Country Profile: Mexico

Mexico, located in North America, boasts a diverse geography ranging from deserts to tropical regions. With a population exceeding 130 million in 2024, it is characterized by a rich cultural heritage stemming from advanced pre-Columbian civilizations and a colonial history. Economically, Mexico benefits from strong ties with the US, being its second-largest goods trading partner, yet it faces challenges such as income inequality and organized crime. The country operates as a federal presidential republic, with significant political changes in recent years.

Geography

Mexico is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, bordered by the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast. The country features a diverse landscape, including high mountains, low coastal plains, and vast deserts. Climate varies dramatically, with tropical conditions in the south to arid zones in the north.

Total area: 1,964,375 sq km, making it slightly less than three times the size of Texas.
Coastline: 9,330 km along the Gulf and Pacific coasts.
Highest point: Pico de Orizaba, reaching 5,636 m.
Climate: Ranges from tropical to desert.
Natural hazards: Includes tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

People and Society

Mexico's population is predominantly mestizo (62%), with a variety of indigenous groups contributing to its cultural richness. The capital, Mexico City, is one of the largest urban centers in the world, with significant urbanization trends. Spanish is the official language, spoken by over 93% of the population, while Catholicism is the major religion.

Population (2024): 130,739,927.
Urban population: 81.6% of the total.
Life expectancy at birth: 74.6 years.
Literacy rate: 95% (2020).
Median age: 31 years (2025 est.).

Economy

Mexico possesses an upper-middle-income economy, highly integrated with the United States through trade and manufacturing. Although it experiences low unemployment, challenges like income inequality and corruption persist. The country is a leading producer of various agricultural products and has a growing service sector.

GDP (PPP): $2.883 trillion (2024 est.).
GDP per capita: $22,000 (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: 2.8% (2024 est.).
Poverty rate: Approximately 36.3% in 2022.
Exports: Valued at $680.798 billion (2024 est.).

Government

Mexico is a federal presidential republic comprised of 32 states. The political landscape has seen significant shifts, with the election of leftist leaders and the implementation of new policies. The president serves both as the head of state and government, elected for a single six-year term.

Current President: Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo (since October 1, 2024).
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.
Latest Constitution amendment: Approved on February 5, 1917.
Major political parties: MORENA, PAN, PRI, among others.
Capital: Mexico City, coordinates 19°26'N, 99°8'W.

Military and Security

The Mexican military consists of various branches tasked with defending the nation and maintaining internal security, especially against drug trafficking and organized crime. The formation of the National Guard in 2019 marked a significant shift in security policy.

Active personnel: Approximately 260,000 in the Armed Forces and 110,000 in the National Guard.
Military expenditure: 0.9% of GDP (2024 est.).
Conscription: Voluntary service from 18 years of age.
Defense responsibilities: Include internal security and disaster response.

Energy

Mexico's energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, though it is also exploring renewable sources. The country has made strides in expanding access to electricity and improving its energy infrastructure.

Electricity access: 100% of the population (2022).
Installed capacity: 105.586 million kW (2023).
Total energy consumption per capita: 57.539 million Btu/person (2023 est.).
Natural gas production: 33.118 billion cubic meters (2023).

Environment

Mexico faces significant environmental challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and deforestation. The government recognizes these issues as national security concerns and is party to various international environmental agreements.

Total water resources: Approximately 461.888 billion cubic meters (2022 est.).
Urban population: 81.6% of total population (2023).
Deforestation: A critical challenge affecting the ecosystem.
Pollution: Significant in urban areas due to industrial and sewage discharge.

Transportation

Mexico has a well-developed transportation network, which is vital for trade and connectivity within the country and internationally.

Airports: 1,580 as of 2025.
Railways: Totaling 23,389 km (2017).
Ports: 35 operational ports as of 2024.
Merchant marine: Comprises 674 vessels (2023).

Communications

Mexico's telecommunications sector has undergone reforms, resulting in expanded services and infrastructure, crucial for modern communication.

Mobile subscriptions: Approximately 140 million (2023).
Internet users: Representing 81% of the population (2023).
Fixed-line subscriptions: 25.637 million (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	130,739,927	2024 estimate
Area	1,964,375 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$2.883 trillion	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	2.8%	2024 estimate
Life expectancy	74.6 years	2024 estimate
Urban population	81.6%	2023 estimate
Electricity access	100%	2022 estimate
Military expenditure	0.9% of GDP	2024 estimate
Poverty rate	36.3%	2022 estimate
Exports	$680.798 billion	2024 estimate