The large size of the territory of Mexico. Mexico: general information about the country

Mexico is an independent country in the southern part of North America, located in the widest part of the isthmus south of the US border, connecting the two continents: North and South America. Area - 1.97 million km 2 (13th place in the world), population - 121 million people, density - 62 people / km 2. The capital is Mexico City, the major cities are Guadalajara, Puebla, Ecatepec de Morelos.

Geographic characteristics

Mexico is located on the territory east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, it includes part of the Yucatan Peninsula (12% of the country), the country occupies most of Central America. The area of ​​the country is 1.97 million km 2 , including 6 thousand km 2 of the island territories of the Pacific Ocean (Guadeloupe and Revilla-Hihedo), islands in the Gulf of Mexico and California, and the Caribbean Sea. The northern borders with the United States have a length of 3141 km, the southern neighbors of Mexico are Guatemala and Belize (the length of the border is 871 km and 251 km, respectively).

Nature

Northern and central part countries lie within the Mexican Highlands, in the north turning into the Great Plains plateau in the United States. In the east, from north to south, the Eastern Sierre Madre Eastern mountain range stretches, in the west in the same direction - Western Sierre Madre, this is a continuation of the Rocky Mountains, mostly located in the United States. In the center, from east to west, the ridges of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt are extended under the general name of the Sierra Nevada. Here are located such mountain peaks as the stratovolcanoes Orizaba (5.7 thousand m, the highest point of the country) and Nevado de Toluca (4.6 thousand m), active volcano Popocatepetl (5.4 thousand m). Only a third of the country falls on flat surfaces, the largest on the Yucatan Peninsula and the flat lowlands are located mainly in strips along the Pacific coast and Gulf of Mexico...

Rivers and lakes

More than 150 river flows flow through Mexico, most of them belong to the Pacific Ocean, 1/3 flows into the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The largest river in Mexico - Rio Bravo del Note (3034 km) originates in the United States and is called the Rio Grande there. It moisturizes the driest Mexican lands, along its channel in the north of the country there is a border with the United States. Most of the rivers that originate in the Western Sierra Madre get lost in the arid zone and disappear. The main river of the center of Mexico - Lerma, flows into freshwater lake Chapala (area 1.1 thousand km 2, location - 45 km from the city of Guadalajara in the southwest of the country), carrying its waters from it to the Pacific Ocean already under the name Rio Grande de Santiago. Other major rivers- Balsas, Grijalva, Usumacinta, Conchos (the only tributary of the Rio Bravo del Note)...

Ocean, bay and sea surrounding Mexico

The western part of Mexico is washed by the Gulf of California of the Pacific Ocean, the eastern part by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea of ​​the Atlantic Ocean ...

Plants and animals of Mexico

The variety of climatic conditions in the country determine the diversity of flora and fauna. In the north of Mexico, in dry areas, a large number of cacti, agave, yucca, mesquite trees grow, wolves, coyotes, a large number of rattlesnakes and lizards live here. In hot tropical zones, dense tropical vegetation grows, represented by palm trees, rubber trees, and olive trees. Oaks, pines and spruces grow on the slopes of the mountains, there are bears, cougars, ocelots, jaguars. Seals, turtles, many birds live on the coasts of the oceans...

Climate of Mexico

The territory of Mexico lies in two climatic zones, its northern part is in the subtropical climatic zone, the rest of the country is in the tropical.

Most of northern territories on the border with the United States, from the Pacific Ocean to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and the central regions of the country are in arid conditions (precipitation is about 250-300 mm per year), more precipitation falls in the south, their amount reaches up to 600 mm in Mexico City, a sufficient amount precipitation (up to 2000 mm) receives the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and the land of Yucatan. The rainy season lasts from May to October, often powerful tropical cyclones occur here.

The climatic conditions of the country largely depend on the height above sea level and change depending on this factor. Coastal plains 900 meters above sea level have a humid and hot climate (temperature from +19 °C to +49 °C), this is the so-called hot zone. At an altitude of 900 to 1800 m there is a temperate zone with temperatures of +17 °C, +21 °C, a cold region is located above, it is rather cool here - about +16 °C...

Resources

Natural resources of Mexico

Mexico has significant reserves of such fuel and energy resources as oil (fourth place in the world in the production of crude oil), natural gas, coking coal. Also, large reserves of iron ore, non-ferrous and precious metal ores are concentrated here, Mexico has the 1st place in the world in the extraction and export of silver, fluorspar, the country is the world's main exporter of mercury, antimony, cadmium, zinc, manganese ...

Mexico is one of the developed industrial and agricultural countries with the most developed economy among the countries of Latin America. The leading sectors of its industry are mining, energy, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, chemistry and oil refining, food and light industries.

Crop production is the leading branch of Mexican agriculture. The main crops grown are wheat, corn, soybeans, rice, beans, coffee, fruits, tomatoes, cotton...

culture

Peoples of Mexico

The culture of the Mexican people is a mixture of Spanish culture and the pre-Columbian culture of the ancient Indian tribes (Aztec, Maya). The customs, traditions and beliefs of Catholic Europe coexist peacefully with the culture of the ancient Indian civilization. In the artistic art of Mexico, frescoes, unique wall paintings, the development of which was greatly influenced by the architecture and art of the Aztecs and Maya, gained the greatest popularity and fame. Such famous Mexican artists as Diego Rivera and David Siqueiros worked in the fresco technique. Mexican surrealist artist Frida Kahlo is originally from Mexico.

As in any Catholic country, a very large number of religious holidays are celebrated in Mexico, the largest of them are Christmas, Easter, almost every village has its own patron saints, in whose honor local holidays are held with songs, dances, carnival processions. One of the most amazing Mexican holidays, in which the beliefs and traditions of the ancient peoples of Mexico and their descendants are closely intertwined, is the Day of the Dead (November 1-2). This kind of purely Mexican holiday, dedicated to the memory of dead people, it shows that death should be treated lightly and without fear. It does without tears and lamentations, on the contrary, it is one of the most fun days of the year, when after the traditional visit to the graves of their ancestors, people forget about their sorrows, put on bright carnival costumes, eat sweet skulls made of sugar icing and entertain themselves and others with entertaining figures. toy skeletons, which are the main characters of this holiday.

Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world by tourists. And this is not surprising. Rich Mexican traditions have been preserved here, the local population is distinguished by kindness and hospitality, the nature of the country is very beautiful, and the food is tasty and varied.

The original peoples of Mexico were Olmec, Toltec, Maya And Aztecs who created their grandiose civilizations. In the early 1500s, Hernando Cortes made this country a Spanish colony for three centuries. And only on September 16, 1810, the Mexican Republic was established.

Mexico is located in the southern part of the continent of North America and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, it borders on the United States in the north, and Guatemala and Belis in the south.

Climate and weather

Mexico is divided into two climatic zones tropical and temperate. Four main altitudinal belts are distinguished here, depending on the features of the relief.

The hot zone includes the foothills and coastal areas, is characterized by high temperatures in summer and winter, as well as a rainy summer-autumn period. The warm belt is located at an altitude of 1000 to 1500 meters and is characterized by a moderately hot climate. At altitudes from 1500 to 2700 meters there is a cool belt, it occupies a significant part of Mexico and is characterized by moderately warm summers and cool winters with frosts. The frost belt is located at an altitude of more than 2700 meters.

Average monthly temperatures fluctuate throughout the year within 10-30 °С. Most precipitation falls between June and September.

Perhaps there is no time that would not be suitable for visiting Mexico. Although it is worth considering that the coastal and lowland regions of the country are quite hot and humid from May to September, and its continental part has a more temperate climate. It can sometimes be quite cool in the north from November to February. In fact, everyone will be able to choose comfortable conditions for themselves at any time of the year.

July and August are the most popular months for traveling in Mexico, both for foreigners and for the Mexicans themselves. The period from mid-December to early January is also popular. locals like to travel in the week before and after Easter. During these periods, coastal resorts are filled with crowds of tourists, and housing prices in popular areas increase.

Nature

Mexico has a diverse nature - here you will find everything from marshland to desert, from tropical vegetation to alpine meadows. Most of the country's territory is located at an altitude of more than 1000 m. Central regions represented mexican highlands, which is surrounded by mountain ranges in the west and east. The most high point countries - volcano Orizaba(5700 m). Northern part Mexico - plateau Northern Mesa- arid and sparsely populated. Mountains stretch along the coast.

There are more than 350 volcanoes in the country. Another natural feature associated with geological activity is the sea geyser. La Bufadora off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

There are more rivers in the southeast of the country than in the northwest. The largest rivers:

• Rio Grande;
• Lerma;
• Balsas.

The largest lake Chapala.

Attractions

In the cities of Mexico, ancient palaces, monasteries, churches and public buildings. Spanish rule had a significant influence on the local architecture.

mexico city- the capital of the country, as well as its main tourist centre. There are many attractions and famous museums (anthropological, historical and others). Check out the museum of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, known as " blue house". Also worth a visit Presidential palace And Palace of Cortes, built in the 16th century, on the square Cokalo. The first floor of this building is decorated with frescoes by Diego Riviera.

Another Palace of Cortes is located in the city Cuernavaca, 100 km from the capital. It is considered the oldest civil structure in the Americas, North and South. Now it houses the Historical Museum.

In 1999, the city was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. campeche is the capital of the state of the same name. Don't miss the opportunity to see it here:

• fortifications of the 17th century;
• Bastion of St. Carlos;
• earthen gate;
• port of Saint Miguel.

Mexico is a country of great and mysterious civilizations, traces of which have been preserved mainly in the central mountainous regions and on the peninsula. Yucatan. The true monuments of history are pyramids And ruins of ancient settlements.

When in Mexico, be sure to visit the city of the Aztecs Teotihuacan, which is located 50 km from Mexico City. This archaeological complex is one of the best complexes on Earth preserved from ancient Indian cultures.

Chichen Itza Mayan capital. It is located 180 km from Cancun and 140 km from Merida. The date of construction of the complex is 430-1400 AD. It is one of the largest ceremonial centers of the Mayan culture with numerous monuments.

Nutrition

Mexico has an incredible number of cafes and restaurants. There, Mexicans have breakfast, lunch, and dinner - women in the cities of this country rarely stand at the stove.

Corn is the main ingredient in Mexican cuisine. No breakfast, lunch or dinner is complete without a basket of hot cornmeal tortillas. You can buy it everywhere in Mexico tacos, which are prepared from the same cakes, topped with beef, pork or fish. Other common antojitos(snacks) based on corn:

• tamales (banana leaves or banana cobs soaked in various spicy sauces);
• quesadillas (fried tortillas stuffed with cheese and vegetables);
• flautas (cigar-wrapped, flat cakes stuffed with chicken and deep fried).

spicy salsa, often served in clay bowls, is another essential dish on any Mexican table. Fresh fish and shellfish are the main delicacies here. Vegetarians in Mexico should try nopales, juicy and slightly slimy prickly pear cactus leaves, as well as different kinds mushrooms. Also look out for exotic fruits such as zapote(sapodilla) and tuna(fruits of cacti).

Local alcoholic drinks include tequila, mezcal and rum. From beer - Corona and Sol with a light and refreshing taste. And, of course, Mexican coffee liqueur Kalua known all over the world.

Accommodation

Hotels in Mexico are plentiful, ranging from modest boarding houses to large international chains. There are many mid-range establishments in the country. They are generally clean, comfortable and can range from strictly functional complexes to restored historical buildings. Every hotel in Mexico has strict high and low season rates. In addition, many of them offer significant discounts out of season. The average cost of a double room is 65 $ per day.

At major resorts such as cancun, all-inclusive hotels are popular. Here, as a rule, the cost of living includes all meals, snacks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic (local production) drinks, as well as all kinds of entertainment programs and outdoor activities.

The most pleasant and relaxing places to live in Mexico are cabanas located in the suburbs, for example:

• in the jungles of Lacandon Chiapas;
• on the islands of Lake Patzcuaro in Michoacán;
• on top of Nevado de Toluca (a volcanic peak west of Mexico City).

They are all built of wood, but they vary in style and comfort, from rustic hut without electricity and bedding to comfortable bungalows with a fireplace, kitchen and hammocks. Accommodation prices here start from 16 $ per day.

For young people and budget travellers, there are hostels in major cities and major tourist destinations - rooms for 4-20 people, with a shared bathroom and kitchen. The cost of living in them varies from 7 before 20 $ in a day.

Travelers can also settle on ranches or farms with the owner's family, subsequently taking part in the daily labor and grazing of cattle, as well as receiving cooking lessons.

Entertainment and recreation

Mexico is a country of vibrant festivals that are held everywhere. Centuries-old traditions are alive here, and each holiday has its own characteristics.

Performances of instrumental ensembles are widespread throughout the country. mariachi. As a rule, they include two violins, a six-string guitar, a small five-string lute - a haranita and a large bass guitar - a guitarron. The musicians are dressed in elegant national clothes: they are wearing a white shirt with a black tie, tight leather trousers with a faha - a strip of fabric wrapped around the waist, and the invariable sombrero on their heads.

Each Mexican province has its own song and dance genres and folklore performances:

• sandunga from Tehuantepec;
• chiapakenas from the state of Chiapas;
• harana from Okatana;
• huapango and bamba from the state of Veracruz.

You can also get to the performances of the "carp" - a traveling circus big top.

The most popular sports in the country are football, baseball, horse racing, jai-alai.

There are two bullrings in Mexico City, one of them is the largest in the world.

Mexico boasts fantastic beaches located on both coasts. Acapulco, Cancun And Celestune resorts that you will remember for a long time. Here is a wonderful climate beautiful nature and well developed infrastructure.

Purchases

Bring home a piece of Mexico - buy a local souvenir. This can be done in the villages where they are produced, as well as in shops and city markets. A large selection of handicrafts collected throughout Mexico is presented in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, San Miguel de Allende, Puebla. There are markets that specialize in selling souvenirs. Prices there will be lower than in the store.

For the purchase of goods of daily necessity, hypermarkets, shopping centers, supermarkets are suitable. In the center big cities you can find old shops with a special atmosphere.

The most popular purchases home from Mexico are: ceramics, masks, woodwork, jewelry, metalwork, textiles, bags, wicker baskets, traditional design clothing, musical instruments.

Shops are usually open from 9:00 to 20:00, Monday to Saturday. In the south, especially in small towns, some shops are closed for siesta from 2 pm to 4 pm, and on Saturday they are open only until lunchtime.

Transport

All major cities and some smaller cities have airports. A domestic flight is a good alternative to a long bus trip. Aeromexico is the main airline in the country. There are also many small carriers that mainly operate flights between small towns.

Passenger ferries run between:

• Santa Rosalia and Guyamas;
• La Paz and Mazatlan;
• La Paz and Topolobampo.

A ferry service also connects the Yucatan Peninsula with the islands.

Mexico has good roads and a highly developed bus network. Most cities have one Central station where buses arrive long distance. There are several service classes:

• de lujo (comfortable buses with a video screen, drinks and snacks, air conditioning and a toilet);
• primera clase (differs from the premium class in more frequent stops);
• segunda clase (connect small towns and villages, a slow and cheap way to travel, tickets are sold at the conductor).

The cost of a first class trip is approx. 5-7 $ in an hour.

In the country right-sided road traffic. The speed limit varies from 80 to 120 km/h on motorways, from 30 to 50 km/h in built-up areas. Seat belts must be worn by both the driver and passengers. There are many one-way roads in cities.

City buses are called camiones. A trip to them will cost about $ 0.4. Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey have subways.

In 2000, passenger rail services were terminated with one exception - from Chihuahua to the Pacific Ocean along copper canyon. This is one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world.

Connection

Long-distance calls in Mexico are inexpensive, but international calls can significantly empty your wallet. Calls from the hotel are the most unprofitable way of communication, the prices for them are very high.

There are three main mobile operators in the country: Telcel, IUSACell, Movistar. The cost of a SIM card is from 16 $ . At Telcel the widest coverage network and many points of sale, one of them is located at the Mexico City airport. Also, cards of this operator can be purchased at newsstands and minimarkets.

Casetas, cabinas and locutorio are points public use telephone, which can be found by the corresponding sign on the sign. This is much more profitable than calling from a pay phone. In addition, your conversation will not be disturbed by the noise of the streets.

Cards for street payphones can be purchased at kiosks and minimarkets in denominations of $2.5, $4, and $8. A minute of conversation on average will cost 2 $ .

There are more than a thousand Internet cafes in Mexico, an hour of using Internet access will cost 1 $ . Many hotels offer their guests computers with Internet connections and Wi-Fi services. Hotspots, including free ones, can also be found at airports, bars and cafes.

Safety

Mexico has a fairly high level of crime and police corruption. Therefore, when traveling here, be especially careful about observing safety precautions. Then you can minimize the risk of unpleasant situations.

Crime problems exist in Mexico City, Acapulco, Monterrey, and cities along the US border (such as Nuevo Lareda, Tijuana, and Ciudad Juarez). Theft occurs most often in the poor neighborhoods of metropolitan areas and northern border towns. Do not leave your belongings unattended, especially on the beach - you may not find them when you return after the next swim. You need to be especially careful with taxis in Mexico City.

Watch your health. Use insect repellent to prevent malaria and dengue. Hepatitis A is common in Mexico, so be careful what you eat and drink.

The country is located in a seismically dangerous territory. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are not uncommon here. The most famous of them are Popocatepetl ("smoking mountain") and Ixtacihuatl ("white mother").

Business climate

In Mexico, the largest number of fairgrounds are located in mexico city- there are 4 of them. In Guadalajara, Acapulco, Pueblo, Leon, Monterrey and Cancun - 1 each.

Mexico is one of the main oil-producing and oil-exporting countries in the world. Leading industries: mining, oil, petrochemical, metallurgical, construction, textile, food and engineering.

Basic taxes: income tax - 3-28%, income tax - 30%, VAT - 16%.

Real estate

Real estate here is much cheaper than in many other resort countries, such as France, Cyprus or Italy. But in addition to an attractive housing price, Mexico also has to offer great weather almost all year round and snow-white beaches.

Most popular places to buy real estate in Mexico - first of all, resort areas, the city of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula, Acapulco and Los Cabos (the prices here are the highest in the country).

In Mexico, there are residential complexes for people with a wide range of income levels: from apartments to luxurious mansions on the coastline.

A two-bedroom condominium costs $100,000; an apartment of the same size in a new complex will cost $300,000. A house with 3-4 bedrooms can be purchased for $750,000.

It should be noted that foreign citizens are prohibited from buying property in the "closed zone", that is, in areas located less than 10 km from the border, 50 km from the coastline and in island territories. But, despite this, it is still possible to legally buy housing on the coast. For this, the system is used Fideicomiso- trust fund. There are three parties involved in buying a home: the seller, the fictitious buyer, and the real buyer. The property is registered to a fictitious buyer, although he is not the real owner. Proof of ownership is usually held by a bank, and trusts act as a fictitious buyer.

In other areas, the purchase of real estate takes 2-3 weeks. First, a contract of sale is concluded, and the buyer pays the seller 10% of the value of the property. Then the notary draws up and registers all the necessary documents. After that, when all the documents are in the hands of the buyer, the entire amount of the purchase is paid.

The tax ranges from $40 to $120 per year.

All real estate transactions in Mexico are conducted in US dollars.

Since 2009, the Mexican authorities have made concessions in simplifying visa procedures for citizens of the Russian Federation. The Embassy of Mexico in the Russian Federation is located in Moscow on Bolshoy Levshinsky Lane, house number 4. Here you can apply for a tourist visa ($36), business and visitor visas ($134). Standard expiration date tourist visa- 5 and 10 years. The length of stay in Mexico can be from 14 to 90 days.

If you don't speak Spanish, don't worry - most of the workers in the field tourism business English is spoken in Mexico. However, if you make the effort to learn a few words of Spanish, you will be able to better connect with the Mexicans you meet. Here are some words to help you:

• "hola" - greeting;
• "grasyas" - thank you,;
• "por favor" - please;
• "cuanto cuesta" - how much does it cost.

In Mexico, it is customary to leave a tip of 10% in restaurants. On international resorts tips increase to 15-20%. It is customary for maids to leave 2-3 $.

The best exchange rate can be found in banks. At the airport, the rate is not bad, compared to hotel rates. Changing money at a hotel is a bad idea. Street cambios or exchange offices offer a rate slightly worse than in a bank, but they have a convenient mode of operation. Almost everywhere in Mexico, you can pay for goods and services in dollars. But keep in mind that the conversion from Mexican pesos will be carried out at an unfavorable rate.

In Mexico, the types of sockets are different from what we are used to. Here you will need an adapter for grounded and non-grounded American sockets.

Visa information

Since 2010, citizens of the Russian Federation and Ukraine have been given the opportunity to obtain a free Mexican visa. To do this, you must correctly fill out a special form, which is located on the official website of the embassy, ​​and receive a unique code, which then needs to be printed. This permission is granted to the airline (when buying a flight to Mexico) and during passport control. Please note that without presenting a printed permit, entry into Mexico is not possible. This e-Visa allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days, but is only valid for a single entry.

Citizens of the Russian Federation who have a US visa are allowed to enter the country without a Mexican visa, and the number of trips is not limited.

The Embassy of Mexico in the Russian Federation is located at: Moscow, per. Bolshoi Levshinsky, 4.

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Books

• Mexico, Ya. G. Mashbits. The first monograph by a Soviet author on economic geography Mexico is one of largest countries Latin America. It tells about the diverse natural resources of the country, about…
• Mexico, Egelkraut, Ortrun. "Poor Mexico! God is so far from her, and the United States is so close." The aphorism of the dictator Porfirio Diaz accurately characterizes the relationship with the great neighbor. Stretching for 2500 km, the border with ...

Television has shaped the image of Mexico as a very poor country, where drug cartels are constantly at war with each other. But in fact, this is not at all the case. Every year, more than 20 million foreign tourists come to this country to see the unique monuments and pyramids of the Maya and Aztec Indians, ancient Spanish forts, colonial palaces, try unforgettable Mexican cuisine, and, of course, relax in Mexican beach resorts, among which "shine » Acapulco and Cancun.

Mexico is located in the south of North America. Mexico borders the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast. In the southeast, the country is washed by the Caribbean Sea, in the east by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and in the south and west by the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Mexico consists of several islands in the Pacific Ocean, including the Revilla Gigedo group of islands and the island of Guadalupe. The total area of ​​this state, including the islands, is 1,972,550 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 4,353 km.

From north to south through the territory of Mexico stretched mountain ranges Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Occidental, they are located between the Mexican Highlands. Dominated in the south mountain system Sierra Madre South. The highest local peak is Mount Orizaba, whose height reaches 5,700 meters.

Seismic activity is quite high in Mexico. In addition, there are many volcanoes, some of which are still active (for example, Colima and Paricutin).

The largest Mexican rivers are Usumacinta (560 km), Grijalva (480 km), Papaloapan (534 km), Coatzacoalcos (282 km).

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. More than 9 million people now live in this city. Historians claim that Mexico City was founded by the Aztec Indians in 1325.

One in Mexico official language- Spanish.

More than 82% of the inhabitants are Catholics, about 9% are Protestants.

According to the current Constitution, Mexico is a presidential republic in which the head of state is the President (he is elected by popular vote for 6 years).

The bicameral Mexican parliament is called the Congress, it consists of the Senate (128 senators, elected for 6 years) and the Chamber of Deputies (500 deputies, elected for 3 years).

The main political parties are the Institutional Revolutionary Party, the National Action Party, the Democratic Revolution Party, the Green Party and the Labor Party.

Administratively, Mexico is divided into 31 states and one federal district, centered on Mexico City.

The climate is tropical and temperate, depending on the region and altitude in relation to sea level. On the Yucatan Peninsula, the average annual air temperature is + 26-30C.

The rainy season lasts from May to October. During the rest of the year, it also rains, but much less frequently. In general, you can relax in Mexico all year round, but it depends on the destinations where tourists want to go (some destinations are better to choose in certain months).

Average air temperature in Cancun (Caribbean coast):

1. January – +23C
2. February - +23C
3. March - +25C
4. April - +26C
5. May - +27C
6. June - +28С
7. July - +28С
8. August – +28C
9. september - +28C
10. october - +27C
11. November - +25C
12. december - +24C

In the southeast, the country is washed by the Caribbean Sea, and in the south and west by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The total length of the coastline is 9,330 km.

Average sea temperature off the coast of Cancun (Caribbean coast):

1. January – +26C
2. February - +26C
3. March - +26C
4. April - +27С
5. May - +28C
6. June - +29C
7. july - +29C
8. August – +29C
9. september - +29C
10. october - +29C
11. November - +28C
12. december - +27С

Several fairly large rivers flow through Mexico - Usumacinta (560 km), Grijalva (480 km), Papaloapan (534 km), Coatzacoalcos (282 km). In the state of Guadalajara, at an altitude of 1524 meters above sea level, there is a freshwater lake Chapala, with an area of ​​1,100 square meters. km, the largest in this country.

People settled on the territory of modern Mexico several thousand years ago. In the early centuries of our century, several Indian tribes lived there, including the famous Maya, who created hieroglyphic writing, a calendar and grandiose pyramids. Around the 12th century, the Aztecs arrived there.

At the beginning of the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico, led by Hernandez de Cordoba, Juan de Grijalva and Hernan Cortes. After some time, Mexico became part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, and remained a Spanish colony until 1821.

In 1823, after a long war of independence, the Republic of Mexico was proclaimed. Throughout the 19th century, bloody wars took place on the territory of this country, as a result of which Mexican states Texas, New Mexico, Upper California.

Not without wars for Mexico and the beginning of the XX century. From 1910 to 1917, the civil war continued there. As a result, the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz was overthrown, and a Constitution was adopted that guaranteed the separation of church and state, agrarian reform, the creation of trade unions, etc.

Since the 1950s, in Mexico, where there are very large oil reserves, an economic recovery begins. In the mid-1980s, oil prices fall and Mexico begins an economic and political crisis. Now this country is still experiencing economic problems, but the situation is quite stable.

The culture of Mexico was formed on the basis of the traditions of the Indians, and then the Spaniards had a strong influence on it. Every Mexican city or town has its own festival in honor of a saint.

At the end of February, a grandiose Carnival takes place in Mexico City, which usually lasts 5 days. All these 5 days, colorful processions with music and dances pass through the streets of the Mexican capital.

December 12 in Mexico City and in some other Mexican cities celebrate the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, with a lot of different events. In the capital's Basilica de Guadalupe square, colorful performances take place on this day.

September 16 marks the most revered national Mexican holiday - Independence Day.

Mexican cuisine is famous all over the world. The staple foods are corn, beans, rice and vegetables. Important ingredients for preparing Mexican dishes are spices and hot chili peppers.

The diet of the Mayan Indians once upon a time consisted mainly of corn and some vegetables, spices, herbs and chili were used in the preparation of dishes. After the Spaniards arrived in Mexico, the diet of the Indians was replenished with animal meat and fish. Thanks to the merger culinary traditions Indians and Spaniards, and modern Mexican cuisine was formed.

In the south of the country, dishes are spicier than in the north. Incidentally, south of meat dishes tourists are usually offered chicken, while beef is more common in the north. In general, each region or city has its own special dish - "cochinita pibil" (Yucatan) and "huevos rancheros" (Sonora).

We recommend that tourists first ask what this or that dish is prepared from, because. some of them may seem very exotic to Europeans. For example, for lunch you can be served "Chapulines" (fried grasshoppers).

1. "Guacamole" - sauce with fried pieces of tortilla;
2. "Tacos Tortillas" - cakes with different fillings (most often meat filling);
3. "Pozole" - chicken or pork soup with corn and spices;
4. "Carnitas" - fried pork;
5. "Chilaquiles" - fried potatoes with tomatoes;
6. "Sopes" - cornmeal patty with chicken, cheese and spicy sauce;
7. "Tostados" - tortilla with chicken, beans, tomatoes, onions, cream, cheese and hot sauce;
8. "Huachinango" - perch;
9. "Ceviche" - raw fish with lime juice (it is added to the salad).
10. "Pollo Pibil" - grilled chicken marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves.

Traditional alcoholic drinks are beer, tequila, "tepache" (made from pineapple), "tuba" (fermented coconut palm juice) and "pulque" (fermented agave juice with a strength of 5-8 °).

In Mexico, there are now several thousand archaeological, historical and architectural sites. The most famous of them are, of course, the Mayan and Aztec pyramids. But this country also has many medieval Spanish forts, churches and palaces. The top ten Mexican attractions, in our opinion, include the following:

The largest cities are Tijuana, Puebla, Ecatepec de Morelos, León, Ciudad Juarez, Monterrey, Zapopan, and, of course, Mexico City.

Tourists come to Mexico mainly for the sake of beach holiday, although there, of course, there are many historical sights left from the pre-Columbian era. The most popular Mexican beach resorts are Acapulco, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Mazatlán, Costa Maya and Zihuatanejo. Acapulco and Cancun are very popular among foreigners.

Some of the best Mexican beaches are, in our opinion, the following:

1. Cancun
2. Playa del Carmen
3. Puerto Vallarta
4. Los Cabos
5. Tulum
6. Mazatlan
7. Cozumel
8. Huatulco

Souvenirs in Mexico ("reminder") are probably best bought at roadside stalls and rural markets. Tourists buy ceramics in this country, a Piñata toy (an ancient game of the Aztecs), dresses, blouses, handmade blankets and carpets, leather goods (purses, wallets, belts, sandals), silver and coral products, cigars, chocolate, vanilla, various Mexican sauces, and, of course, tequila.

Banks:
Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00
Some banks are open on Sundays as well.

The shops:
Mon-Sat: 09:30-20:00
Supermarkets in Mexico City are open 7 days a week, with some of them open 24 hours a day.

Ukrainians need a visa to visit Mexico.

The Mexican peso is the official currency in Mexico. Its international designation is MXN. One peso = 100 centavos. Many hotels, restaurants and large shops accept credit cards (VISA or MasterCard, less often American Express). Where credit cards are not accepted, it says "Lo Sentimos - No Tarjetas de Crédito" ("Unfortunately, without credit cards"). Traveler's checks are not very common.