Mexico

Brief general information

The capital and largest cities are Mexico City (8489 thousand people), with suburbs of about 20 million people. The main regional urban and industrial centers are Guadalajara in the west, with a population of 1,650,000; Monterrey in the north, with a population of 1068 thousand and in the urban agglomeration of 2.7 million people; and Puebla, southeast of the capital, with a population of 1017 thousand in the city and 1054 thousand in the urban agglomeration.

The population is 92 million people. Mestizos (descendants from Spanish-Indian marriages) — 60%, Indians — 30%, immigrants from other countries — 10%.

The official language of the country is Spanish. In some areas there are more than 50 Indian dialects. In tourist areas, many people speak English.

The dominant religion is Catholicism.

National features

Local residents are distinguished by a cheerful and kind disposition, sociability, but at the same time they are quite touchy. They love holidays and arrange them for any occasion. Families usually have many children. Children are pampered. Mothers are treated with great respect in Mexico.

The local population is not distinguished by punctuality. Mexicans love to talk and gossip.

The power of the church is strong in the country.

Tourists need to be wary of pickpockets in crowded places. Traveling by car, bus and train is recommended only during the day, provincial areas should be avoided. In tourist centers and resorts you can feel safe, there is a tourist police.

The shops

Shops of the country are open from 10:00 to 20:00. But almost all of them close for a siesta from 13:00 to 16:00.

The most successful purchases in Mexico are self-woven fabrics, earthenware, baskets and hammocks. Handicrafts and local clothing are also quite generously presented. There are a lot of things in the country that are somehow connected with frogs. It can be high-quality silverware and figurines in various colorful costumes. Figurines of animals made of wood, which are hand-painted, are very popular with tourists. In Mexico they are called alebrijes. All these figurines most often reflect the ancient myths of Mexico. In addition to figurines, items made of onyx, copper, straw and leather are also very popular. High grade silver must be 925.

In large cities, it is worth visiting shopping centers. In them you can buy clothes of all famous brands at quite reasonable prices.

Money

The national currency is the Mexican peso, the change is the centavo, in 1 peso there are 100 centavos. Shops and restaurants usually accept cash in US dollars. If desired, they can be exchanged at any bank or hotel. The approximate rate is: 1 US dollar = 9 pesos.