Everything you need to know about Mexico: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Mexico: Cowboy Country in the Heart of North America
The great civilisation like the Mayas, Olmecs, Toltecs, and Aztecs ruled over Mexico in the ancient times. Later on between 1519 to1521 the Spanish established control over Mexico and ruled over it as part of the viceroyalty of New Spain for the next 300 years. After decade long independence struggle Mexico gained freedom in 1821 only to fall prey to the rule of several dictators. Mexico lost Texas to US in 1836 and California, Nevada and Utah during 1846-1848, thus its vast territory shrunk considerably after falling prey to US land predators. During the mid-1970’s under the leadership of President José López Portillo, Mexico became a major petroleum producer.
Mexico Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures
Mexico enjoys Tropical climate and the northern areas of Mexico are milder than the southern areas climatically. The coastal areas are warm with high humidity while the central plateau enjoys moderate climate. The Mexican rainy season falls between June to September.
Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of Mexico:
The Culture of Mexico reflects the cultural blend derived from the pre-Hispanic civilizations and from Spain. The influence of US culture can also bee seen in the Mexican culture. The Spanish brought Christianity to Mexico’s shores in the 16th Century and it has become integral to the Mexican ethos ever since. The rich legacy of Mexican cultural legacy can be seen through the preserved historical monuments.
Spanish influence can be found in the cuisine of Mexico. Mexican cuisine is known for its varied flavors, colorful decoration, and variety of spices. Food in Mexico varies from region to region due to varying climate, geography and ethnic groups. The Northern Mexico is dominated with non-vegetarian items like fish, pork and meat while southern part of Mexico love their spicy vegetables and chicken.
Mexico Economy:
The economy of Mexico is highly dependent on exports to the US that contributes more than a quarter of the country’s GDP. Mexico has one of the most open economies in the world having free trade agreements with the U.S., Canada, the EU, and 44 other countries of the world. Agriculture, manufacturing sectors and extraction of crude oil remain the major contributor of Mexican economy. In 2007 Mexico was the world's eighth-largest crude exporter, and the third-largest supplier of oil to the U.S. Corn, tomatoes, sugar cane, dry beans, and avocados are the major crops that are cultivated in Mexico for the domestic and commercial purposes.
Tourist Attractions of Mexico:
Mexico is considered as the best holiday destination of North America. The incredibly diverse culture of Mexico attracts tourists from around the world.
Metropolitan Cathedral: Located on the Zocalo and renowned as Latin America's greatest temple. Having 67-meter high towers. Metropolitan Cathedral was constructed in 3rd century and has a 67-metre high tower with glimpses neoclassic, baroque and Churrigueresque periods.
Cancun: is often called as beach paradise and known for its silvery beaches that are surrounded by the azure sea. The water of Cancun is ideal for water sports including surfing, under water diving, sailing and boating.
Major Sight-seeing Places in Mexico include:
London, June 18 (ANI): A teenager from Florida has become the hot topic on the internet after he hitched a ride on the back of a 30ft shark.
Le Bourget (France), June 18 (IANS/EFE) The governor of the Mexican state of Queretaro said Monday that he planned to discuss seven aviation investment projects worth $150 million with different companies during the 2013 Paris Air Show.
Bogota, June 18 (IANS/EFE) Elephants, lions, bears, tigers, monkeys and other wild animals will no longer be permitted in circuses in Colombia under a bill approved by Congress.
Shanghai, June 18 (IANS/EFE) Ibero-American films will not compete in the Shanghai International Film Festival, or SIFF, but will be represented with 18 films in Spanish, Portuguese, Galician, Basque and Catalan, among the more than 300 selected for event.
Recife/Rio de Janeiro, June 17 (IANS) First-half goals from Pedro and Roberto Soldado were enough to give Spain a 2-1 victory over Uruguay in their Group B opener here while Mario Balotelli struck a 77th-minute winner as Italy began their campaign with 2-1 victory over Mexico in the Confederations Cup.
Rio de Janeiro, June 17 (IANS) Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said he was frustrated with Mario Balotelli after the striker's shirtless goal celebration in the Azzurri's 2-1 victory over Mexico here in the Confederation Cup.
Rio de Janeiro, June 17 (IANS) Mario Balotelli struck a 77th-minute winner as Italy began their Confederations Cup football campaign with 2-1 victory over Mexico here at the packed Maracana Stadium.
Washington, June 17 (ANI): Scientists have discovered that a big asteroid that flew past Earth last month belongs to a new category of space rock, thanks to new radar images captured by the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.
Jakarta, June 16 (IANS) Legendary Indonesian shuttler Taufik Hidayat bade a tearful goodbye to his loyal fans and his country's badminton association (PBSI) here Sunday at the end of a 17-year-long spectacular professional career.
Mexico City, June 16 (IANS) A 5.8-magnitude earthquake jolted southern Mexico's Guerrero state Sunday, the Mexican National Seismological Service said.
Rio de Janeiro, June 16 (IANS) Italy midfielder Andre Pirlo said he felt "honoured" to make his 100th international appearance at Brazil's iconic Maracana Stadium against Mexico Sunday.
Washington, June 16 (ANI): A cat owner has put his black-and-white kitten with orange eyes, up for mayoral elections in eastern Mexico's Xalapa.
Brasilia, June 16 (IANS) Neymar ended a nine-game goalless run with a stunning first-half strike as Brazil defeated Japan 3-0 in the first match of the FIFA Confederations Cup here.
Brasilia, June 16 (IANS) Brazil striker Neymar has denied reports he is carrying an injury and declared himself certain to start in Brazil's Confederations Cup Group A match against Mexico Wednesday.
London, June 15 (ANI): A new documentary claims that showbiz psychic Uri Geller is involved in global espionage, and that after 9/11 he was "reactivated" as a pyschic spy.
Rio de Janeiro, June 15 (IANS) Mario Balotelli could miss Italy's opening match of the Confederations Cup against Mexico Sunday after suffering a thigh injury while training.
London, June 15 (ANI): The Romania army has the sexiest women soldiers in the world, a new poll has revealed.
Rio de Janeiro, June 14 (IANS) Brazilian sports minister Aldo Rebelo said the government will have a zero-tolerance policy against hotels that overcharge visitors during several upcoming international sporting events to be held in Brazil.
Rio de Janeiro, June 14 (IANS) AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy is in doubt for Italy's opening Confederations Cup match against Mexico slated for Sunday due to an injury.
Rio de Janeiro, June 14 (IANS) Mexico striker Javier Hernandez says the Confederations Cup will provide his team with a welcome break from their stuttering 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Rio de Janeiro, June 13 (IANS) Defender Giorgio Chiellini has denied claims that Italy has been afflicted by arrogance as they prepare for their Confederations Cup debut against Mexico, Sunday.
Rio de Janeiro, June 12 (IANS) Italy were held to a shock 2-2 draw by Haiti in their final warm-up match before the Confederations Cup.
New Delhi, June 12 (ANI): Petroleum Minister Dr. M. Veerappa Moily has said that technology and capital intensive interventions have the potential to give new lease of life to the matured fields and improving recovery factor.
Los Angeles, June 11 (IANS) Actress Cameron Diaz is reportedly getting close to singer Lady Gaga's fiance Taylor Kinney, who is starring with her in "The Other Woman".
Islamabad, June 11 (ANI): Israel has exported security equipment to Pakistan over the past five years, according to British Government report.
London, June 11 (ANI): Cameron Diaz and Taylor Kinney, Lady Gaga's fiance, are reportedly growing close on the set of their latest movie 'The Other Woman', as well as off it.
Rio de Janeiro, June 11 (IANS) Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has urged tempestuous striker Mario Balotelli to put his teammates first by avoiding controversy during the Confederations Cup in Brazil.
New York, June 10 (ANI): Royal Caribbean International and Mattel have launched a new initiative- a Barbie themed fashion show while aboard.
Rio de Janeiro, June 10 (IANS) Brazil meet Asian Cup winners Japan in the Confederations Cup opener in Brasilia Saturday and Concacaf champions Mexico make their tournament debut against European runners up Italy a day later in Group A fixtures.
Mexico City, June 9 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Hundreds of people took part in the "Naked Bike Ride" in Mexico City to demand respect for cyclists on roads.
New York, June 8 (ANI): Lady Gaga showed off her toned beach body as she slipped into a teeny floral bikini in Mexico on June 6.
Mexico City, June 8 (IANS/EFE) Businessman and politician Juan Ignacio Torres Landa was among four people killed Friday when a helicopter crashed in the central Mexican city of San Luis Potosi, the governing Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, said.
Bogota, June 8 (IANS/EFE) E-commerce sales in Colombia amounted to nearly $2 billion last year, according to a report released Friday.
Mexico City, June 8 (IANS/EFE) A senior Mexican trade official said agreements with China to bolster bilateral relations, open the Asian giant's market to certain Mexican products and resolve trade disputes were reached without "any concessions or compensation".
Kingston (Jamaica), June 7 (IANS/CMC) Head coach Theodore Whitemore believes a Jamaica victory against the United States Friday night could help improve his country's chances of qualifying for next year's football World Cup in Brazil.
Mexico City, June 7 (IANS/EFE) Vicente Fox, who served as Mexico's president from 2000 to 2006, said he would grow marijuana if it was legal, arguing that legalization would benefit the country and hurt drug cartels.
Mexico City, June 7 (IANS/EFE) Mexican marine archaeologists have located the wreck of the 19th-century British ship HMS Forth, which sank off the Yucatan Peninsula 164 years ago, the National Anthropology and History Institute, or INAH, said.
Bogota, June 7 (IANS/EFE) Chile has the highest 2-megabyte broadband Internet penetration rate for landline and mobile connections in Latin America, a report released in Bogota said.
Mexico City, June 6 (IANS/EFE) State-owned Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, signed two agreements with Chinese firms covering ships, equipment and technology for Mexico's oil industry.
Mexico City, June 6 (IANS/EFE) Japanese automaker Nissan said it would begin selling its Note model, which is being made in Mexico, in the middle of this month, targeting the US and Canadian markets.
Kingston (Jamaica), June 5 (IANS/CMC) Jamaica's hopes of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup were left in tatters after they lost a crucial play-off to Mexico 0-1 at the national stadium here.
Mexico City, June 5 (IANS/EFE) Mexico hopes to forge a "comprehensive strategic association" with China, President Enrique Peña Nieto said here Tuesday during a ceremony to welcome Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Havana, June 4 (IANS) Two Cuban athletes will be competing in the 2013 Triathlon Pan American Cup to be held Sunday in Mexico's Pacific coast resort of Ixtapa.
Mexico City, June 4 (IANS/EFE) Mexican actor Enrique Lizalde died here Monday, the Mexican Arts and Cinematographic Sciences Academy, of AMACC, announced via the social media networks. He was 76.
Istanbul, June 4 (IANS/EFE) Turkey has become the preferred destination for couples from the Middle East, Eastern Europe and even the US who seek in vitro fertilization so they can have babies.
Los Angeles, June 4 (IANS) Actress Demi Moore is reportedly seeking spiritual help too move on from the dilemma of her failed marriage with estranged husband Ashton Kutcher.
Mexico City, June 3 (IANS/EFE) A gastronomy festival is being held in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, where thousands of people will enjoy the different events featuring leading local and international chefs.
Film: "The Hangover Part III"; Actors: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Ken Jeong; Director: Todd Philips; Rating: ***
On May 23, Colombia´s President Juan Manuel Santos took a leaf out of former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping´s book. Host to the Pacific Alliance (Alianza del Pacifico) in the salubrious city of Cali, he inaugurated the VII summit with the words: ''The Asian Pacific is the new global pole for development and Latin America wants to be a partner. He spoke on behalf of his three partners in the Alliance - the Presidents of Mexico, Chile and Peru.
Geneva, May 30 (IANS) The US has topped the 2013 world competitiveness ranking of 60 economies, followed by Switzerland and Hong Kong, a report said Thursday.
Rosario (Argentina), May 30 (IANS) Newell's Old Boys eliminated 10-man Boca Juniors from the Copa Libertadores football with a dramatic 10-9 penalty shootout victory in their quarterfinal second leg.
Paris, May 30 (IANS/EFE) Mexico's economy, which will experience slower growth in the first half of 2013 due to headwinds from the US, will have a stronger performance next year, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, said.
New York, May 29 (ANI): Calvin Klein and his much-younger boyfriend Nick Gruber have reconciled, according to reports.
Mexico City, May 29 (IANS/EFE) Mexico's telecommunications industry grew 12.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013, compared to the same period last year, thanks to surging demand for satellite television, long-distance calling and wireless services, authorities said.
Mexico City, May 29 (IANS/EFE) Archaeologists discovered eight temporary camps in the Sierra del Mayor mountains, in the Mexican state of Baja California, that date from 400 to 7,000 years ago, the National Anthropology and History Institute, or INAH, said.
Washington, May 29 (ANI): On Friday, May 31st, at one minute to five in the afternoon (Eastern time), an impressive asteroid named 1998 QE2 will whiz past Earth at its closest approach for the next two centuries.
Mexico City, May 29 (IANS/EFE) The US rock group Bon Jovi will perform Sep 10 at Mexico City's Foro Sol, a venue that holds almost 60,000 people, organizers said.
Mexico City, May 29 (IANS/EFE) Mezcal, an alcoholic beverage long considered too common to interest connoisseurs, has gained popularity in Mexico and around the world, challenging tequila, the country's best known distilled beverage.
Los Angeles, May 29 (IANS) Actor Johnny Depp has reportedly offered two homeless people a chance to feature in his forthcoming sci-fi film "Transcendence" after spotting them in Albuquerque, Mexico.
Rio de Janeiro, May 28 (IANS) Some of Brazil's stadiums which will host the FIFA Confederations Cup in June are facing problems, two weeks before the beginning of the tourney.
Mexico City, May 27 (IANS/EFE) Jose Maria Perez Gay, a Mexican writer, academic, translator and diplomat, died early Sunday, said his brother, Rafael Perez Gay. He was 70.
Paris, May 27 (IANS) The 66th Cannes Film Festival drew its curtain down Sunday after 12 days of competition with French-Tunisian director Abdellatif Kechiche's "La Vie d'Adele - Chapitre 1&2" ("Blue is the Warmest Colour") taking the prestigious Palme d'Or.
Tijuana (Mexico), May 24 (IANS) Second-half substitute Luan struck an injury-time equaliser to earn Atletico Mineiro a 2-2 draw against Tijuana in their Copa Libertadores quarterfinal first leg.
Mexico City, May 24 (IANS/EFE) A Mexican woman received Latin America's first transplant of ovaries in a hospital in the western city of Guadalajara, the director of the Mexican Infertility Institute, Luis Arturo Ruvalcaba, announced.
Mexico City, May 23 (IANS/EFE) Chili peppers and sauces will take centre stage at a festival being held this week in Mexico City, where the spicy plant, one of the pillars of Mexican cuisine, will be honoured, organizers said.
Los Angeles, May 23 (IANS) Actress Tori Spelling put her perfect bikini body on display while celebrating her 40th birthday with her family at a beach location.
Nassau (Bahamas), May 22 (IANS/CMC) An English Premier League club will play in the Bahamas for the first time to mark the country's 40th anniversary of independence.
Los Angeles, May 22 (IANS/EFE) Spanish actor Antonio Banderas will star in "The 33", a film based on the story of survival of the miners buried for more than two months in a mine in northern Chile, Variety reported.
Mexico City, May 22 (IANS/EFE) Mexican telecommunications giant America Movil says it has agreed to buy US mobile operator Start Wireless Group for an undisclosed amount.
Mexico City, May 21 (IANS/EFE) Economic activity associated with tourism grew 4 percent in 2012 compared with the year before, Mexico's INEGI statistics service said.
Kathmandu, May 20 (IANS/EFE) Mexican David Liaño Gonzalez Sunday became the first climber to double summit on Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, in the same season, the climb's organizers said.
Brasilia, May 20 (IANS/EFE) Mexican Foreign Relations Secretary Jose Antonio Meade visited his Brazilian counterpart, Antonio Patriota, with whom he agreed to promote a series of business meetings to boost bilateral trade.
Mexico City, May 20 (IANS/EFE) Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto inaugurated a 1.6-billion-peso ($130-million) expansion of a Nestle instant coffee factory in the central city of Toluca.
Miami, May 18 (IANS/EFE) Actress America Ferrera graduated from the University of Southern California, 10 years after beginning her International Relations course.
Thrissur (Kerala), May 18 (IANS) The festivities and fireworks at the Thrissur Pooram festival have stunned two US-based filmmakers who are making a movie on pyrotechnics across the globe. They have termed it as one of the most amazing display they have ever witnessed.
Rome, May 17 (IANS) Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli has named his initial 31-man squad for the Confederations Cup, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced.
Mexico City, May 17 (IANS/EFE) A general in the Mexican army was sworn-in Thursday as public safety secretary in the western state of Michoacan, which is home to several powerful criminal organizations and a growing vigilante movement.
Washington, May 17 (ANI): Our brains are wired to make music-color connections depending on how the melodies make us feel, according to a new research from the University of California, Berkeley.
Rome, May 15 (IANS) Women's doubles sixth seeds of Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands reached the second round of the Rome Masters here.
The Spice Boyz, crowned Windward Islands' football champions last month, climbed 20 spots to 121 in the global rankings and 16 in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Football (CONCACAF).
Mexico City, May 14 (IANS/EFE) About 100,000 people attended a free concert offered by Spanish singer Miguel Bose on the weekend in the Zocalo, Mexico City's mammoth main square.
Washington, May 13 (ANI): Noncoding DNA, which has puzzled scientists for so many years, and is abundant in many living things, may not actually be needed for creation of complex life, according to researchers.
Dubai, May 13 (IANS) Nearly half of over $61 billion sent by expatriates in the Gulf countries in 2012 went to India, according to new data.
Teotihuacan (Mexico), May 13 (IANS/EFE) A robot that weighs just 25 kg is helping scientists explore the underworld of Teotihuacan, an archaeological complex.
Mexico City, May 13 (IANS/EFE) More than 6,000 motorcycles, mostly Harley-Davidsons, roared through several downtown streets of the Mexican capital to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the founding of the legendary firm, which for some created an entire way of life.
Geneva, May 13 (IANS/EFE) An exclusive Audemars Piguet watch designed with the assistance of soccer star Leo Messi was auctioned for 65,500 euros ($85,000), all of which will go to the foundation created by the soccer star to aid underprivileged children in Argentina, Mexico and Spain.
Washington, May 12 (ANI): SUV maker Chrysler Group LLC is reportedly recalling a total of 4,69,000 models following discoveries that their circuit boards have transmitted signals bringing about gearshifts to neutral positions.
Houston, May 12 (IANS) The world's largest art car parade traveled through the city of Houston Saturday, giving art car-lovers a rare chance to view about 300 art cars of every shape and design imaginable.
London, May 10 (IANS) The cult of Santa Muerte or "Holy Death" in Mexico is "blasphemous" and worshipping it was a "degeneration of religion", a senior Vatican official has said.
Mexico City, May 10 (IANS/EFE) Authorities slaughtered 55,000 chickens at a farm in the central state of Puebla where avian flu was detected, Mexico's agriculture department said.
Mexico City, May 10 (IANS/EFE) The Mexican government proposed a bank reform package aimed at spurring lending and promoting economic growth.
Mexico City, May 9 (IANS/EFE) Spanish singer Julio Iglesias Wednesday denied reports that his son Enrique will marry former tennis star Anna Kournikova this weekend, saying that Enrique had not mentioned this possibility to him.
Singapore, May 8 (IANS) Singapore beat Tianjin in China and Monterrey in Mexico to be named as host for the year-ending Women's Tennis Association Championships for the next five years.
Rio de Janeiro, May 7 (IANS) Brazil's football confederation (CBF) president Jose Maria Marin has guaranteed the future of national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, even if his team fails to impress during Confederations Cup in June.
Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), May 6 (IANS/EFE) The sons of two journalists were murdered by gunmen Sunday in Mexico's Chihuahua city, officials said.
Mexico City, May 6 (IANS/EFE) Audi executives and Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo laid the cornerstone for the German automaker's new plant in Mexico, the Economy Secretariat said in a statement.
Mexico City, May 6 (IANS/EFE) They've had everything in life and never had to lift a finger - until one day their dad decides to teach them a lesson and puts them to work. So goes the storyline of "Nosotros los Nobles", a comedy causing a ruckus in Mexico by raising awareness about the risks of spoiling kids.
Washington, May 4 (ANI): A NASA-led modeling study has provided new evidence that global warming could change future global rainfall patterns and increase the risk of both flooding and drought.
Mexico City, May 4 (IANS/EFE) The Mexican unit of Japanese auto giant the Honda Motor Co. announced plans to invest $470 million in the construction of a transmission plant in Celaya, in the central state of Guanajuato.
San Diego, May 3 (IANS) Scientists have shown that certain proteins in plants that function as transporters can help solve global fuel and food problems, a study says.
