Mexico

Officially the United Mexican States. The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. Mexico is located in Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the U.S. and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the U.S.

Climate: varies from tropical to desert

Natural resources: petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber

Population: 101,879,171

Languages: Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages

Capital: Mexico City

Independence: September 16, 1810 (from Spain)

National holiday: Independence Day, September 16 (1810)