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PUERTO LA CRUZ
ADVANCE LEVEL
MEXICO
PROFILE COUNTRY
Introduction
Mexico is a nation where affluence, poverty, natural splendor and urban blight
rub shoulders. Comprised 0f 31 states and one federal district, Mexico is home to the
worlds largest population of Spanish speakers. From the temples of Chichen Itza, to
the beaches of Cancun or the bustle of Mexico City, this country boasts a diverse
landscape and rich history.
Profile Country
Population: 120,286,655
Literacy: More than 93.5% over the age 15 years can read and write
History: Mexico was conquered and colonized by the Spanish from the 16th Century
Mexico has mountains in the eastern and northern parts of the country,
rainforests in the southern and eastern parts and deserts in the West. Most of the
bigger cities are located in the southern parts of the country. There are low
coastal plains, high-rugged mountains and a high tableau in the centre of the country.
The climate varies from tropical climate to desert climate. Mexico has four time
zones.
Mexico is situated on the Ring of Fire, the worlds most prominent volcano
and earthquake region. However, the volcanos on Mexico's Baja California, a popular
tourist destination, are mostly dormant. The peninsula to the west of mainland
Mexico is called Baja California. This peninsula is the largest peninsula in the world.
Over 120 species of cactus are growing there.
The highest peak in Mexico is a volcano and is the third largest in Northern
America. It is called Pico Orizaba or 'Volcan Citlaltepetl' and is 5,636m/18,491ft
high.
History
In the early 1500s, the Spanish arrived in Mexico. The Aztec people got sick
from smallpox and other diseases that the Spanish brought with them. The Spaniards
also seized and destroyed the Aztec capital, called Tenochtiln. The Spanish ruled
Mexico until 1821.
The flag is shows three bands in green, white and red. The emblem on the
white ground shows an eagle standing on a cactus with a snake in the beak. The
colours of the Mexican flag stand for independence, unity and religion. The legend
describes, that the Aztec settled and built their capital city which they named
Tenochtitlan, which is today Mexico City, on the place where they saw and eagle
sitting on a cactus, eating a snake.
Three parties have historically been the dominant parties in Mexican politics:
the National Action Party, Institutional Revolutionary Party, and Mexican
Revolution. These are left and right political parties.
Respecting its international policies, Mexico is one of the founding members
of several international organizations, most notably the United Nations. Also is
considered a regional power. The relations of Mexico are focus primarily on the
United States, its northern neighbor, largest trading partner.
Military
The Mexican Armed Forces have two branches: the Mexican Army (which
includes the Mexican Air Force), and the Mexican Navy. The Mexican Armed Forces
maintain significant infrastructure, including facilities for design, research, and
testing of weapons, vehicles, aircraft, naval vessels, defense systems and
electronics; military industry manufacturing centers for building such systems, and
advanced naval dockyards that build heavy military vessels and advanced missile
technologies.
Economy
Communications
Tourism
Mexico has traditionally been among the most visited countries in the
world according to the World Tourism Organization and it is the most visited country
in the Americas, after the United States. The most notable attractions are
the Mesoamerican ruins, cultural festivals, colonial cities, nature reserves and the
beach resorts. The nation's wide range of climates, from temperate to tropical, and
unique culture a fusion of the European and the Mesoamerican make Mexico an
attractive destination.
Transportation
The roadway network in Mexico is extensive and all areas in the country are
covered by it. Mexico was one of the first Latin American countries to promote
railway development, and the network covers 30,952 km (19,233 mi). Mexico has
233 airports with paved runways; of these, 35 carry 97% of the passenger
traffic. The Mexico City International Airport remains the largest in Latin America
and the 44th largest in the world transporting 21 million passengers a year.
People y Culture
Mexicans are known as very friendly and welcoming foreigners, they are
really fond of kids. Mariachi are the popular musicians who play folk music. They
mainly use string instruments, but also trumpets are sometimes played. The groups
are often invited to play at birthday parties, weddings and other family celebrations.
In relation to the Mexican language, the country has the largest Spanish-
speaking population in the world with almost a third of all Spanish native speakers.
Also Mexico has stood out for its music, telenovelas and cinema. Famous Mexican
are among many others: the actress Selma Hayek, the guitarist Carlos Santana and the
soccer players Javier Hernandez and Guillermo Ochoa.
Religion
Mexican cuisine is known for its intense and varied flavors, colorful
decoration, and variety of spices. Most of today's Mexican food is based on pre-
Columbian traditions, including Aztec and Maya, combined with culinary trends
introduced by Spanish colonists.
Chocolate, chilies and corn come originally from Mexico. One dish many of
you will know is 'chilli con carne', a spicy mince meat dish with beans.
guacamole: avocado dip made with mashed avocados, salt and lime or lemon
juice, often also with chilli peppers
tortilla: Mexican corn or wheat flour flatbreads are eaten with almost every
dish. They are prepared and eaten with meat, cheese, potato or vegetables
nachos: tortilla chips often served hot with melted cheese or spicy mince
sauce, usually eaten as a snack
pan de muerto: sweet bread roll baked for the 'Day of the Dead' which is
celebrated on 1 and 2 of November
The main staple food is corn and rice, fruits and vegetables, chicken, pork, beef,
lamb and along the coastal regions also seafood. Chile peppers are usually among the
main ingredients in many Mexican dishes.
Sports
The Estadio Azteca, regarded as one of the iconic football stadiums in the
world, hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals and was the main venue of the
1968 Summer Olympics.
Mexico City hosted the XIX Olympic Games in 1968, making it the first Latin
American city to do so. The country has also hosted the FIFA World Cup twice,
in 1970 and 1986.