By: Sarah Memari, Blanca Soto Mexico By: Sarah Memari, Blanca Soto

Location Middle America Bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico Between Belize and the US and bordering the North Pacific, between Guatemala and the US.

Population 0-14 years: 31.6% 15-64 years: 62.9% male 16,913,290, female 16,228,552 15-64 years: 62.9% male 31,975,391, female 34,090,440 65 years and over: 5.5% male 2,618,713, female 3,133,208 104,959,594 Total (July 2004 est.)

Government chief of state and head of government: President Vicente FOX Quesada (since 1 December 2000) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term; election last held July 2, 2000 (next to be held July 2, 2006)

Military National Defense Secretariat Sedena including Army and Air Force Navy Secretariat including Naval Air and Marines

Industries Food and Beverage Tobacco Chemicals Iron and Steel Petroleum Mining Textiles Clothing Motor Vehicles Consumer Durables Tourism

Activities Snorkel and Scuba Horseback Riding Camping Water Sports Extreme Sports Ecotourism Hiking and Climbing Navigation Fishing Surfing Sun and Leisure Golf Beaches Spas

Romantic Destinations Acapulco Cancún Cozumel Puerto Vallarta Veracruz Tampico

Holidays Jan.1: New Years Day (Año Nuevo) Traditional celebration of the new year on the first of the month with families and good wishes. Mar. 20-27: Holy Week (Semana Santa) Celebrated by the Catholics, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. May 5: Cinco de Mayo Celebrates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in May 5, 1862.

Holidays (continued) Sep. 15-16: Mexican Independence Day Mexican President rings a bell to show Mexico’s independence from France and Spain. Nov. 1-2: Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) Remembrance of the deceased infants and children, referred to as angelitos, and those who have died as adults. Dec. 16-24: Posadas Christmas festivities begin with Las Posadas, nine consecutive days of candlelight processions and lively parties starting December

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