Country Profile: Mexico

Mexico is a country rich in cultural heritage and natural resources, located in North America between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is the second-largest economy in Latin America, characterized by a mixture of modern industry and agriculture, although inequalities persist, particularly in rural regions with significant indigenous populations. Mexico operates as a federal presidential republic, with a long history of political evolution and reform, including recent shifts towards more progressive governance. The country faces ongoing challenges related to security, primarily from drug-related violence.

Geography

Mexico covers an area of 1,964,375 sq km, making it slightly less than three times the size of Texas. The country boasts diverse geographical features, including rugged mountains, high plateaus, and coastal plains, along with a coastline of 9,330 km. Its climate ranges from tropical in the south to desert in the north, with significant natural resources such as petroleum and minerals.

9,330 km of coastline
50.7% of land used for agriculture (2023)
Highest point: Pico de Orizaba at 5,636 m
4,389 km of land borders with the US, Guatemala, and Belize
Notable natural hazards include earthquakes and volcanic activity

People and Society

As of 2024, Mexico has a population of approximately 130.7 million people, with a significant portion residing in urban areas, particularly Mexico City. The population is ethnically diverse, with 62% identifying as Mestizo and around 21% as predominantly Indigenous. The country has a rich cultural fabric influenced by its history and demographic diversity, with 81.6% of people living in urban settings.

74.6 years life expectancy at birth (2024)
14.3 births/1,000 population birth rate (2024)
95% literacy rate (2020)
42 deaths/100,000 live births maternal mortality ratio (2023)
2.8% unemployment rate (2024)

Economy

Mexico's economy is classified as an upper-middle-income economy, emphasizing trade with the US and manufacturing. The GDP (PPP) is estimated at $2.883 trillion for 2024, with services dominating the economic structure (58.2% of GDP). Despite its growth potential, the country faces challenges from income inequality and corruption.

2.8% unemployment rate (2024)
$680.798 billion in exports (2024)
36.3% of the population lives below the poverty line (2022)
3.8% contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024)
24.2% of GDP from investment in fixed capital (2024)

Government

Mexico is a federal presidential republic with a complex legislative structure that includes a bicameral Congress. The country has a rich history of democratic evolution, with its current constitution approved in 1917. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has been in office since October 2024, and the government emphasizes civic participation in the electoral process.

32 states in total
18 years as the voting age
President elected for a single 6-year term
Most recent elections were held on June 2, 2024
50% of legislative seats occupied by women

Military and Security

The Mexican Armed Forces consist of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, focusing on internal security and combating drug-related violence. The National Guard was established in 2019 to enhance security measures. Military expenditures have increased modestly, reflecting the ongoing challenges related to organized crime.

Approximately 260,000 active-duty personnel (2025)
0.9% of GDP allocated for military expenditures (2024)
110,000 personnel in the National Guard (2025)
Compulsory military service age is 18 for men
Military involved in civil projects and internal security tasks

Energy

Mexico's energy sector is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to its electricity generation. The country ensures electrification for its entire population, with a generating capacity of 105.586 million kW as of 2023.

100% electrification of total population (2022)
79.6% of total electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023)
2.101 million bbl/day of petroleum production (2023)
Total energy consumption per capita is 57.539 million Btu (2023)

Environment

Mexico faces environmental issues such as deforestation, water pollution, and urban air quality challenges. The government treats issues like water scarcity and pollution as national security concerns. The country is a party to numerous international environmental agreements, emphasizing its commitment to global initiatives.

50.7% of land used for agriculture (2023)
441.049 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023)
9.6% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022)
461.888 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2022)

Transportation

Mexico has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including a vast network of railways and air travel options. The country features a significant number of airports and ports that facilitate trade and travel.

1,580 airports (2025)
23,389 km of railway (2017)
674 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
35 ports, with key locations such as Veracruz and Acapulco

Communications

The communication network in Mexico has expanded significantly, with high mobile and internet subscription rates. The country has transitioned to digital broadcasting and increased access to various media platforms.

140 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
81% of the population are internet users (2023)
25.637 million fixed-line subscribers (2023)
26.6 million broadband fixed subscriptions (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 at Birth	74.6 years	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	14.3 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption Per Capita	57.539 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Total Fertility Rate	1.79 children born/woman	2024 estimate
Military Expenditures	0.9% of GDP	2024 estimate
Gini Index	43.5	2022 estimate