The Basics
Country: Mexico
Where is it?: Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the US and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the US.
Why do people go here?: Mexico is large enough – and diverse enough – to have something for every traveler, whether it be adventure-seeking, small village interaction, historical touring, partying, or a number of other activities.
What are the main entry points?: You can drive over the border, but most prefer to fly, either to Mexico City or a number of resort destinations.
Currency used: Mexican peso (MXN)
Country Code: 52
Area codes for Major Cities: Mexico City 5
Religion: Nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%, other 5%
Population: 111.2 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%
Government: Federal Presidential Republic
Languages: Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages.
Travel Information
Major Cities: Mexico (Distrito Federal)
Attractions: Mexico City, Resorts, Ruins
Accommodations: Mexico Hostels, Mexico Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: Avenida Presidente Masaryk 172 Mexico City +52-5-250-01-51; www.mexonline.com
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Yucatan Jungle, Labna, Hierve el Agua, Lake Zirahuen
Health Issues: No vaccination requirements for any international traveller. Malaria risk exists throughout the year in some rural areas that are not often visited by tourists. Chloroquine is recommended.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: Avoid the summer, and you’ll avoid the crowds, and H-O-T weather.
Common Phrases: Hello=Hola; Goodbye=Adios; Yes=Si; No=No; Please=Por favor; Thank You=Gracias; Do you speak English?=¿Habla ingles?; Can you help me?= ¿Puede ayudarme?; I don’t know=No se
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day, 16 September (1810)
Getting Around: Fly if you are short on time, otherwise, long distance buses are in decent shape. Local ones, however, are considerably more rough and ragged, but then again, they are very affordable and sometime downright super cheap.
Good to know: Mexico is the 11th most populous country in the world.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Mexico is the Benito Juárez International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Mexico travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
