• Learn Spanish in Mexico

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Know Mexico

Mexico is the eighth largest nation in the world, and the third largest in Latin America (only Brazil and Argentina are larger).
The country is surrounded by the United States to the north, Guatemala and Belize to the south, the Caribbean to the east, and the Pacific to the west. Mexico is a beautiful country made up of diverse climates and terrain.

To the north, lie the great Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Running through the center of Mexico rise the majestic mountains that make up the Sierra Madres. Lying between the two cordilleras of the Sierra Madres is the vast area commonly referred to as the Altiplano.

"The Altiplano covers roughly 40% of Mexico's land surface; after Tibet and Bolivia it's the third highest inhabited plateau in the world." Source: Mexico Handbook by Joe Cummings and Chicki Mallan. Finally, in the southeastern part of Mexico, you will find the lush and steamy tropical forests and savannahs of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Mexico is a surrealistic country. The road side markets with exotic fruits and flowers, the chile stores, musical bands, live animals like chickens and cows, the bakeries and chocolate mills with their incredible aromas, colors and contrasts are an integral part of Mexico's culture.

History

In 1519 the Spaniards conquered Mexico. This led to the formation of a new state called New Spain and later into a new hybrid culture. Several military expeditions were led to extend ‘New Spain’. The whole of Central America, West Indies, Philippines, and parts of the current Texas and California were later conquered to become part of New Spain. The Spanish political control over Mexico lasted for three centuries. The entire region was formed into a viceroyalty in 1535. The colony was divided into provinces ruled by governors.This system was pretty inefficient as it took several years for directives from the king to be implemented at the lower levels.

The prosperity of New Spain began to decline in the 17th century. Disease and natural disasters destroyed most of the Indian population. Most others migrated slowly to remote parts. Mines were abandoned and large areas of farmland were destroyed. The economy of New Spain collapsed. In 1810, a catholic priest named Miguel Hidalgo called upon Mexicans to rise up and fight the Spanish. Although father Hidalgo was killed, another priest Jose Morelos continued to lead the fighting. New Spain finally won its independence from Spain in 1810 and came to be called Mexico.

Culture

Mexico's culture evolved as a mixture of spanish and indian cultures. In fact Mexico was called New Spain before it got its independence from the Spanish in 1821.

The descendants of both native and spanish cultures are called mestizo. There are about 50 ethnic groups in Mexico each with its own customs and traditions and in some cases even their own language. Some of the native groups include Nahua, Zapotec, Mixtec, Maya, Purepecha, Trahumara, Huastec, Mayo, Yaqui and Otomi Indians.

Many cultures like the Olmecs, the Teotihuacans, the Mayans and the Aztecs have shaped the civilization of Mexico resulting in Mexico being very diverse. The north has the busy Monterrey, famous for roasted lamb and beer. In the south there is the cosmopolitan and touristy beach town of Cancun. In the southwest you have Indians who still perform centuries old rituals.

Mexico is a surrealistic country.
The road side markets with exotic fruits and flowers, the chile stores, musical bands, live animals like chickens and cows, the bakeries and chocolate mills with their incredible aromas, colors and contrasts are an integral part of Mexico's culture.