As a country that begins with letter M, Mexico includes deserts and jungles, mountains and beaches, volcanoes and ancient Aztec pyramids.
In the past, the Aztecs ruled the area around Mexico City, while the Mayans lived in the south of the border with Guatemala. The successors of the Native American cultures, the Spanish colonial masters, have left behind charming colonial architecture.
And then, of course, there is nature with its deep gorges, soaring mountains, lush rainforests, volcanoes, cactus-covered deserts and paradisiacal sandy beaches. The land forms breeding grounds for whales, sea turtles and one million monarch butterflies.
Although many of the rural villages still feel as if they are in the 19th century, Mexico is also one of the world’s fastest growing industrial economies. In the big cities, skyscrapers rise next to small colonial churches that still have food and craft markets lined up in the square in front.
But no matter what landscape or economic niche Mexicans occupy in this national buffet, they are typically relaxed, informal and always ready to hang out with friends and family.
- CAPITAL CITY: Mexico City
- LANGUAGE: Spanish
- CURRENCY: Peso (MXN)
- AREA: 1,972,550 sq km
- POPULATION: 119,530,753
People and community
You can live anywhere in Mexico, both in rural or urban areas. For many, social life is often centered around the family. Parents can be very protective – especially towards girls. So if you are a girl in Mexico, it may be a good choice to keep your family informed about your activities. The local communities do a lot to help each other.
Schooling
As an exchange student in Mexico, you will probably go to a private school with five or six subjects a day. According to TopSchoolsintheUSA, subjects include Mexican history, Spanish literature, Mexican law, and a few electives. It is standard that students wear school uniforms. It can be a good experience and opportunity, if leisure activities are an opportunity, to participate in sports, theater or music groups.
Language
Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Mexico. If you have a basic knowledge of either Spanish or English, it will undoubtedly be an advantage.
Food
Mexican cuisine is varied, tasteful and at times quite strong. Tortillas, rice, beans, tacos and quesadillas are basic ingredients and dishes in the kitchen. If you have the opportunity, try to taste mole , which is a flavorful sauce from the Mexican state, Oaxaca, as well as their delicious homemade fruit drinks.
