According to Calculatorinc, Mexico mainly attracts many tourists with its huge cultural and historical heritage. It was here that the disappeared Mayan and Aztec civilizations once lived. Mexico is a very contrasting country, not only in architecture, but also in its nature. Hot deserts give way to high volcanoes and snowy mountain peaks, and ancient settlements with their customs smoothly turn into huge cities with a modern structure. In addition to the opportunity to go on really interesting excursions, tourists can take part in trips through the caves, visit a desert island or take part in carnival dances. Diving enthusiasts will also find a sea of opportunities for themselves, as here they will have the opportunity to go scuba diving in the ocean near the coral reefs.
Geography of Mexico
Despite the fact that Mexico belongs to North America, it occupies a fairly large part of its central territory. The area of the country is 2 million km. sq., a relatively large part of it is occupied by the desert, and about 6 thousand km. sq. – this is the area of islands located in the Pacific Ocean, but related to the state. Mexico borders only three states: in the north – it is America, and in the south with two small countries – Guatemala and Belize.
Capital
mexico city
Area
The area of the country is 1,900,500 km. sq., occupies the 14th place in the world by area.
Population
11th place in the world, 113 million people.
Currency
The national currency is the peso (MXN).
Language
The official language is Spanish.
Visa to Mexico
From November 1, 2010, an electronic permit is introduced for Russian citizens, allowing them to obtain permission to travel to Mexico without obtaining a Mexican visa. This permit is free of charge and allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days for tourism, transit and some types of business travel. A permit can be obtained by a Russian citizen who has a valid passport. To do this, you need to fill out a form at http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Inicio_Autorizacion_Electronica/ru.html. You can apply for a visa at the Mexican Embassy, which is located in Moscow. The registration fee is $55.
Weather in Mexico
A subtropical climate prevails in the north of the country, and a tropical one in the south. On the Mexican coast, the temperature does not drop below 20 degrees, even in winter, but in the Mexican Highlands, the weather is usually cooler. In winter, the average temperature is +22 C, and in summer + 35C. In Mexico, there are two seasons – a dry season and a rainy season, which are formed due to tropical cyclones, which bring with them fairly heavy rainfall. The rainy season most often occurs in June-September, with the greatest impact on the country’s coasts. The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season, from October to May.
Currency exchange in Mexico
As of June 2011, the rate is 1 USD = 11.7 MXN. Currency in the country can be exchanged at any bank branch that operates on weekdays, from 9.00 to 17.00. In addition to banks, the exchange is carried out in hotels, airports, as well as special exchange offices. In some cases, there are problems with the exchange of shabby paper money and banknotes of the old series. Payment can be made immediately in US dollars, but in this case the exchange rate will not be the best.
Electricity
120V/60Hz (American type outlets).
Religion
Most of the country’s population are Catholic Christians (about 90%), and 3% identify themselves as Protestants.
Security
Until now, in Mexico, the crime rate remains at a fairly high level. First of all, these are pickpocketing and robbery. It is advisable to plan your trips so that you are not in transport or on the street at night. It is necessary to take a taxi only from the official stands of “sitios” otherwise there is a high chance of becoming a victim of a robbery. While at the airport, you need to hire a yellow taxi on the door, which has the symbols of the airport, and pay at special kiosks located in the lobby.
Health
In addition to standard vaccinations, before visiting Mexico, it is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis (A and B), as well as against rabies and typhoid. When visiting the country during the rainy season, malaria infection is possible, especially in the province of Oaxaca, as well as in the state of Chiapse, in other areas of the country the risk of contracting malaria is extremely low. It is advisable to observe the rule of hygiene, since throughout the country there is a possibility of intestinal infection. Almost all cities have medical institutions that can provide emergency medical care, not counting remote settlements.
