Land

Sharing a common border throughout its northern extent with the United States, Mexico is bounded to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean, to the east by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and to the southeast by Guatemala and Belize. Mexico also administers such islands and archipelagoes as the Tres Marías in the Pacific and Cozumel and Mujeres off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Including these insular territories, the roughly triangular country covers an area about three times the size of Texas. While it is more than 1,850 miles (3,000 km) across from northwest to southeast, its width varies from less than 135 miles (217 km) at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to more than 1,200 miles (1,900 km) in the north.

Relief

Mexico can be divided into nine major physiographic regions: Baja California, the Pacific Coastal Lowlands, the Mexican Plateau, the Sierra Madre Oriental, the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Cordillera Neo-Volcánica, the Gulf Coastal Plain, the Southern Highlands, and the Yucatán Peninsula.

The Pacific Coastal Lowlands begin near Mexicali and the Colorado River delta in the north and terminate near Tepic, some 900 miles (1,450 km) to the south. For most of that distance, they face the Gulf of California while traversing the states of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Nayarit.

The largest and most densely populated region is the inland Mexican Plateau, which is flanked by the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental. The Mesa del Norte begins near the U.S. border; covers great stretches of the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas, Jalisco, and Aguascalientes; and ends near San Luis Potosí city.

The Mesa Central covers large parts of Michoacán, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Hidalgo, and México states and the Federal District (Mexico City). Its southern end rises 7,000–9,000 feet (2,100–2,700 metres) in the vicinity of Mexico City. The Mesa Central, moister and generally flatter than the Mesa del Norte, is divided into a series of fairly level intermontane basins separated by eroded volcanic peaks.

Sierra Madre Oriental forms the western border of the Mexican Plateau and the Sierra Madre Occidental, a range of folded mountains formed of shales and limestones, is situated on the eastern side of the Mexican Plateau. Often considered an extension of the Rocky Mountains (which are cut by the Rio Grande but continue in New Mexico and western Texas), it runs roughly 700 miles (1,100 km) from north to south before merging with the Cordillera Neo-Volcánica.

The Cordillera Neo-Volcánica, also called the Neo-Volcanic Axis or Trans-Volcanic Axis, is a geologically active mountain range whose smoldering cinder cones link the Sierra Madre Occidental with the Sierra Madre Oriental at the southern edge of the Mesa Central.

Drainage

Because of its climatic characteristics and arrangement of landforms, Mexico has few major rivers or natural lakes. The largest are found in the central part of the country.

The Lerma River has its headwaters in the Toluca Basin, west of Mexico City, and flows westward to form Lake Chapala, the country’s largest natural lake.

Other waterways are Santiago River, Pánuco River, Moctezuma and Santa María rivers, Balsas River (major source of hydroelectric power), Grijalva-Usumacinta, Papaloapan River, Yaqui, Fuerte, and Culiacán rivers.

There are few permanent streams in the arid Mesa del Norte, and most of these drain into the interior rather than to the ocean. By far the most important river in that part of the country is the Río Bravo del Norte (called the Rio Grande in the United States), which forms a lengthy part of the international border.

Climate

The Tropic of Cancer effectively divides the country into temperate and tropical zones. Land north of the twenty-fourth parallel experiences cooler temperatures during the winter months. South of the twenty-fourth parallel, temperatures are fairly constant year round and vary solely as a function of elevation. This gives Mexico one of the world's most diverse weather systems.

Areas south of the 24th parallel with elevations up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) (the southern parts of both coastal plains as well as the Yucatán Peninsula), have a yearly median temperature between 24 to 28 °C (75.2 to 82.4 °F). Temperatures here remain high throughout the year, with only a 5 °C (9 °F) difference between winter and summer median temperatures. Both Mexican coasts, except for the south coast of the Bay of Campeche and northern Baja, are also vulnerable to serious hurricanes during the summer and fall. Although low-lying areas north of the 24th parallel are hot and humid during the summer, they generally have lower yearly temperature averages (from 20 to 24 °C or 68.0 to 75.2 °F) because of more moderate conditions during the winter.

Many large cities in Mexico are located in the Valley of Mexico or in adjacent valleys with altitudes generally above 2,000 m (6,562 ft). This gives them a year-round temperate climate with yearly temperature averages (from 16 to 18 °C or 60.8 to 64.4 °F) and cool nighttime temperatures throughout the year.

Many parts of Mexico, particularly the north, have a dry climate with sporadic rainfall while parts of the tropical lowlands in the south average more than 2,000 mm (78.7 in) of annual precipitation. For example, many cities in the north like Monterrey, Hermosillo, and Mexicali experience temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) or more in summer. In the Sonoran Desert temperatures reach 50 °C (122 °F) or more.

Business

The Mexican economy depends largely on services—including trade, transportation, finance, and government — which account for about two-thirds of GDP. Manufacturing is responsible for about one-fifth of GDP. Although nearly one-fifth of Mexican workers are employed in the agricultural sector, it accounts for only a tiny part of GDP. On the other hand, remittances from Mexican workers abroad, notably in the United States, bring billions of dollars into the economy each year.

Mexico is quickly becoming an emerging market heavy-weight. In 2017, its gross domestic product was $2.4 trillion.

Exportations

Mexico is the 12th largest exporter in the world. In 2017, the United States received 79 percent of Mexico's exports. Mexico manufactures and exports the same amount of goods as the rest of Latin America combined.

Mexico is the world's eighth largest producer of oil, at almost 3 million barrels per day.

Mexico is one of the more-industrialized countries in Latin America, and its membership in NAFTA has further expanded its industrial base, especially for export. Manufacturing accounts for about one-fifth of GDP and provides jobs for about one-sixth of the workforce. Chief manufactures include motor vehicles and parts; processed foods and beverages; paints, soaps, and pharmaceuticals; bricks, cement, and ceramics; iron and steel; metal products; paper and paper products; chemicals; electronics and other consumer products; and refined petroleum.

In 2012, Mexico passed a comprehensive climate change bill, a first in the developing world, that has set a goal for the country to generate 35% of its energy from clean energy sources by 2024, and to cut emissions by 50% by 2050, from the level found in 2000. During the 2016 North American Leaders' Summit, the target of 50% of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2025 was announced.

Agriculture

Chief crops include corn (maize), sugarcane, sorghum, wheat, tomatoes, bananas, chilies, green peppers, oranges, lemons and limes, mangoes, and other tropical fruits, along with beans, barley, avocados, blue agave, and coffee. Traditional farming methods still prevail in many regions, especially in those with predominantly indigenous populations, such as the Southern Highlands. In these areas, intensive subsistence agriculture based on corn, beans, and squash—the fundamental trinity of Mesoamerican agriculture—is practiced on small plots of land, often part of communal village holdings.

Tourism

Tourism in Mexico is a huge industry. Mexico has traditionally been among the most visited countries in the world according to the World Tourism Organization, and it is the second-most visited country in the Americas, after the United States. In 2017, Mexico was ranked as the sixth-most visited country in the world for tourism activities.

The nation's temperate climate and unique culture – a fusion of the European and the Mesoamerican are attractive to tourists. The peak tourism seasons in the country are during December and the mid-Summer, with brief surges during the week before Easter and Spring break, when many of the beach resort sites become popular destinations for college students from the United States.

The majority of tourists come to Mexico from the United States and Canada. Other visitors come from Europe and Asia. A small number of tourists also come from other Latin American countries.

Taxation

Mexico taxes residents on their worldwide income. If you’re living and working in Mexico, here’s a summary of the taxation of expats in Mexico.

If you own property in Mexico, you’ll pay property taxes. If you rent out that property or own a business, have a job, or have interest-bear­ing bank accounts, you’ll owe income tax. Even if you have none of these, you’ll still pay sales tax (known as Value Added Tax or VAT) on most retail goods and services.

Income tax in Mexico

You will owe income tax in Mexico if you hold a job, run a business, rent out a property you own, or hold an interest-bearing bank account or security in Mexico. Essentially, if you earn income from any Mexican business or investment endeavor, you will almost always need to file a Mexican tax return.

Income tax in Mexico varies greatly. Like the U.S., your tax rate will depend on the amount of your earnings, deductions, and other factors. Mexico’s individual income tax rates range from 1.92% to 35%. Non-residents (those in Mexico on a work visa/permit) pay 15% to 30%. Mexico’s corporate tax rate is a flat 30%.

Property taxes in Mexico

If you purchase real estate in Mexico, you’ll pay three different types of property tax over the term of your ownership. However, unlike the property taxes in the U.S. and Canada, property taxes in Mexico are notoriously low.
Here are the three types of taxes associated with your Mexican property:

1. Acquisition Tax: The first tax, collected at closing, is a 2% acquisition tax. This tax is usually collected on behalf of the local municipality, with some states also retaining a small percentage. Closing costs must be paid in cash (Mexican pesos).

2. Annual Property Tax: Known as Predial, these are owed to the municipality in which the property exists. They are to be paid once a year and must be paid in person at the municipal office.

3. Capital Gains Tax: Mexican law requires that Capital Gains tax, or I.S.R. (Impuesto Sobre la Renta), is to be paid upon the sale of your property. It can be calculated two ways and you can pay the more favorable of the two. You must pay either 20% of the declared value of the transaction or 28% to 30% of the net gain, less the improvements made, commissions paid, and other allowable expenses. The formula can be a bit complex and the Notary handling the transaction can assist.

Value-Added Tax

In Mexico, a Value-Added Tax is applied to the sale of most retail goods and services. This tax is 16% in most of the country and 11% in border areas. You will see this VAT added onto the bottom of sales receipts just as would see sales tax added, north of the border.

Security and safety

Several types of police operate within Mexico at federal, state, and local levels.

Violent crime committed against visitors is rare in Mexico. Petty crime, e.g. pick-pocketing and bag grabbing, can be an issue in some areas; see section below on Petty Crime in Mexico for details. Common sense and being alert to your surroundings will minimize any risks.

Notwithstanding the media headlines which sometimes have a tendency to portray Mexico in a less-than-ideal light, published statistics and published experiences from expats and visitors demonstrate that most of Mexico remains a safe place for tourists, visitors, business travelers, and foreign residents.

Taxi travel: only use authorized “Sitio” (taxi ranks) in Mexico City— avoid hailing a taxi from the street in the capital, or use a tele-cab or internet-cab service like ‘Uber’ for your taxi rides.

Cash machines (ATMs): avoid withdrawing cash from ATMs at night; be vigilant when you are withdrawing cash; use ATMs in well-populated areas.

Education and Academies

Education

Mexico has made significant efforts to improve educational opportunities for its people. School attendance is required for children ages 6 to 18, and since 2004 preschool has been mandatory as well.

Public schools in Mexico are funded by the federal government. Many internal migrants move to cities because of the availability of better schools for their children and the social opportunities that derive from an education.

Private schools

Although there are many private schools in Mexico, they are mainly concentrated in the big cities. When considering a private school you must ensure that it is accredited through the Ministry of Public Education and visit the school to see its quality first-hand, as the standard of private schools in Mexico can vary greatly. Parents are advised to meet with teachers and check the curriculum to determine suitability. Those with children who will be going to university in their home country should ensure that the school is accredited internationally.

International schools

An international school is often the best choice for expat children. Attending an international school will ensure that children receive a world-class education and can attend university in their home country or anywhere else in the world.
Most international schools in Mexico are located in large cities, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. English and American, as well as German, French and Japanese schools are available in Mexico. Tuition varies greatly from affordable to exorbitant for the most elite schools.

Academies

Universities are found only in the largest cities. Moreover, of the more than 50 universities in the country, one-fifth are located in Mexico City, and a high proportion of all university students study there. The National Autonomous University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; UNAM), the College of Mexico, and the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education are among the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the country. Although two million university students are enrolled in courses every year, less than one-eighth of the population has a tertiary degree.

Health

Healthcare in Mexico is provided by public institutions, private entities, or private physicians. Healthcare delivered by private organizations operates on the free market system and is available to those who can afford it. That is also the case of healthcare obtained from private physicians at their private office or clinic. Public healthcare delivery, on the other hand, is accomplished by an elaborate provisioning and delivery system put in place by the federal government of Mexico. In 2009, Mexico instituted universal healthcare. As of December 31, 2013, there were 4,466 hospitals in Mexico

The country’s private and public health programs are highly accessible for citizens and residents alike. More importantly, the quality of healthcare is high, and likelihood of finding a doctor who can treat you in your native language is greatly increased thanks to the significant number of Mexican doctors who go to medical school in the US and Europe.

In Mexico, both public and private healthcare plans come with their own doctors, pharmacies, physicians and health care centers. All these operate independently, and people are generally only able to use health services within their network.

Pharmacies in Mexico are broken into 2 basic groups: segunda clase and primera clase. Segunda class stores are incredibly common, both in big cities and small towns, however this group isn’t allowed to sell regulated medicines. Medicines are labeled as regulated when they pose a high risk of abuse.

The best hospitals in Mexico are in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

Daily life and social customs

Daily life in Mexico varies widely, depending on the socioeconomic status of the cities and it’s residents within them. Some other factors that influence daily life include but are not limited to: gender, racial perceptions, ethnicity, and regional factors. Mexico is a huge country, and in turn, life in one part of the country can seem like a completely different world from another. There are peasants and farmers in the jungles of the state of Yucatan, who live completely different lives from a successful businessman in Mexico City or Guadalajara.

There are many Mexicans who have spent time living in the US, who return to Mexico with more American ways of life. This often has an influence on the daily life in the centers of Mexican metropolitan cities. Even in a big city, lifestyles can vary greatly, from those who live in more trendy parts of the city, as opposed to the outskirts. You can quickly go from a modernized lifestyle, to rustic, in the matter of a few blocks.

One trait that stays pretty consistent throughout Mexico, is it’s slower pace. People stroll along streets, instead of shuffling by like in cities such as Los Angeles, or New York. If you need paperwork done at, say, a federal building, you will not see people rushing through the halls or typing frantically at their keyboards. They will welcome you to sit down at their desk, ask how your day has been, and after you’ve conversed a bit, then they will present you with the required paperwork. This isn’t because of laziness, but rather because they seem to value social encounters.

Shop opening hours are generally 09.00/10.00-20.00/21.00. The larger department stores remain open late into the evening. Smaller stores often close between 14.00 and 16.00, then reopen until 20.00.

Banks: Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Public Administration: Open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Businesses: Open Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is not uncommon for businesses to be open on Sundays.

Food and drink

Mexican cuisine is a gloriously rich mix, reflecting the many cultural influences the country has absorbed throughout its history. Nevertheless, the main ingredient in Mexican meals is the humble but versatile corn, prepared in every conceivable way.

A basket of hot tortillas – savoury cornmeal pancakes – is always on the table. Tacos, available everywhere, consist of crispy tortillas topped with beef, pork or fish. And there's a huge range of corn-based antojitos (snacks), which are staples at street stalls across the country.

Fresh fish and shellfish are the main attraction along both coasts. For vegetarians, nopales , the succulent leaves of the prickly pear cactus are a good option, as are squash blossoms and all kinds of wild mushrooms. Also look out for exotic fruits like zapote (sapodilla) and tuna (cactus fruit).

Specialities: Mole, Guacamole, Exotic fruits (local markets offer a dazzling variety), Cabritoasado, Cochinitapibil, Tamales, Quesadillas, Flautas, Huevos rancheros and Salsas.

You can also taste a variety of Drinks: Tequilla (A double or triple-distilled spirit made from the blue variety of the agave plant. Young blanco tequilas can have a rough 'cowboy' edge to them. Older añejo varieties are woody and smooth), Mezcal (a similar spirit to tequila but is distilled only once and can be made from different varieties of agave. It is not generally used in cocktails like tequila, but consumed in shots), Kahlúa ( Mexico's world-famous liqueur, made with coffee and rum), Lager (Sol, Corona and Modelo, all of which are light lagers, are the most popular beers), NegraModelo (one of Mexico’s few dark beers).

Sports and recreation

Mexico's most popular sport is association football. It is commonly believed that football was introduced in Mexico by Cornish miners at the end of the 19th century. By 1902 a five-team league had emerged with a strong British influence. Mexico's top clubs are América with 12 championships, Guadalajara with 11, and Toluca with 10. Antonio Carbajal was the first player to appear in five World Cups, and Hugo Sánchez was named best CONCACAF player of the 20th century by IFFHS.

But there are countless sports and activities like skip waterfalls, climb volcanoes, raft in the mountains, sandboard in the desert or surf and dive in the Caribbean Sea. Experience the adrenaline in the different destinations of Mexico, dare to live the adventure!

Water sports in Mexico

SCUBA Diving & Snorkeling: Mexico’s Caribbean coast, with its clear turqoise waters, is particularly popular for snorkeling and SCUBA diving, although these activities aren’t limited to those resorts.
The Pacific coast and the Sea of Cortez (also called the Gulf of California, between the Baja peninsula and the Mexican mainland) also have many excellent spots for viewing close up the country’s large variety of marine life.
Most places offer adventures for divers ranging from beginners (who receive instruction from experienced instructors) to certified divers.

Surfing:Decent surfing beaches can be found along Mexico’s vast Pacific coast, from Baja California all the way down to Chiapas, which borders Guatemala. Experienced surfers will drive miles—some several hundred miles—to get to their favorite surfing spots, where quality waves and uncrowded beaches are highly valued.

Kayaking & Rafting:Mexico has fine sites for salt water and fresh water kayaking, as well as for white-water rafting. Among sea locations where kayaking is available are La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Huatulco and Cancun.
The heart of white-water rafting, however, is to be found in the state of Veracruz, where a number of rivers flow down from the moutains toward the coast. One is the Rio Antigua and the other the Rio Pescados.

Hiking and trekking in Mexico

Mexico makes for an ideal hiking destination; it has a number of excellent mountain ranges and (generally) ideal weather, that more than make up for the often brutal altitude issues posed by the country’s capital, Mexico City. The best time to hike in this North American country is undoubtedly during the dry season though, which runs from October to May, and offers temperate weather and the opportunity for some truly epic hiking trail experiences. Best places are: Copper Canyon/ Tararecua Canyon, Desierto de los Leones, Chipinque, Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Paso de Cortes, Nevado de Toluca, Iztaccíhuatl (Ixtacimhuatl), Cumbres de Ajusco, Tepozteco.

Ziplining in Mexico: Zip Line into a water filled cave, into dense jungles or over towering waterfalls when in Mexico; best places: Grutas de Tolantongo, Cancun's Cenotes, Puerto Vallarta.

Horseback Riding in Mexico: Mexico is the land of, Mayans, Aztecs and Conquistadores with a rich cultural and historical heritage. It is easy to reach, has beautiful unspoiled countryside and the winter climate is delightful, making it a prime destination for a horseback riding vacation.
Mexico is a great "Horse Country" with its large historical haciendas (colonial farm estates) and famous horse breeding programs, as well as Charros (cowboys), who are some of the best horsemen you’ll find anywhere.
Gallop across open grassland, canter through beautiful woods, ride through small villages and at the end of each day relax in one the many superb fincas and haciendas.

Golf in Mexico

With over 160 golf courses in its vast territory, it is not surprising that Mexico is considered by those who love this sport as one of their favorite destinations to play this sport. Currently, there are many tourist destinations in Mexico offering this sport as one of its attractions and of the most exclusive experiences for their visitors.
In Mexico, golf is almost synonymous with luxury. Long or short courses, difficult or comparatively easy ones, some surrounded by lush vegetation, spectacular ocean front locations or mid-city treasures, there is an amazing variety of golf in Mexico. If you love natural landscapes, soft sand beaches, target golf links, full and plush Paspalum fairways, dry deserts or tropical forests, then Mexico is the place to play your favorite game of golf.

Enjoy the beauty of golf courses in Baja California, framed by the beautiful Sea of Cortes. Or practice this sport in courses deep in the jungles of Puerto Vallarta or in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Morelos. Go further south and play golf while you enjoy the beautiful landscapes provided by destinations such as Campeche, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Cancun, where some of the most important golf course designers such as Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye and Robert Von Hagge have left their footprint.