2. Demographic Info. *Name of Country: United Mexican States *Date of Independence: 16 September 1810 *Population: 101, 879, 171 *Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) *Exchange Rate 9.7701 pesos per US dollar *Religions: Roman Catholic (89%), Protestant (6%), and other (5%) *Languages: mainly Spanish, also Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous

4. There are many popular vacation spots in Mexico. Some of the best and most well known are cities such as Acapulco, Cancun, Mexico City, Cozumel, and Tijuana. Where To Go In Mexico?? Acapulco Glitz, glamour and luxury “Haven for the rich and famous.” Beautiful beaches and very touristy. Cancun Year round sun, water sports, entertainment, shopping, restaurants. Belize Reef- the 5 th largest reef. One of the top vacation spots

5. Where To Go In Mexico?? Mexico City Capital of Mexico Largest city in the world Seat of government Center of commerce, finance and the arts largest island of the Mexican Caribbean beautiful beaches, marine life and wild fruit. capital of skin diving Planancar Reef, which is the largest reef in the world + a national park. Cozumel

7. Ruled by Spain for 3 centuries before getting independence in early 19 th Century. *Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called for a rebellion and in 1821 Spain agreed to Mexican independence. Mexican-American War: *U.S. troops captured Mexico City *Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo -Mexico ceded Texas, California, Utah, Colorado, and most of New Mexico and Arizona to the U.S.

8. Things to do include : Bullfights fishing Probably most popular, shopping in true “Mexican mercados.” Tijuana Rodeo Whale watching Where To Go In Mexico??

9. CULTURE Talent for art + culture *Spanish influence: -religion and religious art *architecture Food *Mexican cuisine centered around 3 national “staples” –tortillas, beans, & chili peppers. Major holidays *Christmas *Day of the Dead *Mardi Gras *Cinco de Mayo *Easter *Mex. Independence Day

10. Ancestry Indigenous people Mayans Aztecs Spainards Original inhabitants of Mexico ”Mexicas” Dance is also an important aspect of Mexican culture. Even today you will still see traditional dress.