Chapter 11 Mexico

Mexico Country name: United Mexican States, Mexico Capital: Mexico City Location: Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the US and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the US Border countries: Belize, Guatemala, US

Government type: federal republic Administrative divisions: 31 states Population: 104,907,991 (July 2003 est.) (most populous Spanish-speaking country) Languages: Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%, other 5%

GDP – per capita: purchasing power parity - $8,900 (82 nd in the world) (2002 est.) Industries: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism Currency: Mexican peso (MXN) (CIA, World Fact Book)

Important Facts Among the top 10 destinations in the world 19.7 million international tourist arrivals (8 th highest) $ 8.9 billion international tourism receipts (the third highest in North America) (WTO, 2003) Terrain: high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert. Has diverse landscapes: mountains, volcanic regions, coastal plains, white sand beaches, Yucatan’s thick tropical jungle

Climate: varies from tropical to desert (CIA, World Fact Book). Coastline: 9,330 km

Selling Points Historical sites, archaeological ruins, cultural attractions, beaches, fishing, water sports (scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing), bullfighting, shopping (handicrafts), spas, music and dance, relaxation and moderate prices.

Brief History home of great indigenous civilizations (the Aztec, Maya, Toltec, Mixtec, Zapotec, and Olmec) Mayan (occupying the Yucatan and east Chiapas in Mexico) history is divided into three periods: Pre-Classic period (1500 BC – AD 300) – corn was cultivated, calendar, chronology and hieroglyphic writing cultivated; Early Classic (300 – 600) - Mayan culture spread throughout the area; Late Classic (600 – 900) - greatest accomplishments in art and science

Olmec; ancient people (1300 – 400 BC) of the east Mexico lowlands; highly developed agricultural society; earthen platforms and pyramidal mounds were common features of their settlements; had hieroglyphic writing system Toltec; indigenous civilization of Mexico had dominated the Maya (11 th – 13 th century) until nomadic Chichimec peoples destroyed their empire which opened the way for the Aztec. Their religion incorporated human sacrifice, sun worship and a sacred ball game Aztec; indigenous people dominating central Mexico at the time of the Spanish conquest (16 th century)

Mixtec; indigenous people of south western Mexico. They spreaded southward between 900 – 14 th century. They resisted the Spanish in the 16 th century. There are about Mixtec-speaking people in Mexico today Zapotec; indigenous people of south Mexico. They believed themselves born directly from rocks, trees and jaguars. They had a high civilization 2000 years ago. They remained autonomous until the arrival of the Spanish by allying with the Aztec. Their culture blends native and Spanish elements occupied by Spanish in the early 16 th century received independence from Spain in 1822

Cancun Mexico’s leading tourist destination technically an island, shaped like the number 7 downtown Cancun; an original town offering tourist restaurants and shops ultramodern hotels, terrific beaches, good deep-sea diving, water sports, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, hotels on Hotel Row having beautiful architecture entertainment possibilities include Ballet Folklorino, discos and nightclubs East Coast Resorts/Yucatan Peninsula

Chichen Itza the older parts of the city are classic Maya and Toltecs well preserved stone carvings pyramid shaped castle; Castle of Kukulkan having 92 steps in each 4 sides other buildings of interest; Temple of the Warriors, Ball Court, Sacred Well (the site of human-sacrifice ceremonies)

Cozumel an island 65 km south of Cancun San Miguel is the only town on the island; lively place; scooters, mopeds or jeeps are rented to explore the island snorkeling, diving, and fishing, excursions to Mayan ruins Isla Mujeres haven for divers and anglers for years the “Cave of the Sleeping Sharks” is famous among adventurous and brave divers

Merida capital of Yucatan charming colonial city; the first strongholds of the Spanish in the New Spain offers good shopping and delicious Yucatecan food

West Coast Resorts and Oaxaca Acapulco finest resort in Mexico steep mountains, a wide curved shore lined with palm trees and golden beaches are characteristic of Acapulco La Quebrada-cliff diving; divers leaping from 45 m up rocks since 1934

Los Cabos located at the southern tip of Baja California; colorful place reminding Southern California full of mega resorts and championship golf courses top fishing spot, plus offers golden sand, clear blue water suitable for snorkeling, surfing, sailing resorts offer variety of activities; from golf, tennis, horseback riding to party-boat cruises the Arch; sea arch carved out of rock by water; whales can be spotted nearby

Huatulco nine bays with cleanest, safest and least crowded beaches and big waves (great for bodysurfing) more than 70 % of the area is ecological reserve Ixtapa like Cancun, has little Mexican flavor offers snorkeling around the little islands with mountain view at the background known for its great fishing, 5 km south to Zihuatanejo especially good for serious fishermen

Oaxaca loveliest state capital in Mexico has the country’s largest Indian market has ancient ruins, colonial architecture and good food church of Santo Domingo; white interior, beautifully painted dome, gold leaf everywhere Regional Museum; exhibits jewelry from ancient tombs Saturday Indian market; little Spanish is heard, mostly Mixtec and Zapotec spoken Monte Alban; an ancient city built around 600BC

Mazatlan a real Mexican city with colonial buildings and cobble stone streets offers also deep-sea fishing, endless beaches and golfing Mazatlan Aquarium; 200 species of fish including piranhas, marlins and sharks Olas Atlas; the city’s first beachfront hotels, has structures from 19 th and early 20 th century carnival; with parades, coronation parties, street dances, floats, fireworks, costumed merrymakers

Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico’s most picturesque resort city with cobblestone streets, white buildings, red tile roofs, palm-tree covered mountains, deep blue ocean best known for its beaches, gorgeous water, scenic beauty, excellent restaurants, shops and varied activities

Mexico City and Central Mexico Mexico City 20 million people live here, millions in poverty its the cultural center of the country and one of the world’s great capitals city for world class-art and food, great music and some of the finest antiquities anywhere Zocalo; the central square of the city; the surrounding are is known as “historic center” The Metropolitan Cathedral; built on top of Aztec capital city, ruins were first uncovered in 1978

El Museo del Templo Mayor; houses art craft from the ruins National Palace; stunning murals by Diego Rivera Alameda Central; park with fountains and full with museums such as Palace of Fine arts (where Ballet Folklorico performs) La Zona Rosa; trendy cosmopolitan section with fine hotels, restaurants and nightlife including the Chapultepec Park Museum of Anthropology; must see place with Aztec Calendar Stone and other Maya items

Coyoacan was home to Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsky Kahlo’s home is now a museum/gallery San Angel; where the home/studio/museum of Diego Rivera is University of Mexico; is the country’s architectural showpiece; O’Gorman mosaics on the library’s façade and the Rivera mosaics over the main entrance of the Olympic Stadium

Guadalajara Mexico's second largest city colonial architecture, museum, gardens, shopping, nightlife the Cathedral and the surrounding plazas Mercado Libertad; Guadalajara's largest market Guadalajara Zoo; one of the largest in Latin America day trips to tequila distilleries

San Miguel de Allende artists and writers colony, US retirement community founded in 1542 when silver was discovered in the area has splendid buildings, cobblestone streets, art galleries and shops Queretaro; 18 th century city nearby San Miguel de Allende where Emperor Maximilian was executed, has interesting regional museum, churches and plazas

Teotihuacan one of the most interesting and accessible archaeological attractions once an Indian civilization an Aztec area with two very impressive structures: Pyramid of the Sun (70 meters high), Pyramid of the Moon

Border Towns and Northern Mexico reasons to visit are; bullfight or horse race or to say you have been to Mexico important border towns are; Cuidad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales, Tijuana Tijuana is the largest border town Cultural Center - a multimillion-dollar showcase displaying exhibits about Mexico’s people, events and culture Mexitlan- reflects 1500 years of Mexican history