Mexico is the 14th largest country in the world located in North America between the United States and Central America. With a population of over 125 million people, 94% speak Spanish and 38% also speak one of the many indigenous languages. Mexico has a diverse geography ranging from deserts to rainforests and a long history with indigenous populations and Spanish influence seen in its culture, traditions, and cuisine today.

1. Mexico

3. Introduction
 Population - 125.9 million
 94% of Mexicans speak Spanish
The largest Spanish speaking population in
the world (approx. 110 million)
 38% speak indigenous languages (lenguajes
nativos)
 There are 68 indigenous languages recognized in
Mexico
 Two most common are: Nahuatl and Yucatec Maya
 Mexico has the most indigenous languages in the
Americas
 Currency – Mexican Peso

4. Geography
 The 14th largest country in the world with an area
of 758,449 square miles
 Capital - Mexico City (Ciudad de México)
 Borders (Fronteras) -
 Belize to the southeast
 Guatemala to the southwest
 United States to the north
 Climate varies with altitude (elevación); from desert
(desierto) to tropical rainforest (bosque tropical
húmedo) and coastal wetland (humedal costero)
 Type of government – Federal Republic
(Republica Federal)

5. Geography
 The largest mountain range is the Sierra Madre
that is rich in silver (plata) and copper (cobre)
 Located halfway between the Equator (Ecuador)
and Artic Circle (Circulo Polar Artico) which makes
it a refuge for migratory animals
 E.g. The gray whale (Ballena gris) from Alaska and the
monarch butterfly (Mariposas monarca) from the
US/Canada

6. Religion
 85% Catholic (Católico)
 During the Spanish conquest,
Roman Catholicism was
introduced
 Considered the second largest
catholic nation in the world
 The strongest symbol is that of
the Virgin of Guadalupe
(Virgen de Guadalupe)
 Some indigenous traditions
still exist
 Venerating the dead using
(Día de los Muertos)

8. Music
 The foundation of Mexican music is
derived from its indigenous
heritage:
 The sounds of drums (tambores),
violins (violines), sea shells (conchas
de mar) and guitars (guitarras) brings
Mexican music alive
 Common genres of music include:
˜ Mariachi
˜ Norteño
˜ Banda
˜ Corrido

9. Art (El Arte)
 Mexico’s folkloric art (arte
folclórica) is a
combination of indigenous
and Spanish symbolism
 Made by persons who
have no formal art
training; the art is meant
to be handmade
(artesanal) and
decorative (decorativo)

10. Holidays (Fiestas)
 Carnaval
 Semana Santa
 Cinco de mayo
 Día de los muertos

11. Sports (Deportes)
 Football (Futbol)
 Boxing (Boxeo)
 Baseball (Beisbol)
 Rodeo (Charrería)

12. Major Attractions
 Beaches
 Cenotes
 Mayan Ruins
 Chichen Itza
 Tulum
 Palenque
 Frida Kahlo Museum
 Tequila Tours

13. Food
 Mexican cuisine is known for its intense and varied
flavors, colorful decoration and variety of spices
 Common dishes include:
Tacos al pastor
Tamales
Pozole
Chilaquiles
Mole
Cochinita pibil
Enchiladas
 Menudo
 Pipian
 Guacamole
Chile En Nogada