Population
Mexico's population is 128,455,567 (2023)
Official Language
Spanish is the country's official language, but Mexico's linguistic richness extends far beyond. With 68 officially recognised languages, 63 of which are indigenous, the nation thrives in multilingual diversity. Nahuatl, the ancient Aztec tongue, echoes in the country's heart, while Mayan graces the Chiapas and Yucatan regions. In Oaxaca and Veracruz, the Zapotec family of languages are spoken.
People of Mexico
Following the Spanish colonisation, contemporary Mexico is divided between mestizos and indigenous populations. Mestizos encompass roughly 60% of the populace, while around 20% can trace their roots to Amerindians, dispersed among diverse linguistic enclaves. Minorities and white Europeans also contribute to the nation's ethnic landscape.
Religion of Mexico
While Catholicism still reigns over 85% of Mexico, its dominance is gradually subsiding. Emerging religious communities include Jehovah's Witnesses, Adventists and Mormons. Traditional Protestants constitute 10%, with a 5% Jewish minority. Indigenous beliefs, often interwoven with Catholicism, are epitomised by widespread devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe. This syncretic blend commemorates the Virgin's apparition to Juan Diego, the first Indigenous saint canonised in 2002 by Pope John Paul II.
Celebrations
Independence Day, observed on September 15 and 16, unfolds with El Grito at 11pm in every city's central square. Revellers shout, "Viva Mexico!" three times to mark the commencement of the 1810 uprising against Spain, led by priest Miguel Hidalgo. In Mexico City, the President partakes in this spirited cry, commemorating the nation's pursuit of freedom.
Holiday Schedule
January 1: New Year's Day.
February 5: Constitution Day.
February 24: Flag Day.
March 21: Benito Juarez's Birthday.
Late March-Early April: Holy Week (Semana Santa). Holy Thursday and Friday are holidays, marking Mexico's grandest celebration.
May 1: Labour Day.
May 5: Cinco de Mayo.
2nd half of July: Festival of Guelaguetza in Oaxaca.
September 15 and 16: National Independence Day.
October 12: Day of the Races.
November 1 and 2: All Saints Day and Day of the Dead.
November 20: Revolution Day.
December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
December 25: Christmas Day.
History of Mexico
The Olmecs, Mexico's first civilisation, emerged around 1200 BCE, venerating the jaguar and crafting remarkable sculpted heads. Subsequent civilisations, including Mesoamericans, Zapotecs, and Maya, each left indelible imprints on the landscape. The Maya, with city-states like Chichen Itza and Uxmal, excelled in mathematics and astronomy, creating their own codices-unfortunately destroyed by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The Toltecs brought technological advances, while the Aztecs, with Tenochtitlan as their epicentre, thrived militarily and administratively, ruling over five million people. The Aztec Empire's apex showcased intricate social, political and religious structures, marking a compelling chapter in Mexico's narrative.
In 1519, Mexico stood contained as Spanish conquistadores made landfall. Hernán Cortés (1485-1547) established Veracruz before unhindered advancement to Tenochtitlan, securing approval from Emperor Moctezuma II (1480-1520). The pivotal La Noche Triste unfolded in June 1520, posing a threat to Cortés after an attempt to flee Tenochtitlan led to an Aztec uprising, resulting in significant Spanish casualties. Leveraging the chaos, Cortés brutally reclaimed Tenochtitlan in 1521, paving the way for Mexico City. By 1535, Mexico transformed into a Viceroyalty of New Spain, witnessing the erosion of native culture, albeit finding partial refuge in Catholicism. The early nineteenth century witnessed the stirrings of Mexican nationalism, marked by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's 1810 endeavours. Despite early suppression, subsequent nationalist movements culminated in Mexico's 1821 independence, followed by the proclamation of an Empire in 1822, later replaced by a Republic in 1824. General Santa Anna (1794-1876) assumed the presidency in 1833, setting the stage for the Mexican-American War in 1846, resolved by the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, yielding territories to the U.S. In the face of economic challenges, President Benito Juarez suspended external debt payments, sparking European intervention. Despite initial setbacks, including French occupation, Mexicans ultimately triumphed in repelling the French, commemorated as a national holiday.
Between 1876 and 1911, Porfirio Diaz's dictatorship, spanning development and escalating inequality, set the stage for a decade-long civil war. This tumultuous period birthed key figures in the Mexican Revolution, notably Emiliano Zapata and Francisco 'Pancho' Villa. The turning point arrived in 1934 when Lazaro Cardenas assumed the presidency, implementing the National Revolutionary Party Program (NRP), later evolving into the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). Cardenas spearheaded agrarian reform and nationalised the oil industry, stabilising the country and sparking economic revival. Mexico joined the US in World War II and became a UN member in 1945.
The post-war economic boom faced a setback with the 1973 oil shock, plunging the nation into a recession. However, the discovery of substantial oil deposits in 1976 fuelled industrial growth and triggered significant social reforms. The severe economic crisis of 1982 witnessed a 50% devaluation of the peso, leading to 12 years of austerity. In 1994, Mexico embarked on a path to recovery and joined the North American Free Trade Market with the US and Canada. The state of Chiapas witnessed the emergence of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, championing the cultural and social rights of native people. Despite US aid during the Clinton administration , the Chiapas conflict added complexities. In 2000, Vicente Fox, a Christian Democrat, terminated 71 years of PRI rule. In 2018, Andrés Manuel López Obrador assumed the presidency, ushering in a new era for Mexico.
Policy in Mexico
Mexico operates as a Federal Republic with a distinctive political structure. Executive power is vested in a president elected every six years. The president serves as both the head of state and government. The legislative branch comprises two chambers: the Senate, consisting of 128 senators elected for 6-year terms and the Chamber of Deputies, housing 500 members elected for 3-year terms through general election.
Famous Mexicans
The cultural tapestry of Mexico is adorned with iconic figures, from literary figures such as Nobel Prize winner, Octavio Paz (1914-1998), and Carlos Fuentes (1928-2012) to political artists such as Diego Rivera (1886-1957), who was renowned for his political murals. Mexico's early art scene also unveils the legendary Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), a modern feminist icon and the wife of Diego Rivera. In politics, trailblazers like Miguel Hidalgo (1753-1811), the initiator of the first national uprising, and Benito Juárez (1806-1872), the sole Mexican president of indigenous origin to date, left enduring legacies. The 1910 Revolution saw the rise of iconic generals such as Emiliano Zapata (1883-1919) and Pancho Villa (1878-1923), symbols of the struggles of small farmers, and paved the way for individuals like Subcomandante Marcos (Raphael Sebastian Guillen Vicente, born 1957).
Etiquette and Customs
Dining in Mexican restaurants can be a whirlwind of speed, emblematic of quality. Embedded in Mexican mentality is a sense of machoism, although evolving attitudes coexist with enduring traditions such as bullfighting, rodeos with wild horses, and a cultural emphasis on pride. Mexicans are known for their love of conversation, or 'platica' in Spanish, but treading carefully around controversial topics and avoiding government criticism is advised. Maintaining a kind, courteous, and calm demeanor is essential in navigating any issues that may arise during your stay, as Mexicans respond positively to composure. Punctuality can be a flexible concept in Mexico, with buses often running late, and appointments rarely adhering to strict schedules. In historical sites, tripods are generally prohibited, and using a camcorder may involve settling a tax of about 4 euros. For professional cameras, special permission and the payment of required fees are necessary.
Shopping
Shopping in Mexico means a treasure trove of surprises. Local markets, brimming with eye-catching wares, offer a delightful shopping experience. Pottery, an ancestral tradition, is meticulously crafted using original techniques, with Oaxaca, Puebla, Tonala, Tlaquepaque, and Guadalajara being prime destinations. If you're in the market for high-quality leather goods, you'll find them in Guadalajara, Leon, and Monterrey, where items range from boots to handbags. Taxco serves as the silver capital of the world, with Tlaquepaque, Mexico, Zacatecas and Guanajuato also offering exquisite silverware. The shopping extravaganza extends to intricate copper pieces, wooden furniture and sculptures, papier-mâché figurines, and the famous 'árboles de la vida' (trees of life) clay sculptures adorned with colourful figures. Mexico presents a myriad of fantastic shopping opportunities for every taste.
Food in Mexico
Renowned globally for its divine flavours and convivial nature, Mexican cuisine in its place of origin is a gastronomic dream come true. With myriad regional variations, the cornerstone of Mexican cooking is the obvious and extremely versatile tortilla. Transforming into tacos, enchiladas or quesadillas, these dishes are complemented by national specialties like guacamole and an array of salsas. Soup, typically the starting point of most Mexican meals, features prominently on the country's menu with options ranging from Mexican bean to spicy vegetable.
Mexico's culinary legacy has left an indelible mark on global cuisine, introducing staples like beans, corn, squash, tomatoes, chocolate, avocado, papaya, guava, vanilla and a host of fiery peppers into its recipes. A gastronomic journey in Mexico also unveils a plethora of tropical fruits, from the familiar pineapple, banana and mango to exotic finds like mamey sapote, sapodilla, cherimoya and prickly pear.
Drinks in Mexico
While tap water isn't drinkable, Mexico offers an enticing array of other thirst-quenching beverages; starting with the country's national drink, tequila. Extracted from the agave cactus and distilled from the fermented juice of the plant, it's not unlike pulque, another notable cactus-based spirit that dates back to the Aztec era. Beers include well-known varieties like Sol and Corona, as well as numerous local options. Mexico also produces its own wine, particularly in the regions of Baja California and Hidalgo, as well as a huge array of cocktails, where options go far beyond the standard piña colada or margarita. Mexicans take their cocktails seriously, as evident in the diverse offerings on bar menus. Soft drinks and fruit juices abound and feature a delightful array of flavours to suit every palate.
