This document provides an overview of Mexico, including its geography, history, climate, biodiversity, culture, and economy. Mexico is a large federal republic in North America with over 112 million people. It has a long history dating back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, and Aztec. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla led Mexico's war of independence from Spain in 1810. Mexican culture places strong emphasis on family, with traditions like Dia de los Muertos and religious celebrations. Popular Mexican cuisine features ingredients like tequila, tacos, and mole. Mariachi music and folkloric dance are part of

2. AllaboutMexico Priscilla Toledano Fulbrightscholar ForeingLanguageTeachingAssistant Program FLTA 2011-2012

3. Overview Federal constitutional republic in North America Boundaries Extension: over 760, 000 sq mi 5th largest country in America Population: over 112 million The most populous Spanish-speaking country. 31 states and a Federal District

4. Pre-ColumbianMesoamerica Olmec Toltec Teotihuacan Zapotec Maya Aztec

5. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla TheFather of the Independence (September 15, 1810)

6. Climate The Tropic of Cancer Many large cities in Mexico are located in the Valley of Mexico (temperature averages from 60.8 to 64.4 °F) and cool nighttime temperatures throughout the year. Cities in the north experience temperatures of 104 °F or more in summer. In the Sonoran Deserttemperatures reach 122 °F or more.

7. Biodiversity Mexico is one of the 18 megadiverse countries of the world. 1st place in biodiversity in reptiles with 707 known species 2nd place in mammals with 438 species 4th place in flora with 26, 000 species

8. Mexico’snativeculinaryingredients

9. Tequila Tequila is a spirit made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, 40 miles northwest of Guadalajara, and in the highlands (Los Altos) of the western Mexican state of Jalisco.

10. Economy Dailyminimumwages are set annuallybylaw and determinedbyzone; $5.75 USD in Zone A (Baja California, Federal District, State of Mexico, and largecities), $5.59 USD in Zone B (Sonora, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Jalisco), and $5.45 USD in Zone C allotherstates.

11. Transportation

12. Culture Family Traditions Food Musicand dance Tourism

13. Family How important is the family for the Mexicans? What are some of their traditions that keep them so closely knit with each other?

14. Traditions Day of theDead November 1st and 2nd

15. Traditions Independence Day (September 16 th)

16. Traditions Our Lady of Guadalupe (Spanish: NuestraSeñora de Guadalupe), also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe December 12th

17. Lotería Lotería is a Mexican game of chance, similar to Bingo, but using images on a deck of cards instead of plain numbers on ping pong balls.

18. Food Gorditas, tacos, tortas, tamales, mole, chiles en nogada, tequila.

19. Music and dance Mariachi - El Son de la Negra

20. Tourism Tamaulipas

21. Tourism Chiapas: Palenque y Montes Azules

22. Tourism Yucatan – Cenote Chichi de los Lagos

23. Tourism Veracruz

24. Tourism Sinaloa

25. WelcometoMexico!!!! Priscilla Toledano toledanopriscilla@gmail.com toledanoe@dewv.edu

26. References Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MexicoretrievedonSeptember 25, 2011 Youtube Ballet “Folklórico de UAG” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfGkU5dw7XoretrievedonSeptember 25, 2011 Youtube “Estrellas del Bicentenario de México” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0psKcffZEg&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8xmZIqGazs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH1O7t14g0k&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntDTDdkyydI&NR=1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZAU-mKLe1A&feature=relatedretrievedonSeptember 25, 2011