Geography
- Full country name: Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United Mexican States)
- Population: 113 million
- Border countries: USA, Guatemala, Belize
- Climate: ranges from the arid to the sub-tropical. In the majority of the country, the bulk of the rainfall occurs in the summer months with higher rates of precipitation in the East and South East. Local climates can be varied and seasonal, so be prepared for contrasts.
- Terrain: mostly mountainous apart from the Gulf coast, the Yucatan and coastal areas in the North West.
- Natural hazards: volcanoes, earthquakes in the centre and South, hurricanes on the coasts.
Living in Mexico
- Cost of living: there is wide variation in income, living conditions and cost of living. UK/EU graduates should find most places affordable given that public transport, taxis and eating out are cheaper than in the UK.
- Utilities: electricity, gas and water are generally affordable but rates vary according to location.
- Internet domain: .mx
- Health: the general standard of public health in the major cities is satisfactory with access to general practice and hospital care. In rural areas, healthcare may differ markedly. Visitors should have good insurance to cover any needs that might arise.
- Laws and customs: be prepared to identify yourself with passport/ID as required. Discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation is not permitted.
Economy and finance
- Currency: Mexican peso ($)
- Type of economy: free market economy
- Health of economy: despite the recent global economic downturn, Mexico remains an emerging economic power. It has rapidly developing modern industrial and service sectors and is export orientated. Around 90% of its trade is under free trade agreements, with more than 40 countries.
- Unemployment rate: around 5.6%.
- Main exports: crude petroleum, petroleum products, chemicals, agricultural products, foodstuffs and beverages, manufactured products; 85% of exports go to the USA.
Culture
- People: 60% of the population is Amerindian-Spanish, 30% is Amerindian, 9% is white, 1% other.
- Major religion: Roman Catholicism, 77%, Protestant, 6%, other and unspecified, 17%. Some indigenous beliefs still prevail.
- History: see BBC Timeline: Mexico
.
- Local etiquette: in public settings, polite and respectful behaviour are expected. Although punctuality is appreciated, it is not always observed. A gift is considered a sign of appreciation both socially and at work. In business and the professions, a strong work ethic is respected. The family is a strong institution. The table and food are important to Mexicans. Excessive consumption of alcohol is not routine, and women drink very little socially. Regarding language, use ‘usted’ when talking to people you do not know or who are senior to you. Use ‘tu’ when dealing with friends and peers.
Politics
- Type of government: Federal Republic
- Major political parties: PAN (Partido Accion Nacional), PRI (Partido Revolucionario Institucional), PRD (Partido Revolucionario Democratico).
Travel advice
Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
website.
