamber" and the chamber of deputies is known as the "Lower Chamber". The elected officials in this branch of the government have power ofover the laws of the country and debate renewing exisiting existing laws and enacting new ones.
At the federal level, the judicial branch of the government in Mexico is composed of 11 ministers who are elected to be part of the supremeSupreme courtCourt and hold their position for a term of 15 years. The main purpose of the supreme court is to defend the constitutionConstitution and protect human rights.
Mexico's military is operated through two government ministries: the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) and Secretariat of the Navy. It is ranked as the 31st strongest military out of 145 countries evaluated and in 2023, and is well-funded with SEDENA receiving more than $7 billion in a trust fund in 2023 .
It is often referred to as the "Mexican Armed Forces" and has three branches: the Army, Air Force, and Navy.The responsibilities of the military expandextend beyond international protection and the military is often used in domestic settings as law enforcement for drug mitigation efforts and disaster relief. The military is also sometimes used to carry out infrastructure projects, such as a new airport in Mexico City.
Law enforcement in Mexico is divided into different forces depending on their power and jurisdiction. There are law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and municipal levels. At the federal level there is the National Guard. There are two main branches of the national police force: the uniformed branch that is called "Policia Federal" and the plain clothedplain-clothed branch that specializes in criminal investigations, which is called "Policía Federal Ministerial".
While the economy is fairly strong in Mexico, the uneven wealth distribution is abnormally high. In 2021, it was reported that the top 10% of the wealthiest people in Mexico held nearly 80% of the wealth. It was also found that the bottom 50% of people held -0.2% of the wealth in Mexico, meaning that on average, the bottom 50% had more debt than assets. According to the World Inequality Report of 2022, these statistics makesmake Mexico one of the moremost unequal countries in the world.
Spanish is the most-spokenmost spoken language in Mexico, but there are people who speak the language of their native tribe. Examples of those languages include Nahuatl, Yucatec Maya, Mixtec, Zapotec, Tzeltal Maya, Tzotzil Maya and Otomi.
The image that can be seen on Mexico's official flag is of an eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus holding a snake in its beak. This is a symbol from an Aztec prophecy that stated that the Aztecs, who were nomadic people at the time, would find a permanent place to live when they saw an eagle perched on a prickly pear tree with a snake in its beak. The nomadic Aztecs found that near Lake Texcoco and started to build Teotihuacán, the original Mexico City.
The United States of Mexico, more commonly known as Mexico, is a republic made up of 3132 free and sovereign states, plus the federal district, in North America. To the north of Mexico is the United States of America and to the south are the countries of Guatemala and Belize. It is surrounded by several large bodies of water with the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Gulf of California runs between the north western part of mainland Mexico and the Baja Peninsula.
Other large societies in Mexico included the MayasMaya, Toltecs, Mixtecs, and Zapotecs. There were also some other smaller groups of people who inhabited Mexico.
There are nearly 130 million people in Mexico belonging to different ethnic groups such as:
The largest ethnic group is the Mestizos but that is only estimated because Mexico does not collect census data based on ethnicity. The major cities in the country, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Puebla are densely populated.
Spanish is the most-spoken language in Mexico, but there are people who speak the language of their native tribe. Examples of those languages include Nahuatl, Yucatec Maya, Mixtec, Zapotec, Tzeltal Maya, Tzotzil Maya and Otomi.
The image that can be seen on Mexico's official flag is an eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus holding a snake in its beak. This is a symbol from an Aztec prophecy that stated that the Aztecs, who were nomadic people at the time, would find a permanent place to live when they saw an eagle perched on a prickly pear tree with a snake in its beak. The nomadic Aztecs found that near Lake Texcoco and started to build Teotihuacán, the original Mexico City.
Mexico's flag
The colors used on the Mexican flag are green, white, and red. The meanings of the colors have changed since the flag was first made in 1821 and today it is generally accepted that the color green represents hope for the nation, the white represents unity, and the red represents the blood of the Mexicans who fought and died for the country's independence.
Mexican military patrolling a beach
Law enforcement in Mexico is divided into different forces depending on their power and jurisdiction. There are law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and municipal levels. At the federal level, there is the National Guard. There are two main branches of the national police force: the uniformed branch that is called "Policia Federal" and the plain clothed branch that specializes in criminal investigations, which is called "Policía Federal Ministerial".
Mexico has the second-largest economy in Latin America after Brazil. It is dependent on strong trade relations with countries such as the United States and Japan. The largest sectors that contribute to the Mexican economy include:
The country's economy fell by 8% in 2020 due to issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The economy slowly recovered after 2020 and although the country experienced noticeable inflation along with the rest of the world, some salaries also increased, allowing some Mexicans to keep spending money in the economy.
Percentage distribution of wealth in Mexico in 2021, by wealth percentile
While the economy is fairly strong in Mexico, the uneven wealth distribution is abnormally high. In 2021, it was reported that the top 10% of the wealthiest people in Mexico held nearly 80% of the wealth. It was also found that the bottom 50% of people held -0.2% of the wealth in Mexico, meaning that on average, the bottom 50% had more debt than assets. According to the World Inequality Report of 2022, these statistics makes Mexico one of the more unequal countries in the world.
The United States of Mexico, more commonly known as Mexico, is a republic made up of 31 free and sovereign states, plus the federal district, in North AmericaNorth America. To the north of Mexico is the United States of AmericaUnited States of America and to the south are the countries of Guatemala Guatemala and BelizeBelize. It is surrounded by several large bodies of water with the Gulf of MexicoGulf of Mexico and the Caribbean SeaCaribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific OceanPacific Ocean to the west. The Gulf of CaliforniaGulf of California runs between the north western part of mainland Mexico and the Baja PeninsulaBaja Peninsula.
The capital of Mexico is Mexico CityMexico City and it is known as the federal district. It was founded by the AztecsAztecs in 1325, making it the oldest city in North America. At its founding, the capital was known as TenochtitlanTenochtitlán and was built around a lake. It was densely populated island city with towers and fortresses as well as a thriving economy. The city changed to what it looks like after the Spanish invaded, drained the lake that surrounded it, and restructured the city. There are still remnants of style the Aztecs used to build the original city, such as canals and rivers that run through the city.
Mexico has 31 UNESCO UNESCO World Heritage sites with its history of major, complex civilizations. Today Mexico has the second largest economy in Latin AmericaLatin America and plays a crucial part in global economics with its open policy for trading as well as being a hub for fulfilling manufacturing needs of global enterprises.
Mexico has a long history that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. Its first complex society dates to approximately 1200 B.C. and was composed of the Olmec Olmec people. This society developed writing and calendar systems that influenced other civilizations that developed later in Mexico.
The origin of the name of Mexico is debated but it is thought that the name comes from the Mayan language of Nahuatl Nahuatl word Mēxihco, meaning "navel of the moon". The Mexica is what the Aztec people called themselves and they were a nomadic people who settled in the area after traveling from a northern land that is known to have been the home of the ancestral Aztecs.
Other large societies in Mexico included the Mayas, Toltecs, Mixtecs, and ZapotecsZapotecs. There were also some other smaller groups of people who inhabited Mexico.
In the early 1500s, the Spanish started making trips to Mexico. Spanish terrorist Hernan CortesHernan Cortes invaded the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, in 1521 after having gained allies and warriors from enemies of the Aztec empire to help fight. Cortes and his allies were able to capture the capital through violent, organized assaults and by killing portions of the population with the smallpox virus that he and his fellow Spaniards had brought with them from Europe.
The Spanish enforced military and economic control. They also forced Catholicism Catholicism on the people of Mexico while continuing to spread diseases that drastically reduced the indigenous population.
The War of IndependenceWar of Independence was started in 1810 by Mexican priest Miguel Hildago. This war led to the Spanish eventually retreating in 1821 and Mexico gaining its independence. The country was initially changed to an empire and the emperor was Agustin de IturbideAgustin de Iturbide, who had been the leader of fight for indepedence when the Spanish finally expulsed . The people of the country did not like this new leader nor this form of government, so in 1823, Mexico became a republic.
Mexico covers an area of about 761,600 square miles with approximately 7,000 miles of coast line. It is the fifth largest country in the AmericasAmericas and the 14th largest country in the world.
The terrain of the country varies greatly depending on its geographical location. Much of the north of the country is made up of deserts and to the east there are rainforests and a mountain range called the Sierra Madre OrientalSierra Madre Oriental. The southern part of the country also has both rainforests and mountains. To the west, there is the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range as well as beaches along the coast that meet the Pacific OceanPacific Ocean. The central part of Mexico, where 25% of the country's population lives in or around the capital of Mexico City, has volcanoes, some of which are covered in snow.
In addition to being surrounded by water on both the east and west coasts, Mexico has various bodies of water throughout the country. The longest river is the Río Bravo del Norte (also known as the Rio GrandeRio Grande) and there are more than 42 rivers throughout Mexico.
There are also large lakes in the country, such as Lake ChapalaLake Chapala and the Lakes of Montebello, the latter of which are located in the southern part of Mexico near the Guatemala border.
Other systems state that there are simply two climate regions: tropical and temperate. The regions are divided by the Tropic of CancerTropic of Cancer and the region to the north is considered temperate, especially in areas with higher elevation. The region south of the Tropic of Cancer is more tropical and experiences heat and humidity for much of the year, especially along the coasts.
Hurricanes are known to hit the coasts of Mexico, including the Pacific CoastPacific Coast, Gulf Coast, and Yucatan PeninsulaYucatan Peninsula. They occur during specific months of the year, normally between June and November. The hurricanes bring strong winds and a lot of rain, which can lead to flooding and landslides.
It is reported that Mexico experiences earthquakes every day, although most of them are small tremors. The excessive amount of earthquakes is due to its location in the "Ring of FireRing of Fire" where two tectonic plates (Cocos and North America) meet and inevitably collide when shifting, causing earthquakes. Most of the earthquakes in Mexico occur on the west coast although the most recent catastrophic earthquake experienced in the country was in Mexico City in September 2017.
Mexico has more than 70 volcanoes throughout the country. Many of them are located in the aforementioned "Ring of FireRing of Fire" and the most active ones are named PopocatepetlPopocatepetl, ColimaColima, and El ChichonEl Chichon. In March 1982, one of the deadliest volcano eruptions in recent history in Mexico killed 1,879 people when El Chicon erupted. The volcano is located in the southern region of the country.
The varying landscape of Mexico creates a lot of different habitats for wildlife creatures to thrive. Some of those creatures are dangerous to both humans and the animal's predators. There are many poisonous lizards, snakes, and insects. There is also dangerous aquatic life off the shores of Mexico, including box jellyfishbox jellyfish.
Mexico is a federal republicfederal republic with a government that is led by a democratically-elected president. There are three branches of the government: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is almost exclusively controlled by the president, who has control over the states and the ruling party of the country. The legislative branch is governed by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate and the judicial branch is governed by the Supreme Court.
The constitution of Mexico was written in 1917 and is the third constitution for the present-day country. It was written around the ending of the Mexican RevolutionMexican Revolution and thus contains the ideas and values of a country experiencing a revolution, such as liberties for the people of Mexico.
The National Electoral InstituteNational Electoral Institute (INE) was established in 1990 under the name Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) as a non-partisan and independent agency to oversee elections and curb political corruption. In 2023, the senate passed a bill to curb the power of the organization, making the future of the organization unclear.
Mexico's military is operated through two government ministries: the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) and Secretariat of the Navy. It is ranked as the 31st strongest military out of 145 countries evaluated and in 2023, and is well-funded with SEDENA receiving more than $7 billion in a trust fund in 2023 .
It is often referred to as the "Mexican Armed Forces" and has three branches: the Army, Air Force, and Navy.The responsibilities of the military expand beyond international protection and the military is often used in domestic settings as law enforcement for drug mitigation efforts and disaster relief. The military is also sometimes used to carry out infrastructure projects, such as a new airport in Mexico City.
Due to the strength and power that the military has within the country, there are accusations of corruption and abuse of power. International organizations, such as Amnesty International, have also noted that they have documentation of abuses by the military.
Law enforcement in Mexico is divided into different forces depending on their power and jurisdiction. There are law enforcement agencies at the federal state, and municipal levels. At the federal level, there is the National Guard.
The president is the only member of the executive branch and one term for the president is six
years. The president is also named as Cheif of State and the Army. Registered voters from the thirty-one states of Mexico and the federal district can vote for the president during the election. Presidents historically have only been able to serve one term and have no vice president.
The National Palace in Mexico City where the federal executive branch operates.
The president is the only member of the federal executive branch and is also named as Chief of State and the Army. Registered voters from the thirty-one states of Mexico and the federal district can vote for the president during the election, which is once every six years. Presidents historically have only been able to serve one term and have no vice president.
At the federal level, the judicial branch of the government in Mexico is composed of 11 ministers who are elected to be part of the supreme courtycourt and hold their position for a term of 15 years.Theyears. The main purpose of the supreme court is to defend the constitution and protect human rights.
The War of Independence was started in 1810 by Mexican priest Miguel Hildago. This war led to the Spanish eventually retreating in 1821 and Mexico gaining its independence. The country was initially changed to an empire and the emperor was Agustin de Iturbide, who had been the leader of fight for indepedence when the Spanish finally expulsed . The people of the country did not like this new leader nor this form of government, so in 1823, Mexico became a republic.
Mexican Independence Day is celebreated every year on September 16th, which is the day that Father Hildago made the historic call for independence, known as "El Grito" in Spanish.
The varying landscape of Mexico creates a lot of different habitats for wildlife creatures to thrive. Some of those creatures are dangerous to both humans and the animal's predators. There are many poisonous lizards, snakes, and insects. There is also dangerous acquatic aquatic life off the shores of Mexico, including box jellyfish.
Mexico is a federal republic with a government that is led by a democratically-elected president. There are central, state, and local forms of government.
Mexico is a federal republic with a government that is led by a democratically-elected president. There are three branches of the government: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is almost exclusively controlled by the president, who has control over the states and the ruling party of the country. The legislative branch is governed by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate and the judicial branch is governed by the Supreme Court.
The constitution of Mexico was written in 1917 and is the third constitution for the present-day country. It was written around the ending of the Mexican Revolution and thus contains the ideas and values of a country experiencing a revolution, such as liberties for the people of Mexico.
Federal elections and elections for senators are held concurrently every six years. They are held on the first Sunday of July and voting is legally compulsory for all eligible voters.Governors are also elected every six years while elections for the chamber of deputies are held once every three years.
The National Electoral Institute (INE) was established in 1990 under the name Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) as a non-partisan and independent agency to oversee elections and curb political corruption. In 2023, the senate passed a bill to curb the power of the organization, making the future of the organization unclear.
Each of Mexico's 31 states has its own rights and elects its own officials for its government. The leader of each state is an elected governor and in the capital, there is a chief of government.
There is a Supreme Court and Congress for each state, which allows them to enact their own laws within the power that is allowed by the federal government. Each state is also divided into smaller municipalities that can elect their own mayors.
The government is split into three branches to divide the power of country, per Article 49 of the Mexican constitution.
The president is the only member of the executive branch and one term for the president is six
years. The president is also named as Cheif of State and the Army. Registered voters from the thirty-one states of Mexico and the federal district can vote for the president during the election. Presidents historically have only been able to serve one term and have no vice president.
The legislative branch is known as the congress which is divided into two parts: the senate and the chamber of deputies. The senate is known as the "Upper Chamber" and the chamber of deputies is known as the "Lower Chamber". The elected officials in this branch of the government have power of the laws of the country and debate renewing exisiting laws and enacting new ones.
At the federal level, the judicial branch of the government in Mexico is composed of 11 ministers who are elected to be part of the supreme courty and hold their position for a term of 15 years.The main purpose of the supreme court is to defend the constitution and protect human rights.
Mexico's varying geography and climates means that there are different natural hazards that occur throughout the country, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
Hurricanes are known to hit the coasts of Mexico, including the Pacific Coast, Gulf Coast, and Yucatan Peninsula. They occur during specific months of the year, normally between June and November. The hurricanes bring strong winds and a lot of rain, which can lead to flooding and landslides.
It is reported that Mexico experiences earthquakes every day, although most of them are small tremors. The excessive amount of earthquakes is due to its location in the "Ring of Fire" where two tectonic plates (Cocos and North America) meet and inevitably collide when shifting, causing earthquakes. Most of the earthquakes in Mexico occur on the west coast although the most recent catastrophic earthquake experienced in the country was in Mexico City in September 2017.
Mexico has more than 70 volcanoes throughout the country. Many of them are located in the aforementioned "Ring of Fire" and the most active ones are named Popocatepetl, Colima and El Chichon. In March 1982, one of the deadliest volcano eruptions in recent history in Mexico killed 1,879 people when El Chicon erupted. The volcano is located in the southern region of the country.
In May 2023, Popocatepetl, which is located in the central part of Mexico, started showing signs of increased activity, including plumes of ash being spewed into the air. The volcano had been dormant since 1994 and its activity is cause for serious alarm as more than 25 million people live within its vicinity.
The varying landscape of Mexico creates a lot of different habitats for wildlife creatures to thrive. Some of those creatures are dangerous to both humans and the animal's predators. There are many poisonous lizards, snakes, and insects. There is also dangerous acquatic life off the shores of Mexico, including box jellyfish.
Mexico is a federal republic with a government that is led by a democratically-elected president. There are central, state, and local forms of government.