Without Mexico, the world would be a lot more black and white. Guillermo González Camarena invented the color TV. The fun fact is that he was only 17 and did it during World War II!
Did you think Mexico was part of South or Central America? A lot of people do. But Mexico is actually part of North America, along with the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean islands.
The 34th President of Mexico resigned after just one hour on the job
Each year, residents of Naco, Mexico, join those of Naco, Arizona, for a volleyball match over the fence separating the two countries.
We can thank Mexico for the invention of chewing gum. The Mayans, who extracted the sap that was originally used to make chewing gum (‘chicle’) from trees, but later, the Aztecs found a more practical use for it – they used the sticky substance to hold things together: a type of ancient Blu-Tack, if you will.
The largest wildcat in North America is the jaguar, which can be found in Mexico’s southern jungles. They can also be seen hopping around Mayan ruins. Be careful if you ever go visit!
Fast Facts
Capital: MEXICO CITY
Population: ~130 million
Size: 756,000 sq. miles
Form of Government: Federal Republic
Language: Spanish + others
Currency: MEXICAN PESOS
100 USD = MXN
Climate:Tropical
Average Winter: 68F-74F
Average Summer: 80F – 85F
NOW in BERLIN: ºF
Photos
Chichén Itzá
This special spot dates back to the Mayan Empire. “Chichen Itza” means “the mouth at the well of water magicians” in the native Mayan language. Today, it is an expansive grouping of Mayan ruins on the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s so incredible that it’s called one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s no surprise that more than 3 million people visit every year.
Grutas Tolantogo
Located just 5 hours north of Mexico City, Grutas Tolantongo is one of the most incredible and hidden gems of Mexico. The area features hot spring pools between beautiful trees, a turquoise river and multiple beautiful caves.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is home to 18 indigenous groups, making it the most diverse state in Mexico. Many tourists visit to see the ancient ruins, which are one of the only in the country that were not destroyed by Spaniards, and to savor delicious foods like chapulines, quesillo, mezcal, and chocolate. Hearing the native languages and seeing the ancient traditions in action are what really set Oaxaca, also known as “The Land of the Seven Moles,” apart from any other place in Mexico.
Cenotes
A cenote is a deep natural well or sinkhole, formed by the collapse of surface limestone that exposes ground water underneath. Mexico’s Yucatan area has over 6000 cenotes that tourists love to visit and take pictures of.
Tulum
Tulum is a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It’s known for its beaches and well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city. The main building is a large stone structure called El Castillo (which literally translates into castle), positioned on a rocky cliff above the white sand beach and turquoise sea.
Mexico City
Mexico’s capital city is built on the site of the former Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Mexico City is Mexico's largest city and the most populous metropolitan are in the Americas. Mexico City is built on a lake called Texcoco. The city is constantly sinking and has sunk more than nine meters in some areas over the last 100 years. Mexico City has had many nicknames in the past including “City of the Palaces”, “City of Hope” and “Capital in Movement”.
Chichén Itzá
This special spot dates back to the Mayan Empire. “Chichen Itza” means “the mouth at the well of water magicians” in the native Mayan language. Today, it is an expansive grouping of Mayan ruins on the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s so incredible that it’s called one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s no surprise that more than 3 million people visit every year.
Grutas Tolantogo
Located just 5 hours north of Mexico City, Grutas Tolantongo is one of the most incredible and hidden gems of Mexico. The area features hot spring pools between beautiful trees, a turquoise river and multiple beautiful caves.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is home to 18 indigenous groups, making it the most diverse state in Mexico. Many tourists visit to see the ancient ruins, which are one of the only in the country that were not destroyed by Spaniards, and to savor delicious foods like chapulines, quesillo, mezcal, and chocolate. Hearing the native languages and seeing the ancient traditions in action are what really set Oaxaca, also known as “The Land of the Seven Moles,” apart from any other place in Mexico.
Cenotes
A cenote is a deep natural well or sinkhole, formed by the collapse of surface limestone that exposes ground water underneath. Mexico’s Yucatan area has over 6000 cenotes that tourists love to visit and take pictures of.
Tulum
Tulum is a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It’s known for its beaches and well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city. The main building is a large stone structure called El Castillo (which literally translates into castle), positioned on a rocky cliff above the white sand beach and turquoise sea.
Mexico City
Mexico’s capital city is built on the site of the former Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Mexico City is Mexico's largest city and the most populous metropolitan are in the Americas. Mexico City is built on a lake called Texcoco. The city is constantly sinking and has sunk more than nine meters in some areas over the last 100 years. Mexico City has had many nicknames in the past including “City of the Palaces”, “City of Hope” and “Capital in Movement”.
Popular Dishes
Tamales
Tamales are a traditional Mexican staple that is made of corn dough called masa. This steamed masa is filled with a variety of ingredients such as meats like chicken or pork or simply vegetables.. Following the filling process, tamales are then wrapped inside of a dried corn husk and steamed to perfection.
Aroz con Leche (Rice pudding)
Arroz Con Leche means literally "rice with milk." This dish is actually more than rice and milk, it's a pudding involving those two ingredients as its key components. Arroz con Leche is an extremely easy dessert to make and can be made at home with little effort. It is great as a desert or snack between meals
Tacos
Tacos are a popular Mexican food all around the world. Tacos are essentially tortillas filled with cheeses, sauces, and fillings such as meats or beans or even vegetables. The classic Mexican street vendor taco differs greatly from what you are used to: no fancy condiments like guacamole and no lettuce or cheese.
Mexican Flan
Flan, a creamy custard desert topped with caramel sauce, dates back to the Roman empire and was often made to use up extra milk and eggs. It became popular all over Europe and it is said that the Spaniards introduced the dish to Mexico. Now it is one of the most loved deserts in Mexico
Enchiladas
An enchilada is a large tortilla that is stuffed with vegetables, beans and meat, usually chicken, pork or beef. This roll is then placed in a baking pan and covered with a special sauce and cheese then baked and served with sour cream and guacamole.
Churros
While Churros are one of the most popular deserts in Mexico, it is believed that their origin is Spain or Portugal. Churro is a fried Mexican pastry dough that is dipped in cinnamon and sugar and sometimes served with dipping sauces like chocolate or raspberry sauce.
Mexico Booklet: Dive into the ancient
history and modern culture of Mexico.
You won’t want to miss the fun facts
about this country!
Recipe Cards: Ask an adult to help you
make delicious enfrijoladas and flan.
Table Talk Cards: Ask your family and
friends to answer these questions.
You’re sure to have some interesting
discussions!
Mexico Sticker: Add your
Mexico passport sticker to your World
Explorers passport and fill in your
answers so you always remember your
journey. Don’t forget to scratch off
Mexico on your map!
3D Puzzle of Chichen Itza: Recreate the ancient Mayan pyramids with
your very own three-dimensional puzzle.
Knot-a-Quilt Activity: Learn how to
create your very own cozy quilt.
Mexican Flag: A miniature Mexican flag to add to your flag collection.
Mexican Pesos: Do you know what a
Mexican peso is? We have a replica of
the Mexican currency included for you.