Moving to Mexico: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

6 facts — expand for details.

Population

130,739,927

Population Growth Rate

0.72%

Population Distribution

most of the population is found in the middle of the country between the states of Jalisco and Veracruz

approximately a quarter of the population lives in and around Mexico City

Urban Population

• population: 81.6% of total population rate of
• urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change

Population in Major Urban Areas

22.281 million MEXICO CITY (capital), 5.420 million Guadalajara, 5.117 million Monterrey, 3.345 million Puebla, 2.626 million Toluca de Lerdo, 2.260 million Tijuana

Population: Male/Female

• male: 63,899,138
• female: 66,840,789

13 facts — expand for details.

Age Structure

• years: 23.3% (male 15,647,805/female 14,754,004) 15-64
• years: 68.6% (male 43,651,105/female 45,983,174) 65 years and
• over: 8.2% (male 4,600,228/female 6,103,611)

Median Age

• total: 30.8 years
• male: 28.8 years
• female: 32.7 years

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

14

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

6.5

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.79

Gross reproduction rate

1

Child Marriage

women married by age 15: 3.6% women married by age 18: 20.7%

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

73.1%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

73.1%

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

56.6%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

21.3

Mother's mean age at first birth

21.3

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

• birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14
• years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64
• years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and
• over: 0.75 male(s)/female total
• population: 0.96 male(s)/female

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-0.7

Ethnic Groups

Mestizo (Indigenous-Spanish) 62%, predominantly Indigenous 21%, Indigenous 7%, other 10% (mostly European)

Language Note

Spanish only 93.8%, Spanish and indigenous languages 5.4%, indigenous only 0.6%, unspecified 0.2%; note - indigenous languages include various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional languages

Nationality Noun

• noun: Mexican(s)
• adjective: Mexican

6 facts — expand for details.

Literacy - total population

95.2%

Literacy - male

96.1%

Literacy - female

94.5%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.3%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

• total: 15 years
• male: 15 years
• female: 15 years

14 facts — expand for details.

Life Expectancy at Birth

• population: 74.6 years
• male: 71.6 years
• female: 77.7 years

Infant Mortality Rate

• total: 12.1 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 13.4 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 10.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

• total: 12.1 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 13.4 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 10.9 deaths/1,000 live births

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

59

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

2.43

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

6.2%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

• risk: intermediate food or waterborne
• diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A vectorborne
• diseases: dengue fever

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

28.9%

Tobacco Use

• total: 13.1%
• male: 19.9%
• female: 6.2%

Alcohol consumption per capita

• total: 4.25 liters of pure alcohol
• beer: 3.72 liters of pure alcohol
• wine: 0.19 liters of pure alcohol
• spirits: 0.19 liters of pure alcohol

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 100% of population
• rural: 98.3% of population
• total: 99.7% of population
• unimproved: urban: 0% of population
• rural: 1.7% of population
• total: 0.3% of population

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 99.9% of population
• rural: 96.4% of population
• total: 99.2% of population
• unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population
• rural: 3.6% of population
• total: 0.8% of population

Underweight - percent of children under five years

4.2%

4 facts — expand for details.

Economic Overview

Mexico's $2.4 trillion economy – the 11th largest in the world - has become increasingly oriented toward manufacturing since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) entered into force in 1994.

Per capita income is roughly one-third that of the United States; income distribution remains highly unequal.

Mexico has become the United States' second-largest export market and third-largest source of imports.

In 2017, two-way trade in goods and services exceeded $623 billion.

Mexico has free trade agreements with 46 countries, putting more than 90% of its trade under free trade agreements.

In 2012, Mexico formed the Pacific Alliance with Peru, Colombia, and Chile.

Mexico's current government, led by President Enrique PEÑA NIETO, has emphasized economic reforms, passing and implementing sweeping energy, financial, fiscal, and telecommunications reform legislation, among others, with the long-term aim to improve competitiveness and economic growth across the Mexican economy.

Since 2015, Mexico has held public auctions of oil and gas exploration and development rights and for long-term electric power generation contracts.

Mexico has also issued permits for private sector import, distribution, and retail sales of refined petroleum products in an effort to attract private investment into the energy sector and boost production.

Since 2013, Mexico’s economic growth has averaged 2% annually, falling short of private-sector expectations that President PEÑA NIETO’s sweeping reforms would bolster economic prospects.

Growth is predicted to remain below potential given falling oil production, weak oil prices, structural issues such as low productivity, high inequality, a large informal sector employing over half of the workforce, weak rule of law, and corruption.

Mexico’s economy remains vulnerable to uncertainty surrounding the future of NAFTA — because the United States is its top trading partner and the two countries share integrated supply chains — and to potential shifts in domestic policies following the inauguration of a new president in December 2018.

Industries

Food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$18,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.3%

9 facts — expand for details.

GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$2,306,320,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$18,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.3%

GDP - official exchange rate

$1,161,000,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 67.3% Government
• consumption: 12.1% Investment in fixed
• capital: 21.2% Investment in
• inventories: -0.7% Exports of goods and
• services: 38.4% Imports of goods and
• services: -38.3%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

3.5%

GDP by Sector- Industry

34.1%

GDP by Sector- services

62.4%

Industrial Growth Rate

3.6%

5 facts — expand for details.

Inflation Rate

3.6%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

19.63

Currency Name and Code

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Fiscal Year

Calendar Year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

4.7%

8 facts — expand for details.

Labor Force

50,700,000

Unemployment Rate

5%

Unemployment - note

Underemployment may be as high as 25%

Major Industries

Food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism

Agriculture Products

• Corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, beans, cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes
• beef, poultry, dairy products
• wood products

Population Below Poverty Line

51.3%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

1,105,617

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

5%

3 facts — expand for details.

Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

13.4%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

24.1%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

61.9%

4 facts — expand for details.

Annual Budget

$276,200,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

35.4%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2.5%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

21.9%

8 facts — expand for details.

Full Country Name

United Mexican States

Country Name

Mexico

Local - Long

Estados Unidos Mexicanos

Local - Short

México

Former Name

Mexican Republic, Mexican Empire

Etymology- history of name

named after the capital city, whose name stems from the Mexica, the largest and most powerful branch of the Aztecs; the meaning of the name is uncertain

Independence

16 September 1810 (declared independence from Spain); 27 September 1821 (recognized by Spain)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 16 September (1810)

10 facts — expand for details.

Government Type

federal presidential republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest approved 5 February 1917
• amendments: proposed by the Congress of the Union; passage requires approval by at least two thirds of the members present and approval by a majority of the state legislatures; amended many times, last in 2020

Legal System:

civil law system with US constitutional law influence; judicial review of legislative acts

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo (since 1 October 2024)
• head of government: President Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo (since 1 October 2024)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president election/appointment
• process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a single 6-year term most recent election
• date: 2 June 2024
• election results: 2024: Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo elected president; percent of vote - Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo (MORENA) 59.4%, Xóchitl GÁLVEZ Ruiz (PAN) 27.9%, Jorge Álvarez MÁYNEZ (MC) 10.4%, other 2.3% 2018: Andrés Manuel LÓPEZ OBRADOR elected president; percent of vote - Andrés Manuel LÓPEZ OBRADOR (MORENA) 53.2%, Ricardo ANAYA Cortés (PAN) 22.3%, José Antonio MEADE Kuribreña (PRI) 16.4%, Jaime RODRÍGUEZ Calderón (independent) 5.2%, other 2.9% 2012: Enrique PEÑA NIETO elected president; percent of vote - Enrique PEÑA NIETO (PRI) 38.2%, Andrés Manuel LÓPEZ OBRADOR (PRD) 31.6%, Josefina Eugenia VÁZQUEZ Mota (PAN) 25.4%, other 4.8% expected date of next
• election: 2030
• note: the president is both chief of state and head of government

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral National Congress or Congreso de la Unión consists of: Senate or Cámara de Senadores (128 seats; 96 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 32 directly elected in a single, nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 6-year terms) Chamber of Deputies or Cámara de Diputados (500 seats; 300 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 200 directly elected in a single, nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 3-year terms)
• elections:
• Senate - last held on 2 June 2024 (next to be held in 2030)
• Chamber of Deputies - last held on 2 June 2024 (next to be held in 2027)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA;
• note - awaiting official results from the 2 June 2024 election
• Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA;
• Note: awaiting official results from the 2 June 2024 election
• Note: as of the 2018 election, senators will be eligible for a second term and deputies up to 4 consecutive terms

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court justices nominated by the president of the republic and approved by two-thirds vote of the members present in the Senate; justices serve 15-year terms; Electoral Tribunal superior and regional court judges nominated by the Supreme Court and elected by two-thirds vote of members present in the Senate; superior court president elected from among its members to hold office for a 4-year term; other judges of the superior and regional courts serve staggered, 9-year terms
• subordinate courts: federal level includes circuit, collegiate, and unitary courts; state and district level courts
• note: in April 2021, the Mexican congress passed a judicial reform which changed 7 articles of the constitution and preceded a new Organic Law on the Judicial Branch of the Federation

Regions or States:

32 states (estados, singular - estado); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, Cuidad de Mexico, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatan, Zacatecas

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Citizen's Movement (Movimiento Ciudadano) or MC Institutional Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional) or PRI Labor Party (Partido del Trabajo) or PT Mexican Green Ecological Party (Partido Verde Ecologista de México) or PVEM Movement for National Regeneration (Movimiento Regeneración Nacional) or MORENA National Action Party (Partido Acción Nacional) or PAN Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolución Democrática) or PRD This Is For Mexico (Va Por México) (alliance that includes PAN, PRI, and PRD) Together We Make History (Juntos Hacemos Historia) (alliance that included MORENA, PT, PVEM) (dissolved 23 December 2020)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: yes citizenship by descent
• only: yes dual citizenship
• recognized: not specified residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

4 facts — expand for details.

Capital Name

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)

Capital - geographic coordinate

19 26 N, 99 08 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Mexico has four time zones

Daylight Savings Time

DST was permanently removed in October 2022

4 facts — expand for details.

International Organization Participation:

• APEC
• Australia Group
• BCIE
• BIS
• CABEI
• CAN (observer)
• Caricom (observer)
• CD
• CDB
• CE (observer)
• CELAC
• CSN (observer)
• EBRD
• FAO
• FATF
• G-3
• G-15
• G-20
• G-24
• G-5
• IADB
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• LAES
• LAIA
• MIGA
• NAFTA
• NAM (observer)
• NEA
• NSG
• OAS
• OECD
• OPANAL
• OPCW
• Pacific Alliance
• Paris Club (associate)
• PCA
• SICA (observer)
• UN
• UNASUR (observer)
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• Union Latina (observer)
• UNOOSA
• UNWTO
• UPU
• USMCA
• Wassenaar Arrangement
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Ken SALAZAR (since 14 September 2021)
• Embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Mexico, CDMX
• Mailing Address: 8700 Mexico City Place, Washington DC 20521-8700
• Telephone: (011) [52]-55-5080-2000
• FAX: (011) 52-55-5080-2005
• Email: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov
• Website: https://mx.usembassy.gov/
• Consulate(s) General: Ciudad Juárez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Mérida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Esteban MOCTEZUMA Barragán (since 20 April 2021)
• Chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
• Telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600
• FAX: [1] (202) 728-1698
• Email: mexembusa@sre.gob.mx
• Website: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/eua/index.php/en/
• Consulate(s) General: Atlanta (GA), Austin (TX), Boston (MA), Chicago (IL), Dallas (TX), Denver (GA), El Paso (TX), Houston (TX), Laredo (TX), Miami (FL), New York (NY), Nogales (AZ), Phoenix (AZ), Raleigh (NC), Sacramento (CA), San Antonio (TX), San Diego (CA), San Francisco (CA), San Jose (CA), San Juan (Puerto Rico) consulate(s): Albuquerque (NM), Boise (ID), Brownsville (TX), Calexico (CA), Del Rio (TX), Detroit (MI), Douglas (AZ), Eagle Pass (TX), Fresno (CA), Indianapolis (IN), Kansas City (MO), Las Vegas (NV), Little Rock (AR), Los Angeles (CA), McAllen (TX), Milwaukee (WI), New Orleans (LA), Omaha (NE), Orlando (FL), Oxnard (CA), Philadelphia (PA), Portland (OR), Presidio (TX), Salt Lake City (UT), San Bernardino (CA), Santa Ana (CA), Seattle (WA), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Yuma (AZ)

8 facts — expand for details.

Geographic Location

North America

Geographic Coordinates

23 00 N, 102 00 W

Total Area

758,445 Square Miles 1,964,375 Square Kilometers

Land Area

750,557 Square Miles 1,943,945 Square Kilometers

Water Area

7,888 Square Miles 20,430 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

2,705 Miles 4,353 Kilometers

Border Countries

Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, United States 3,141 km

Coastline

5,797 Miles 9,330 Kilometers

7 facts — expand for details.

Terrain

High, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert

Highest Point

5,700 Meters

Highest Point Location

Volcán Pico de Orizaba 5,700 m

Lowest Point

-10 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Laguna Salada -10 m

Natural Resources

Petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber

Irrigated Land

24,942 Square Miles 64,600 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Mexico has four time zones

Daylight saving time

DST was permanently removed in October 2022

5 facts — expand for details.

Climate

With a climate that varies from tropical to desert, the terrain ranges from high rugged mountains to low coastal plains and high plateaus to desert.

Mexican natural hazards include tsunamis on the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive earthquakes at the center and south, and hurricanes on the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean coasts.

Terrain

High, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert

Location

North America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the United States and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the United States

Total Area

758,445 Square Miles 1,964,375 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, United States 3,141 km

2 facts — expand for details.

Environment - Current Issues

• Scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities
• rural to urban migration
• natural freshwater resources scarce and polluted in the north, inaccessible and poor quality in the center and extreme southeast
• raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas
• deforestation
• widespread erosion
• desertification
• deteriorating agricultural lands
• serious air and water pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border
• land subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion Note: the government considers the lack of clean water and deforestation national security issues

Environment - International Agreements

Party To: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling Signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

4 facts — expand for details.

Exports

$370,900,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$379,400,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

Manufactured goods, oil and oil products, silver, fruits, vegetables, coffee, cotton

Major Imports

Metalworking machines, steel mill products, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment, car parts for assembly, repair parts for motor vehicles, aircraft, and aircraft parts

Top Export Partners

United States 78%

Top Import Partners

United States 49.7%, China 14.9%, Japan 4.7%

Export Partners

United States 78%

Import Partners

United States 49.7%, China 14.9%, Japan 4.7%

2 facts — expand for details.

Country Description

Mexico is a Spanish-speaking country about three times the size of Texas, consisting of 31 states and one federal district.

The capital is Mexico City.

Mexico has a rapidly developing economy, ranked by the World Bank as the thirteenth-largest in the world in terms of GDP.

The climate ranges from tropical to arid, and the terrain consists of coastal lowlands, central high plateaus, deserts, and mountains of up to 18,000 feet.

Many cities throughout Mexico are popular tourist destinations for U.S. citizens and in 2013 U.S. citizens continued to account for the largest foreign tourist population visiting Mexico.

Travelers should note that location-specific information contained below is not confined solely to those cities identified, but can reflect conditions throughout Mexico.

Although the majority of visitors to Mexico thoroughly enjoy their stay, a small number experience difficulties, and serious inconveniences.

Safety & Security

All travelers to Mexico should review the Department of State's Travel Warning for Mexico which provides updated and detailed information about security issues affecting the country on a state-by-state basis.

Millions of U.S. citizens visit Mexico safely each year.

However, crime and violence, much of it fueled by transnational criminal activity, affect many parts of the country, including both urban and rural areas.

Visitors should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times, particularly when visiting areas identified in the Travel Warning with special advisories.

In its efforts to combat violence, the Mexican government has deployed federal police and military troops to various parts of the country.

Government checkpoints, often staffed by military personnel, have been erected in many parts of the country, especially, but not exclusively near the border.

U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with personnel at government checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Demonstrations are common and occur in all parts of the country, both urban and rural.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

Demonstrators in Mexico may block traffic on roads, including major arteries, or take control of toll booths on highways.

U.S. citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any protests.

Travelers should avoid participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the authorities as the Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners; such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.

2 facts — expand for details.

Crime

• Merchandise: Counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available in Mexico. Their sale is largely controlled by organized crime. Purchase for personal use is not criminalized in Mexico; however, bringing these goods back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. Personal
• Property: Travelers should always leave valuables and irreplaceable items in a safe place, or avoid bringing them at all. Visitors are encouraged to make use of hotel safes, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, clothing, or accessories, and carry only the cash or credit cards that will be needed on each outing. There have been significant numbers of incidents of pickpocketing, purse snatching, and hotel-room theft. Public transportation is a particularly popular place for pickpockets. Do not leave valuables in rental vehicles, even when locked. Some travelers have had their passports stolen from their bags at airports. Remember to secure your passport within a zipper pocket or other safe enclosure so that it cannot be easily removed from your person or your luggage. Be vigilant of your passport even after passing through security and while waiting in a departure lounge to board your flight. Business travelers should be aware that theft can occur even in apparently secure locations. Theft of items such as briefcases and laptops occurs frequently at Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport and at business-class hotels. Passengers arriving at Mexican airports who need to obtain pesos should use the exchange counters or ATMs in the arrival/departure gate area, where access is restricted, rather than changing money after passing through Customs, where they can be observed by criminals. A number of U.S. citizens have been arrested for passing on the counterfeit currency they had earlier received in change. If you receive what you believe to be a counterfeit banknote, bring it to the attention of Mexican law enforcement. Personal
• Safety: Visitors should be aware of their surroundings at all times, even when in areas generally considered safe. Women trave

Criminal Penalties

• Crimes: Sexual exploitation of children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. Soliciting the sexual services of a minor is illegal in Mexico, and is punishable by imprisonment. The Mexican government has announced an aggressive program to discourage sexual tourism. Police authorities in the state of Baja California recently began enforcement of anti-pedophile legislation. Firearms
• Penalties: Illegal firearms trafficking from the United States into Mexico is a major problem and the Mexican government has strict laws prohibiting the importation of weapons. The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against taking any firearm or ammunition into Mexico. Entering Mexico with a firearm, certain types of knives, or even a single round of ammunition is illegal, even if the weapon or ammunition is taken into Mexico unintentionally. The Mexican government strictly enforces laws restricting the entry of firearms and ammunition along all land borders and at airports and seaports and routinely x-rays all incoming luggage. U.S. citizens entering Mexico with a weapon or any amount of ammunition at all, even accidentally, generally are detained for at least a few days which can result in arrests, convictions, and long prison sentences. Travelers are strongly advised to thoroughly inspect all belongings prior to travel to Mexico to avoid the accidental import of ammunition or firearms. For more information visit the websites of the Mexican Secretary of Defense and Mexican Customs. The process for temporarily importing a hunting weapon or ammunition into Mexico is complicated and, if handled incorrectly can result in imprisonment and confiscation of the weapon and any ammunition. The U.S.

2 facts — expand for details.

Medical Facilities

• Mexico: When a United States citizen dies in Mexico, it is critical that the next of kin act promptly to contract with a Mexican funeral home to help carry out funeral arrangements, including the return of the deceased's remains to the U.S., if desired. The next of kin must also provide documents establishing the identity of both the next of kin and the decedent. Common documents used for this purpose are passports, and government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, birth certificates, and marriage certificates. The next of kin is responsible for all costs associated with the funeral home, and/or shipment of remains or personal effects. The Embassy or Consulate in the district where the U.S. citizen died can provide a list of funeral homes and location-specific requirements in the Consular District. Although Embassy staff members may not make funeral and other arrangements, staff can help locate and notify the next of kin of their loved one's passing, inform families about the Mexican legal requirements for claiming a loved one's remains, and assist in shipping personal effects to the United States. The U.S. Embassy and its Consulates also prepare a Consular Report of Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad, based on the local Mexican death certificate. The Consular Report of Death Abroad may be used in most legal proceedings in the United States as proof of death overseas. To prepare this document, Embassy staff will need original evidence of U.S. citizenship of the decedent and the original Mexican death certificate. Water
• Quality: In many areas in Mexico, tap water is unsafe and should be avoided. Bottled water and beverages are safe, although, visitors should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Ice may also come from tap water and should be avoided. Visitors should e

Traffic Safety

• Regulations: U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexican law requires that only owners drive their vehicles, or that the owner is inside the vehicle. If not, the vehicle may be seized by Mexican customs and will not be returned under any circumstances. The Government of Mexico strictly regulates the entry of vehicles into Mexico. Traffic laws in Mexico are sporadically enforced and therefore often ignored by drivers, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in all parts of Mexico. Using a mobile device (such as a cell phone) is also prohibited while driving in many parts of Mexico, including Mexico City, and violators may be fined.
• Insurance: Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles. Mexican auto insurance is sold in most cities and towns on both sides of the border. U.S. automobile liability insurance is not valid in Mexico, nor is most collision and comprehensive coverage issued by U.S. companies. Motor vehicle insurance is considered invalid in Mexico if the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Road Emergencies and Automobile
• Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for U.S. citizens in Mexico. Motorists should exercise caution and remain alert on all Mexican roads. If you have an emergency while driving, the equivalent of "911" in Mexico is "066", but this number is not always answered. If you are driving on a toll highway (or "cuota"), or any other major highway, you may contact the Green Angels (Angeles Verdes), a fleet of trucks with bilingual crews. The Green Angels may be reached directly at (01) (55) 5250-8221. If you are unable to call them, pull off to the side of the road and lift the hood of your car; chances are that they will find you. If you are involved in an automobile accident, you may be taken into police custody until it can be determined who is liable and whether you have the ability to pay any penalty. If you do not have Mexican liability insurance, you may be prevented from departing the country even if you require life-saving medical care, and you are almost certain to spend some time in jail until all parties are satisfied that responsibility has been assigned and adequate financial satisfaction received. Drivers may face criminal charges if injuries or damages are serious. Road
• Safety: Avoid driving on Mexican highways at night. Even multi-lane expressways in Mexico often have narrow lanes and steep shoulders. Single-vehicle rollover accidents involvin

8 facts — expand for details.

Airports - total

1,714

Airports with Paved Runways

243

Heliports

1

Railways

10,666 Miles 17,166 Kilometers

Roadways- total

234,667 Miles 377,660 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

85,466 Miles 137,544 Kilometers

Waterways

1,802 Miles 2,900 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Salina Cruz, Veracruz Oil Terminals: Cayo Arcas terminal, Dos Bocas terminal

6 facts — expand for details.

Pipelines: Gas

11,231 Miles 18,074 Kilometers

Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

1,306 Miles 2,102 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

5,453 Miles 8,775 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil/Gas/Water

229 Miles 369 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

4,701 Miles 7,565 Kilometers

Pipelines: Water

76 Miles 123 Kilometers

7 facts — expand for details.

Telephones

19,684,000

Cell Phones

94,565,000

Internet Users

31,020,000

Internet Country Code

.mx

Internet Hosts

16,233,000

Broadcast Media

Many TV stations and more than 1,400 radio stations with most privately owned; the Televisa group once had a virtual monopoly in TV broadcasting, but new broadcasting groups and foreign satellite and cable operators are now available

Telephone System

• Assessment: adequate telephone service for business and government; improving quality and increasing mobile cellular availability, with mobile subscribers far outnumbering fixed-line subscribers; domestic satellite system with 120 earth stations; extensive microwave radio relay network; considerable use of fiber-optic cables and coaxial cables
• Domestic: despite the opening to competition in January 1997, Telmex remains dominant; Fixed-line teledensity is less than 20 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity is about 80 per 100 persons
• International: country code - 52; Columbus-2 fiber-optic submarine cable with access to the US, Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Spain, and Italy; the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the MAYA-1 submarine cable system together provide access to Central America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 120 (32 Intelsat, 2 Solidaridad (giving Mexico improved access to South America, Central America, and much of the US as well as enhancing domestic communications), 1 PanAmSat, numerous Inmarsat mobile earth stations); linked to Central American Microwave System of trunk connections

13 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

203,800,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,320,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

624,500,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

254,400,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

59,150,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

11,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

17,240,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

53,960,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

487,700,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

2,133,000

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

146,000

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

2,934,000

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

10,260,000,000

2 facts — expand for details.

Anthem Lyrics

HIMNO NACIONAL MEXICANO Letra (Lyrics): Francisco González Bocanegra Música (Music): Jaime Nunó CORO Mexicanos, al grito de guerra el acero aprestad y el bridón.

Y retiemble en sus centros la Tierra, al sonoro rugir del cañón.

Ciña ¡Oh Patria! tus sienes de oliva de la paz el arcángel divino, que en el cielo tu eterno destino por el dedo de Dios se escribió.

Mas si osare un extraño enemigo profanar con su planta tu suelo, piensa ¡oh Patria querida! que el cielo un soldado en cada hijo te dio.

CORO II ¡Guerra, guerra sin tregua al que intente de la patria manchar los blasones! ¡guerra, guerra! los patrios pendones en las olas de sangre empapad. ¡Guerra, guerra! en el monte, en el valle, los cañones horrísonos truenen, y los ecos sonoros resuenen con las voces de ¡Unión! ¡Libertad!.

CORO III Antes, Patria, que inermes tus hijos bajo el yugo su cuello dobleguen, tus campiñas con sangre se rieguen, sobre sangre se estampe su pie.

Y tus templos, palacios y torres se derrumben con hórrido estruendo, y sus ruinas existan diciendo: de mil héroes la patria aquí fue.

CORO IV ¡Patria! ¡Patria! tus hijos te juran Exhalar en tus aras su aliento, Si el clarín con su bélico acento los convoca a lidiar con valor. ¡Para ti las guirnaldas de oliva! ¡Un recuerdo para ellos de gloria! ¡Un laurel para ti de victoria! ¡Un sepulcro para ellos de honor!

Anthem Lyrics English

CHORUS Mexicans, at the cry of battle lend your swords and horse; and let the earth tremble at its center upon the roar of the cannon.

Your forehead shall be girded, oh fatherland, with olive garlands by the divine archangel of peace, For in heaven your eternal destiny has been written by the hand of God.

But should a foreign enemy Profane your land with his sole, Think, beloved fatherland, that heaven gave you a soldier in each son.

CHORUS II War, war without truce against who would attempt to blemish the honor of the fatherland!

War, war!

The patriotic banners saturate in waves of blood.

War, war!

On the mount, in the vale The terrifying cannon thunder and the echoes nobly resound to the cries of union! liberty!

CHORUS III Fatherland, before your children become unarmed Beneath the yoke their necks in sway, May your countryside be watered with blood, On blood their feet trample.

And may your temples, palaces and towers crumble in horrid crash, and their ruins exist saying: The fatherland was made of one thousand heroes here.

CHORUS IV Fatherland, fatherland, your children swear to exhale their breath in your cause, If the bugle in its belligerent tone should call upon them to struggle with bravery.

For you the olive garlands!

For them a memory of glory!

For you a laurel of victory!

For them a tomb of honor!