Mexico Facts

Mexico is one of the most popular countries for many reasons. Its beauty and grandeur, its sumptuous food, its beautiful people and even more beautiful culture. There are so many Mexico facts for kids and adults, that are both interesting and intriguing. And there isn't much really, that has not already been said, when it comes to interesting facts about Mexico. Nevertheless, in this article, we shall try to give you a different perspective about this glorious country.

Mexico Facts and Figures
Official Name	United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos)
Borders	North - United States South - Pacific Ocean East - Gulf of Mexico West - Pacific Ocean
Total Area	1,978,000 sq km
Population	Approximately 111,211,789
Density of Population	Approximately 75.2 persons per sq km
Government	Federal Democratic Republic
Capital	Mexico City
Dominant Religion	Roman Catholic
Official Language	Spanish
Currency	Peso

History
Let us begin with some facts about the history of Mexico. And then move on to the other aspects of the country.

• Mexico is quite a young country, given that it was occupied a mere 2000 years ago.
• Even with this young history, the country has been witness to a huge amount of violence and political turbulence.
• Different invaders colonized Mexico, and the Mexican War of Independence was one of the most noteworthy struggles for freedom from colonizers.
• The Mexican Revolution which ensued from 1910-1929, was another major revolution, which brought about the death of almost 10% of the Mexican population.
• Due to the invasions by the Spanish and other European nations, like France in 1861, Mexico has established an identity that boasts of a Euro-American blend, which can be seen by the fact that many people speak Spanish, as well as Native American languages quite fluently, all around the country.

Culture
Let us read some facts about Mexican culture, to brush up our knowledge about the people and their way of living.

• Aztec culture is seen in many facets of Mexican culture.
• One of the popular Mexican customs and traditions is for women to roam around the streets on New Year's Eve, collecting money from the various fiestas. People oblige, by throwing money and wishing them the very best of luck and fortune.
• When women in Mexico meet each other, they pat each other's right forearm, whereas men follow the custom of shaking hands if it is just an acquaintance, and a hug if it's a known person.
• Marigold, in Mexican culture symbolizes death, so don't try to impress a guapa chica by giving her a bunch of marigolds.
• The legend of La Llorona, or The Weeping Woman, is probably the most popular one in the country. It goes on about a woman, who drowned her children, so that she could be with the love of her life, who had left her for another woman. When she went to him, he spurned her love, and she killed herself. When she reached the gates of heaven, God questioned her about her children and refused to let her enter without them. So, now she roams on earth, looking for her long lost children, and weeping while she roams about.
• Mexican culture follows a hierarchical relationship pattern.
• Mexican people are very big on family, and family values. Their families are generally quite big, and the extended family is equally important.
• The mother is the most honorable member of the family, and after that, it is the husband.
• As most people know, soccer/football is the most popularly played sport in Mexico.
• Mexican men have an inherent 'macho' quality in them, and they do not let anything compromise with that.
• If you get invited for a meal to a Mexican home, make sure you do NOT arrive on time. Give them at least half an hour grace, before you go, else it's considered improper.
• At a party, only if there are a large number of people, you should introduce yourself. If it's a small gathering, then the host deals with introducing the guests.

Food
Moving on now to some yummy things that you would like to know about Mexican food

• Mexican food is well-known for its exotic flavors and the use of strong spices.
• Generally, Mexican food follows tips and instructions form Aztec recipes, which have been handed down.
• I'm sure you know about salsa, the delicious spicy sauce eaten with tacos. Well, it beats tomato ketchup, to be the most eaten condiment in the United States.
• Traditional Mexican recipes use a lot of tomato, corn, beans, cheese, salsa, chillies, onions, and various other spices.
• Mexican food is fast becoming a mainstream cuisine, and there are numerous Mexican themed restaurants all over the world, trying to recreate the magic of this delicious cuisine.
• If you have a weak palate, then avoid eating authentic Mexican food, as it is too spicy for the average American, who isn't used to it.
• Most Mexicans use all parts of a cow, that is its, tongue, stomach, uterus, udder, and even the testicles in preparing food.
• Stews, tortillas, frijoles, guacamole, chillies (the bigger the better), enchiladas, nachos, tacos, etc. are among the most popular Mexican food items.
• The peculiar characteristic of Mexican desserts, is that they combine the hot and cold elements. For instance, buñuelos, calabaza dulce are hot desserts, while flan, and margarita cakes, are eaten after cooling.

Vacation Spots
After those mouth-watering Mexican food facts, are you in the mood for a Mexico vacation? Don't worry! Here's a list of the major cities in Mexico, that you can visit, when you decide to go there for a vacation.

• Mexico City
• Cabo San Lucas
• Puerto Vallarta
• Guadalajara
• Cancun
• Monterrey
• Chihuahua
• Puebla
• San Miguel de Allende
• Oaxaca

Well, that's all the Mexico facts that we had for you at the moment. Hope they've helped you understand the country a little better than before you read this article.