Overview of Mexico

Quick Overview

Linking North America and Latin America, Mexico is one of the world's most populous countries, one of those welcoming the most tourists, and also—though it isn't always obvious—one of the planet's top economies, thanks to its mineral wealth, oil, agriculture, tourism revenue, and funds sent by the Mexican diaspora living more or less legally in the United States.

Geographically, Mexico is a country of varied relief. In the north, the high desert plateaus with their "Wild West landscapes" gradually rise to form a mountainous zone, dominated in the south by several volcanoes, some still active. These highlands are framed by fertile plains along the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific.

Mexico in Four Regions

• Baja California: The endless peninsula stretches between the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. Sparsely populated, it offers remarkable landscapes and ecotourism opportunities in its southern part. In contrast, the entire U.S. border zone is dedicated to festive or shopping tourism for an American audience.

• Northern Mexico: This area is largely desert, almost ignored by tourists, and has a poor reputation for security. Nevertheless, it also represents a lesser-known facet of Mexico.

• Central Mexico: This is the most populated region and a major tourism hub, boasting significant cultural heritage, beautiful nature, and renowned beach resorts highly appreciated by those seeking relaxation.

• Yucatán and Southern Mexico: This Mayan land has become the country's main tourism zone. While the Caribbean coast is famous for its beaches and diving, the region also offers many other attractions, both natural and cultural, including numerous pre-Columbian sites.

Key Facts

• Location: Spanning 3,000 km from north to south between United States and Guatemala.

• Latitude/longitude: 23.00' N, 102.00' W.

• Local time: Since 2015, Mexico has had 4 time zones. However, the capital's time, Heure : 3049, is the reference.

• Capital: Mexico

• Nature of the state: Federal republic.

• Official language: Spanish (alongside around sixty local languages).

• Currency: Mexican peso.

• Population: 125,959,205 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 1,964,375 km².

• Density: 64 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Pico de Orizaba volcano (5,636 m).

• Lowest point: Laguna Salada (-10 m).

• Coastline: 9,330 km.

• Driving: On the right.

• Flag: [drapeau: Mexique]

Tourism

Rich in landscapes, heritage, and beach areas, Mexico ranks among the world's top ten tourist destinations, now welcoming over 40 million visitors annually (41.447 million in 2018). That’s nearly double the number of visitors in less than a decade! The sector alone accounts for 15% of GDP and 6 million jobs in the country.

For decades, the country has attracted millions of Americans (about a quarter of all visitors), as well as around 2 million Canadians, for whom Mexico is the second-favorite destination after the U.S., and roughly 200,000 French visitors. This could also include Mexicans themselves, who are highly present in certain coastal regions during vacation periods.

However, tourism distribution remains quite uneven across the country. While the Riviera Maya, resorts on the "central Pacific," and parts of the Mexico City region experience heavy traffic, the same isn’t true everywhere, and some states (for various reasons) remain completely off the traditional tourist trail.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: For beginner/somewhat experienced travelers.

• By air: France-Mexico round trip for 520/1,000 €.

• Entry requirements: Passport + return or onward ticket.

• Currency to bring: Euros (or Canadian dollars for Canadians).

• Exchange rate:

• Backpacker daily budget: 40 to 50 € per person.

• Accommodation: Mid-range hotels (or all-inclusive if you only plan beach holidays).

• Getting around: Bus or, occasionally, car (and plane for very long distances).

• Risks: Low for health, medium to high (or much higher locally) for security.

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices: November to May, avoiding Christmas/January and Easter.

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★★★; Culture ★★★★; Relaxation ★★★★

Addresses in France

• Tourist Office (MTB): 4 rue Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, 75002 Paris. Tel.: 01 42 86 96 13.

• Latin America House: 217 bd Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris. Tel.: 01 49 54 75 00.

Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec

• Belgium and Switzerland: No local tourist office.

• Quebec: Tourist Office (MTB), 1 Place Ville Marie, Suite 1931, Montreal, H3B 2C3. Tel.: (514) 871 11 03.

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 74/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: 19,900 US$ (2017)

• Average monthly income: 800 US$ (2012)

• Inflation: +6% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 3.6% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 46.2% (2014)

• Life expectancy: 76.3 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -1.8 (2017)

• Population growth: +1.09% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 94.5% (2015)

• Urban population: 80.2% (2018)

• Press freedom: 147/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: Flawed democracy (71/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook