Mexico
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Capital
Mexico City
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Local time
13:35
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Population
123.47 m
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Driving side
Right
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Calling code
+52
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Currency
$ MXN (peso)
Mexico
-
Capital
Mexico City
-
Local time
13:35
-
Population
123.47 m
-
Driving side
Right
-
Calling code
+52
-
Currency
$ MXN (peso)
-
Average Salary
$ 753
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Petrol price
€ 1.03 pl
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Precipitation
758mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
1 972 550 km2
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Protected Area
13%
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Forest Area
34%
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Agricultural area
54%
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Railways
26704km
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Annual air passengers
53.31 m
Population
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Ethnicity
mestizo - 60 %
Amerindian - 30 %
white - 9 %
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Religion
Roman Catholic - 89 %
Protestant - 6 %
other - 5 %
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Literacy rates
94.5%
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Languages
Spanish
Spanish and other
indigenous only
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Armed Forces
336 050
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Murders
16 per 100k
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Alcohol consumption
6.8 l/person
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Smoking
20.8%
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Diabetes
15.8%
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Malaria
0%
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Tuberculosis
21 per 100k
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HIV
0.3%
Economy
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Industries
food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles
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Agriculture
corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes
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Natural Resources
petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber
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Energy Import
-10%
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Natural Resources
petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber
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Renewable Energy
9%
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CO2 Emissions
480 271kt
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Ease of Business
49 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
51
What not to do when visiting Baja California
Don't use words "No" or "I don't know" as saying "No" is a no-no in Mexico - they feel betrayed, unsupportive and rude. So use the hedge words, or find excuses and say "thank you" over and over again.
Don't forget to leave a little bit of food in your plate when you are done. Indicate that you are finished eating by putting your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs going downwards and the handles facing right.
Don't ask for the spiciest plate first just to try to look macho, you will end up looking like a retarded tomato.
Did you know?
Mexico is home to the volcano rabbit, the world’s second smallest rabbit which only seems to live near volcanos.
Don't say "I'm American".
Don't say "I love South America!" Mexico is in North America.
Don't take things too personally - Mexicans love making jokes and never miss a chance to do so.
Don't be tempted to reach for a knife and fork when eating a taco in Mexico. They normally eat them with their hands.
Don't drive without liability insurance - the law requires you to have minimum liability insurance for driving in Mexico.
Don't be on time for home visit - showing up early or on time can be considered rude. Arriving about 30 mins late is appropriate. However, in business, it's smart to be on time, even if you are kept waiting for your Mexican associates.
Don't wear sunglasses or hats when entering a church.
Don’t forget to shake hands when greeting for the first time (men) - friends usually do a hug and back slapping too. Women tend to pat each other on the right arm or shoulder, rather than shake hands.
Don't ask for salt and lime with your tequila - it might be seen as to make bad tequila taste good. Just brace yourself and do the shot.
Don't leave your personal belongings unattended. Practice general safety precautions from being targeted by thieves and pickpockets.
Don't say "Estupido" or "Idiota" ('Stupid', 'Idiot') - they have far stronger meaning in Mexican Spanish than in English.
Don’t wear expensive shiny clothes and jewellery in public - keep a low profile and avoid higher probability for pickpocketing.
Don't go out without using a sunscreen - the sun is powerful in Mexico, so use sunscreen on any exposed skin, even you are not on the beach.
Don't drink water from the tap - the drinking water in Mexico is not drinkable. Buy bottled purified water to drink.
Don't wear t-shirts or flip-flops in business - dress smart for business. A suit and tie for men, and conservative dresses for women.
Don't wear shorts if you wish to blend in. Aside from beaches and northern areas, shorts are seldom worn by Mexicans.
Don't rest your elbows on the table. Rest your wrists on the edge of the table while dining - understand that only men give toasts in Mexican culture.
Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Don't say "I hate Jesus and love abortion". Whether true or not, save it private for yourself here.
Don't say "Coger" - it means 'catch' in Spain (catch a bus), but it means 'fuck' in Mexico. Better to use "agarrar a bus" instead…
Don't bring drugs to Mexico - the repercussions of getting caught with drugs in Mexico can stuck you in a Mexican jail.
Don’t necessarily accept the taxi rides from strangers.
Don’t arrive exactly on time when invited to someone’s home - it can be considered inappropriate. Arrive 30 mins late.
Don't say "I don't speak Mexican". Spanish is the language!
Don't plan early dinner (before 9pm) - it's customary dining late.
Don't drink at street.
Don’t leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant - keep a watchful eye on drinks in bars.
Don’t accept a bag from a stranger when crossing the border.
Don’t ignore the warning flags on beaches - don't necessarily enter the water when black or red flags are up.
Don’t ignore the high attitude of many cities in Mexico - altitude illness can happen to people not used to it.
Don’t give marigolds (symbolising death) and don’t give red flowers (symbolising negative connotation). White flowers are a good gift as they are considered uplifting. Presents are opened immediately.
Don't pay the first price you're told in a market - haggling is expected almost everywhere.
Don’t see it as harassment when Mexican males remark to women - it’s a stereotypical sign of machismo (”masculinity”).
Don't necessarily trust the first directions you hear.
Don't expect to find toilet seats outside of tourist areas.
Don't assume everyone speaks English.
Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Don’t forget the storm season typically runs from June to November and can affect both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
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