Mexico

Mexico (Spanish: México), officially the United Mexican States (Spanish: Estados Unidos Mexicanos), is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico.

History

Mexico's history is divided into several periods: the pre-Columbian period, the colonial period, the independence period, and the post-independence period. The pre-Columbian period encompasses all period subdivisions in the history and prehistory of the Americas before the appearance of significant European influences. The colonial period began with the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century and ended with the Mexican War of Independence in the early 19th century. The independence period was marked by a long and bloody war that led to the establishment of the independent nation of Mexico. The post-independence period includes the Mexican Revolution, the formation of the modern Mexican state, and contemporary history.

Geography

Mexico is the third largest country in Latin America, after Brazil and Argentina. It is characterized by diverse landscapes that include deserts, mountains, plateaus, and tropical rainforests. The country is known for its rich biodiversity and is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world.

Culture

Mexican culture is a complex blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. The country's cultural heritage includes notable contributions in literature, music, painting, sculpture, film, television, and various forms of popular art. Mexico is known for its folk art traditions, mostly derived from a combination of the indigenous and Spanish crafts. Particularly notable handicrafts include clay pottery, embroidery, and weaving.

Economy

Mexico has the 15th largest nominal GDP and the 11th largest by purchasing power parity. The economy is strongly linked to those of its NAFTA partners, especially the United States. Mexico is considered an upper-middle-income country by the World Bank.

See also

• History of Mexico
• Geography of Mexico
• Culture of Mexico
• Economy of Mexico