1. By Dakota Rankus

2. Green: Hope White: Religion Red: Independence and Unity The coat of arms: Legend has it that God told the Aztecs that they should make their home where they find “an eagle eating a snake while perched on a nopal cactus growing out of a rock surrounded by water.”

3. The capital is Mexico City. Mexico

4.  Population: ◦ 116,220,947 ◦ (#11 in the world)  Average Life Expectancy: ◦ (#72 in the world) ◦ 74.03 (men) ◦ 79.83 (women)

5.  Roman Catholic ◦ 82.7% of the population ◦ Christian religion similar to that practiced in the United States.

6.  The primary language of Mexico is Spanish.  Hola (Hello)  Como estas? (How are you?)  Por favor? (Please?)  Gracias. (Thank you.)  Tu hablas ingles? (Do you speak English?)

7. Dia de los muertos or Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1 st (All Saints Day) and November 2 nd (All Soul’s Day). These are the days in which legend says the dead are to be with the families they left behind. It is celebrated with numerous festivals and traditions. One such tradition is to decorate the graves of loved ones and leave “sacrifices” such as candy and pastries.

8. DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook beef in large skillet over medium heat 7 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Add drained tomatoes and 1 cup enchilada sauce; blend well. Place tortillas in damp paper towels; microwave on HIGH 1 minute or just until flexible. Place about 1/3 cup beef mixture evenly on each tortilla. Top each with about 1 tablespoon cheese. Roll up and place seam side down in baking dish. Top with remaining sauce and remaining 1 cup cheese, spreading evenly and covering tortilla edges. Bake covered 30 minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Ingredients 1 pound ground sirloin beef 1 can (10 oz each) Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained 1 can (29 oz each) Enchilada Sauce 12 corn tortillas (6 inch) 2 cups shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack Sour cream, optional

9. Located in Mexico City, the Aztec Pyramids are a popular tourist attraction. Who wouldn’t want to visit a place where human sacrifices took place? It has significant cultural and historical meaning and is definitely worth the visit.

10. Bullfighting, also known as fiesta brava, is a popular attraction in Mexico today despite the controversy led by animal rights activists. It was introduced to Mexico during the Spanish occupation. The largest bullfighting ring in the world is called Plaza Mexico and is located in Mexico City. It seats 40,000. Bullfighting includes many events (before the actual fight) such as rodeos and dances. Ultimately the bull is killed with a sword which is the cause of the controversy.

11.  https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/mx.html https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/mx.html  http://www.aboutmexico.net/mexico/bullfighting. asp http://www.aboutmexico.net/mexico/bullfighting. asp  http://www.worldflags101.com/m/mexico- flag.aspx http://www.worldflags101.com/m/mexico- flag.aspx  http://www.mexonline.com/daydead.htm