1. Mexico’s geography and size
2. The United States of Mexico
3. Mexico’s landscapes and climates
4. Language and people in Mexico
5. Do people in Mexico speak English?
6. Interesting facts about Mexico: Its history in a nutshell
7. Religion, culture, and traditions in Mexico
Looking for some interesting facts about Mexico? Enormous, friendly, and slightly dangerous? Yes, Mexico checks all those boxes. But it's also far more complicated, diverse, and surprising than most people expect. Before I visited for the first time, I had a very different picture of the country in my head. After spending time there, I realized that many of the stereotypes barely scratch the surface.
So, what is Mexico actually like? How big is it? What languages do people speak? Why does the weather change so dramatically from one region to another? And what makes Mexico different from pretty much anywhere else on Earth? These are some of the most interesting facts about Mexico that will help you understand the country a little better before you visit.
Read more from my Mexico travel blog.
You might also be interested in reading:
Before we get into the more interesting facts about Mexico, here's a quick overview of the country:
Mexico lies in the South of North America
Mexico sits in North America, bordered by the USA to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south. The Pacific Ocean stretches along its western coast, while the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea border the east.
One of the most surprising facts about Mexico is its size. It is much bigger than people realize.
Mexico covers 1,972,550 square kilometers (761,610 square miles). That's roughly three times the size of France and about 25 times the size of Czechia, the country I come from. I didn't realize how enormous Mexico was until I drove across several states. Distances that looked short on the map often turned into full-day drives, which is why I recommend the combination of flying and rental cars. Driving in Mexico is actually a piece of cake once you know all you need to know.
Have a look at my Mexico travel tips for more important information besides driving tips.
This is the famous Mexican Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
With a population of around 130 million people, Mexico is one of the most populous countries in the world. The capital, Mexico City, is also the largest city in North America, with more than 9 million people in the city proper and over 21 million across the metropolitan area. That's more than twice the population of my entire country. I feel small. Minuscule even.
The population isn't spread evenly, though. Much of northern Mexico and some parts of the far south remain surprisingly sparsely populated compared to the country's major cities and tourist regions.
Tip: Check out the best hotels in Mexico City.
We’ve travelled around a lot of places in Mexico—find out which one I rank the best!
Mexico's official name is United States of Mexico, meaning it is a federation, and it consists of 32 states. One of those states is Mexico City (CDMX). One of the interesting facts about Mexico, and something that really wowed me, is that every region offers something completely different. From beaches and ancient Mayan ruins to deserts, colonial cities, and volcanic mountains, Mexico is incredibly varied… meaning you’ll never get bored!
Quintana Roo and Yucatan: Home to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal, as well as Cancun, the pink lakes at Los Colorados, and the safest city in Mexico, Merida. The region is also known for beaches, cenotes, whale sharks, and turtles.
Central Mexico: This region includes Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco; Teotihuacán, Querétaro, and Mexico City in CDMX; San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato; Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca state; and Pico de Orizaba on the border between Puebla and Veracruz. It is known for its colonial cities, culture, history, food, and some of Mexico's most famous landmarks.
Baja California: The Baja California Peninsula is divided into two states and is home to Cabo San Lucas, Pescadero, La Paz, Valle de Guadalupe, Espíritu Santo Island, and Laguna de San Ignacio. Go for the beaches, desert landscapes, wildlife, and whale watching.
Do you want to know more about travel destinations in Mexico? Read my article Top 10 places to visit in Mexico.
Tip: Hang out with turtles and whale sharks in Merida! Book a Merida hotel here.
The weather in Mexico can be described as sunglasses and sunscreen, as well as winter hats and gloves
One of the most interesting facts about Mexico is that it is a megadiverse country. Maybe you’ve never heard the term before, but it’s exactly as cool as it sounds. Megadiverse countries are the 17 countries classified as the most biodiverse countries in the world, and Mexico is one of them.
Mexico is a country of incredible natural diversity. Depending on where exactly you go, you can find tropical rainforests, deserts, mountains, volcanoes, beaches, and high-altitude landscapes. The different types of climates in Mexico are temperate, tropical (rainforest, monsoon, savannah), and arid (desert, steppe).
The weather in Mexico can be described as sunglasses and sunscreen, as well as winter hats and gloves. Not at the same time, obviously.
Mexico’s climate varies greatly because both latitude and altitude play an important role. Generally, the further south you travel, the warmer it is, and with higher altitudes, it gets colder.
Mexico is on the list of 17 megadiverse countries of the world
What’s the temperature in Mexico, you ask? That’s not an easy question to answer. It depends on where exactly you are, as Mexico is a huge country with many different climates. If you travel around different states as I did, you’ll experience several different climates in one trip, which is kind of wild.
For example, Yucatán in the far south has an average daily high temperature of 34°C (93°F). It’s one of the warmest regions in Mexico. Mexico City is pretty stable year-round, with daytime temperatures of around 23°C (73°F). The areas in northern Mexico are considered the coldest and vary the most throughout the year. You’ll get anything from 35°C (96°F) in the summer to 5°C (41°F) during winter days.
About a third of the Mexican states experience snow, which is something many visitors don’t expect.
Tip: If you like warm, the Yucatan Peninsula is the place for you. Book a hotel in Yucatan here. For beaches, parties, and parties on beaches, book a hotel in Cancun and get your vacation on!
Choose the right season for visiting Mexico
The rainy season runs from May to September in the northern parts of Mexico, and from June to October in the southern parts. It may be raining cats and dogs, and several lightning bolts may be tearing the sky above your head, but it’s not necessarily a bad time to travel in Mexico.
The rain usually takes the form of short showers lasting only a few minutes, and, as a result, the vegetation is greener. For example, Sumidero Canyon has much more water, and there are more waterfalls during the rainy season.
The hurricane season affects both coasts of Mexico. It usually lasts from June to November and is linked with hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions. On average, the Atlantic hurricane season produces around 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes each year, although the actual number can vary significantly from season to season. The peak of the hurricane season typically falls between August and October.
Choose the right time to visit Mexico
The most frequently visited tourist attractions are in the south—and the temperatures there are always high so it doesn’t matter if you go in summer or in winter.
But if it’s visiting northern parts of Mexico that are on your mind, expect snowfall in the winter and temperate weather in the summer.
It’s also a good idea to take rain and hurricanes into account. If you want to avoid the rainy season and the hurricane season, it’s better to go in winter. But don’t visit Mexico during Christmas! Why? Find that out in 33 Useful Mexico Travel Tips You Need to Know.
On the contrary, if you don’t mind a bit of rain, summer could be a better choice. There are fewer tourists and lower prices.
Looking for a 2-week Mexico itinerary? Have a look at my 2-week travel plan for Mexico.
What languages are spoken in Mexico?
The most widespread language in Mexico is Spanish, though perhaps surprisingly, it is not officially defined as the national language.
Instead, Mexico has declared all 69 languages spoken in the country as the official national languages. Even though that sounds like a lot, imagine that 130 other indigenous languages have already disappeared.
I know what you are thinking about counting to 69
There is even a law in Mexico that is supposed to help preserve languages and cultures from vanishing by encouraging bilingual education in the regions and protecting the right to use indigenous languages.
Seven million citizens speak indigenous languages, such as the Nahuatl language (spoken by more than 1.5 million citizens), or Maya (spoken by 800,000 citizens).
Some of the indigenous languages are still mother tongues to many people, whereas others are spoken only to be preserved. For example, the Awakatek survives with only a very small number of speakers in Mexico.
Not really. In the most popular tourist destinations, such as Chichen Itza or Mexico City, people know some English, but I wouldn’t count on it. You had better start learning Spanish phrases, such as Una cerveza, por favor (“One beer, please”) or ¿Dónde está el inodoro? (“Where is the toilet?”). But always keep in mind that Spanish might not be the first language of everyone you meet.
Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you don’t need to be lost. Just use Google Translate, which is an effective way of communicating in Mexico.
Read more in my Mexico destination guides.
Discover the ancient civilizations' culture
This blog is not a history book, so I will keep it brief. Mexican history starts with ancient civilizations.
Olmec colossal heads
One of the first ancient cultures in Mexico was the Olmec culture, which appeared around 1200 BC in Veracruz. The Olmecs built temples, where they practiced ritual bloodletting. Their civilization flourished and lived in prosperity, mostly thanks to fertile soil, which allowed for agricultural practices. The end of the Olmec culture came in the 4th century BC, but we don’t know why.
Being one of the oldest independently emerged civilizations of the world, the Olmecs secured Mexico a spot on the list of the Cradles of Civilization alongside China, India, Egypt, Peru, and Mesopotamia.
The characteristic feature differentiating the Olmecs from other ancient civilizations in Mexico is their statues. There are several “Olmec heads” in Mexico.
The Teotihuacan ancient culture
Between the 1st and 8th centuries AD, the Teotihuacan culture flourished in Central Mexico. The civilization formed a military empire and had a significant political influence. Teotihuacan was one of the largest cities in the world, renowned for its monumental pyramids. However, the civilization collapsed around the 8th century AD, and again—the reason is not clear.
Tip: Teotihuacan’s fascinating history is sure to make your visit an awe-inspiring one. Pick your hotel near the ancient site.
The Aztec culture
The Aztec Empire was a military confederation of three cities: Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. It was founded in 1428, and soon became the most powerful culture in Latin America. At its peak in the 16th century, the civilization had 11 million citizens.
The Aztecs carried out ritual human sacrifices on an enormous scale—they allegedly sacrificed over 80,000 prisoners during four days. The civilization ended in 1525, when the Spanish led by Hernán Cortés came in like a wrecking ball and conquered the country.
The Aztecs referred to themselves as the “Mexicas”, later giving the entire country its name.
Mayan pyramids are an important part of the history of Mexico
The Maya developed their first civilizations in 2000 BC. They were famous for their calendars, mathematics, and astronomy. They had a complex system of hieroglyphic writing, which we haven’t completely deciphered to this day. The empire was gradually conquered by the Spanish, but the Mayan culture remains in Mexico. In the 21st century, there’s still a population of over 7 million Mayan people in America.
Tip: Do you want to unwrap the mystery of ancient civilizations and peek behind the curtain (or should I say behind the pyramid)? Read about visiting Chichen Itza: Price and other tourist information you need to know.
If you'd rather not deal with logistics, here's a Chichen Itza tour I'd actually book.
Tulum was still a living Maya city when the Spanish showed up, for all the good that did it
After the conquest of ancient civilizations, Mexico was ruled by the Spanish but remained a very rural and indigenous area. Hundreds of thousands of foreign people who were arriving in Mexico (Europeans, Asians, and African slaves) brought deadly diseases. It wasn’t a very happy period. In the 19th century, the War of Independence followed.
Angel of Independence monument
The declaration of independence was followed by a little bit of chaos. First, Mexico was an empire, but very soon the First Mexican Republic was declared. After a few years, an empire was declared again, and the republic was restored. See? Chaos, I told you.
Now, Mexico is a federation of 32 states, and its president today is Claudia Sheinbaum, who became the country’s first female president in 2024.
Mexican church
One of the interesting facts about Mexico is how religion, Indigenous traditions, and Spanish influences have shaped the country’s culture. Mexico is a place where ancient beliefs and modern traditions often exist side by side.
Around 78% of Mexicans are Roman Catholics, while around 11% are Protestants or Evangelical Christians. A smaller percentage of Mexicans follow other religions or have no religious affiliation. Mexico does not have an official religion, though the presence of religion is evident everywhere.
That’s why there are so many chapels, churches, and cathedrals in Mexico.
Even though Catholicism is so widespread, it takes on a different form of the religion than what is customary in other parts of the world.
Religion in Mexico is present and shown everywhere, in everyday life and at special events, but at the same time, the sense of social commitment to religious virtues and sacrifices can be lacking. After all, even corrupt politicians and cartel kings all consider themselves proper Catholics.
It is also important to know that Mexicans are superstitious, and many believe in magic, as well as fear black magic. There are many healers throughout the country that are trusted to help people in instances where medicine or science can’t, or where Catholicism has seemed to disappoint. They are also often cheaper than standard healthcare.
La Virgen de Guadalupe
How Christianity made its way into Mexico is twofold.
In pre-Catholic times, Indigenous people worshipped many deities. Goddess Tonantzin, meaning “Mother Earth” or “Our Great Mother,” was the most loved and had a temple at Tepeyac.
When La Virgen de Guadalupe (Virgin of Guadalupe) appeared to Juan Diego in the 1530s, she identified herself as the Virgin Mary, had darker skin, and spoke the Aztec language. He saw her for the first time at Tepeyac, at the same spot where Tonantzin had her temple.
The miracle was followed by a large number of Indigenous people getting baptized and finally converting to Catholicism.
As Indigenous peoples transferred their beliefs and practices from Tonantzin to the Virgin of Guadalupe, they also molded classic Catholicism to fit their views of the world and the religion they previously followed.
Today, the Basilica of Guadalupe at Tepeyac is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, and many homes have images of the Virgin of Guadalupe to protect them and grant their prayers.
This is what a celebration of death actually looks like once you get past the Halloween comparisons
One of the most famous traditions in Mexico is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Unlike Halloween, this celebration is not about fear or ghosts. It is a way of remembering and honoring family members and loved ones who have passed away.
Families create colorful ofrendas (altars) decorated with photographs, candles, flowers, especially orange marigolds (cempasúchil), and the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased.
The tradition combines Indigenous beliefs about death with Catholic influences brought by the Spanish. Instead of seeing death as something to fear, many Mexicans see it as a natural part of life and a moment when the living and the dead can reconnect.
Based on an Aztec legend, a white-skinned god was supposed to come from the east to the Aztec lands. When the Spaniards arrived, they conveniently had lighter skin and used the Aztec legend to their advantage, getting many locals to believe they were the gods they had been waiting for.
Using the beliefs of the Aztecs to their gain, the Spanish conquistadors persuaded the Aztecs to submit. Add to their active effort to spread Christianity, and you get a strong Christian following mixed with the original religious beliefs of the Indigenous people.
The most famous Mexican food—tacos
Mexican food is world famous. It was a little disappointing for me because even though it is full of colors, scents, and spices, and includes recipes developed thousands of years ago, it’s actually very stereotypical. If you love corn and tortillas, you might not notice, but otherwise, it’s a whole lot of variations of the same.
It’s usually not spicy on its own. Instead, you almost always get a separate sauce in a bowl—salsa verde or pico de gallo—that is spicy.
Traditional Mexican cuisine includes these dishes:
Religion, celebrations, and food are just some of the many interesting facts about Mexico that show how deeply connected the country is to its history and traditions.
For more great food, information about typical Mexican drinks, plus 3 foods I hated—read my article about the food in Mexico.
Mexicans are really friendly and kind
One of the most interesting facts about Mexico is that it is a country full of contrasts. Modern Mexico combines a huge population, a growing economy, rich cultural diversity, and major challenges that the country is still working to overcome.
Every town decorates its streets differently, and every person we asked for directions had a different answer; somehow, both worked out fine
There are two points of view when talking about the people of Mexico.
Objective: Around 130 million people live in Mexico, making it one of the most populous countries on the planet. And that’s a hell of a lot. The number includes various races, ethnicities, and nationalities, creating a multicultural environment for everyone.
Subjective: Almost everyone we met in Mexico went bananas when we asked for something and did their best to help us. And I mean it: the people we met were friendly, generous, and kind. And I usually don’t even like people!
What is the economic situation in Mexico like?
What is the economic situation in Mexico like?
How is that possible?
Even though Mexico has a large economy, wealth is not evenly distributed. Mexico’s GDP per capita remains much lower than in many developed countries, and a significant percentage of Mexican citizens live in poverty according to official statistics.
You may call it economic disparity, but I call it crazy.
Things don’t always go without sleaze in Mexico. The country deals with high crime rates, drug production, and official corruption. It is one of the most urgent problems modern-day Mexico is facing.
Very colorful!
The currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). The sign for the peso is $, just like the American dollar, so don't be confused by that.
The Mexican peso is used throughout the country, and while Mexico is a modern economy, cash is still an important part of everyday life. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in many places, but smaller restaurants, markets, and local shops often still prefer cash.
The Mexican peso is also an important reminder that Mexico offers very different experiences depending on where you are. Major cities and tourist areas may feel modern and international, while smaller towns can have a much more traditional way of life.
Getting to those smaller towns usually means going where the buses don't. I'd rent a car and see it for yourself.
Modern Mexico is not easy to define. It is a country with a huge population, a growing economy, incredible cultural diversity, and challenges that are impossible to ignore.
Check out my Mexico travel blog for more inspiration!
These are the basic facts about Mexico — the bare minimum that every traveler should know. But there are countless more interesting facts about Mexico waiting to be discovered, from its ancient traditions and diverse landscapes to its food, people, and culture, all of which vary so much from state to state, I found.
If you want to dig in more, see my helpful tips and tricks about traveling in Mexico: 33 useful Mexico travel tips.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of my links, I may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
1. Mexico’s geography and size
2. The United States of Mexico
3. Mexico’s landscapes and climates
4. Language and people in Mexico
5. Do people in Mexico speak English?
6. Interesting facts about Mexico: Its history in a nutshell
7. Religion, culture, and traditions in Mexico
Hi, I’m Jan. I travel fast and intensely, whether I’m exploring the buzz of Tokyo in 3 days or road-tripping through mountains and beaches on a 3-week Thailand adventure. And no matter where I am, you’ll always find me in a comfortable hotel at night and eating the best food.
If that sounds like your kind of journey, hop on board, and let’s explore the world together!
I started this blog after realizing how tough it can be to find reliable, authentic travel info. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” never even visit the places they write about! On Next Level of Travel, you can count on my full honesty and insights drawn from my firsthand experiences.
Here’s the deal: not every destination is all superlatives and unicorns. I’ll let you know if a tourist attraction isn’t worth your time, like skipping overrated stops in my 2-week Spain itinerary. And when I find something truly special—like the perfect mix of culture and nature in Cape Town—you can trust that it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
Comments | Thoughts? Give us a shout!