Mexico is known throughout the world for being one of the most biodiverse countries across the globe, with more than 200,000 species of wildlife. Mexico is geographically diverse as well, which attests to the extremely high rate of tourism. Mexico sustains one of the world's largest tourism industries in the world. In 2005, Mexico ranked as the 7th most popular tourism destination across the globe.

Mexico makes up much of the southern portion of North America, commonly referred to as Middle-America. While North America and Central America are geographically divided by the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico is not politically considered a part of Central America.

The United Mexican States, as it is officially known, covers approximately 1,972,550 square kilometers, making it the 14th largest nation in the world. Of that, about 6,000 square kilometers consist of islands throughout the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of California, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

North of Mexico lies the United States, which shares 3,141 kilometers of border, stretching the entire length of the Rio Bravo del Norte, or Rio Grande, as it is known in the US, which flows from the Mexican city of Ciudad Juárez eastward into the Gulf of Mexico. West of Ciudad Juárez to the Pacific Ocean, a series of artificially and naturally developed land markers define the border between Mexico and the United States. The Pacific Ocean lies south and west of Mexico. Bordering the southeast of Mexico are the countries of Belize and Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. East lies the Gulf of Mexico.

Mexico's contrasting landscape consists of white sandy beaches, majestic mountain ranges and low-lying valleys - each holding a beauty of it's own. Four distinct mountain ranges stretch cut a path through the terrain of Mexico, resulting on much of the country's northern and central regions being located at high altitudes.

 

The Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range runs north to south, beginning in northeastern Mexico and ending some 1,000 kilometers later at the Eje Volcánico Transversal mountain range of central Mexico. The Sierra Madre Occidental also run north to south as an extension from the Rocky Mountains of the United States. East to west through the central region of Mexico lies the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, commonly known as Sierra Nevada. The Sierra Madre del Sur spans 1,000 kilometers from Michoacan in southern Mexico through Guerrero in the east where it meets the Istmo de Tehuantepec in northern Oaxaca.

Mexico has one of the finest cultural backgrounds, a direct reflection of the county's rich history, dating back to Spanish colonization and beyond. From cinema and music to fine arts to world renowned cuisine, Mexico presents fabulous opportunities for both residents and tourists. The Latin American country is home to wide variety of sporting leagues and events.

Mexico is divided into two climates, tropical and temperate, by the Tropic of Cancer - the 24th parallel. South of this defining line, residents and visitors to Mexico experience warm, tropical temperatures year round, only varied by the elevation of each region. The higher elevation, the cooler the area's consistent temperature will be. To the north of the Tropic of Cancer, temperatures are considerably cooler during the winter months.

The Yucatan Peninsula and Mexico's southern coastal areas fall into the southern area of the 24th parallel, therefore experience average temperatures of 76.2°F (24°C) to 82.4 (28°C) year round, varying only by about 5 to 6 degrees from the average between summer and winter. The northern regions of Mexico experience a sultry summer climate that drops to an average of 68°F (20°C) to 82°F (24°C) in the winter.

Being a highly bio-diverse region of the world, Mexico is home to more than 200,000 different species of plants and wildlife. 707 reptile species alone reside in Mexico, ranking number 1 in reptile biodiversity on the planet. Mexico ranks number 2 in mammal biodiversity with 438 species and number 4 in amphibians with 290 species. Mexico also ranks 4th in flora biodiversity, home to 26,000 species of plants. Approximately 2,500 of all Mexican plants and wildlife are protected by the government.

Mexico's economy is ranked as an upper middle-income society, having established strong free market trade. Since 1994,Mexico has significantly decreased it's poverty level, experiencing consistent economic growth and very low inflation in the 21st century. Mexico has established free trade agreements with 40 countries that include 90% of their trade market. 90% of Mexico's exported goods are delivered to the United States and Canada, with about 60% of imported good derived from the same two countries.

Mexico's educational system has not always been known to rank among the best in the world, but some major improvements have taken place in recent years. As of 2004, Mexico ranked 24th in the world with an adult literacy rate of 91%, youth literacy rate at 96%. The most prestigious (and largest) university in Mexico is UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (National Autonomous University of Mexico).

Vacationing In Mexico

With such a large land area, encompassing multiple landscapes and elevations, Mexico offers amazing opportunities for just about anyone planning a vacation. From the highest peaks of its many mountain ranges to the coastal waters of Mexico's breathtaking beaches and islands, a Mexico vacation can be as diverse as the scenery within its borders. Home to a plethora of cultures dating back 40,000 years, historical museums, tribal ruins and ancient architecture are yet another enormous draw for tourists.

For those interested in planning a Mexico vacation, you will find Mexico.Rica24 is the perfect starting point. We provide in-depth resources regarding every aspect of a Mexico vacation. From travel agencies, accommodations, dining and tourist attractions to public and private transportation - anything you may need to know before and during your stay in the phenomenally diverse regions of Mexico can be found right here.

Moving to Mexico

Real estate opportunities are found in abundance, from coast to coast and everywhere in between. The cost of purchasing property varies of course by location and popularity, as well as the equity involved. From luxury homes to quaint cottages, there are literary thousands upon thousands of real estate and investment opportunities in Mexico.

Mexico.Rica24 provides Mexico Real Estate listings, along with a complete Guide to Purchasing Real Estate in Mexico, which includes in-depth descriptions of property rights and type, purchasing procedures and methods, taxes and fees and most importantly, how to protect your investment. You'll also find detailed materials describing how to buy a car, how to obtain a driver's license, a temporary or permanent residency visa, educational and employment opportunities - virtually everything you could possibly need to know before moving to Mexico.

At Mexico.Rica24, our number-one goal is to shepherd you towards, and assist in the completion, of a spectacular vacation or successful real estate acquisition in Mexico. With a little help and expertise from Rica24, you can make your dreams a reality, whether they be investing your way to a wealthy future, or retiring in the lush natural wonders and diverse landscape of Mexico.