Mexico is a large country containing almost 2 million square
kilometers. The topography is very diverse, and the climate
reflects this fact.
The
population is approximately 100 million, and it is very diverse.
More than 50 distinct Indian cultures exist together with the
Spanish speaking 'Mestizos' (mixed Indian and European, who make
up the main population). Although Spanish is the official language
and is spoken by the majority, many different indigenous languages
are spoken as well.
There is also a growing population of Norte Americanos (applied to
Americans, Canadians, and Europeans), as many people decide to
retire to Mexico and benefit from the lower cost of living, and
the wonderful climates.
There
are approximately four climate zones in Mexico.
1) The Baja has a climate that varies considerably from its west
coast to its east coast and north to south.
2) The coastal areas get hot and humid weather in the summer and
ideal weather in the winter.
3) The central highlands get ideal weather year-round.
4) The northern desert areas have very hot weather in the summer
and cool nights in the winter with some snow on occasions.
Although
the highway system is generally not up to American and Canadian
standards, many excellent highways can be found in Mexico, and
many other roads only require a little patience to take you to
marvelous sights. Volcanoes, vast deserts, tropical jungles, miles
of deserted beaches, ancient ruins, modern cities, quaint
villages, and posh resorts, can all be found in Mexico.
It
would be difficult to name an activity that you like to do, that
you can't do in Mexico. In the larger cities, you can attend
events such as the opera, symphony, bull fights, horse racing, dog
racing, professional sports, etc.
Smaller centers have folk
festivals, stage plays, fiestas, flea markets, street musicians,
etc. Most places have movie theaters, golf courses, and wonderful
plazas where people gather in the evenings.
The
coastal areas offer marvelous fishing, diving, snorkeling, and
beach activities.
The highlands offer hiking and the
exploring of ancient ruins and colonial buildings.
Shopping is varied and generally inexpensive. The large centers
have modern shopping malls, and every settlement has many street
vendors offering a wide variety of hand crafts and food.
