Mexico covers almost two million square kilometres making it the fifth largest country in the Americas by total area and the thirteenth largest independent nation in the world. From its farthest land points, Mexico is a little over 3,219 km in length. With an estimated population of over 112 million, it is the most populous Spanish-speaking country. In Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica many cultures matured into advanced civilizations such as the Olmec, the Toltec, the Teotihuacan, the Zapotec, the Maya and the Aztec before the first contact with Europeans, when in 1521, Spain conquered and colonized the territory. In 2010 Mexico celebrated the 200th anniversary of its independence. Modern day Mexico returns a close affinity with its prehispanic past.

The country is crossed from north to south by two mountain ranges known as Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental, which are the extension of the Rocky Mountains from northern North America. From east to west at the centre, the country is crossed by the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. A fourth mountain range, the Sierra Madre del Sur, runs from Michoacán to Oaxaca. As such, the majority of the Mexican central and northern territories are located at high altitudes, with the highest elevations are found within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Mexico is one of the 18 mega diverse countries of the world. With over 200,000 different species, Mexico is home of 10–12% of the world's biodiversity. Ethnically, the country is also diverse with many indigenous groups speaking 62 distinct languages.

Mexico has one of the world´s largest and fastest growing economies. It ranks fifth in the world and first in the Americas by number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with 31. It receives more tourists than any other country in Latin America. Mexican culture reflects the complexity of the country´s history through the blending of indigenous cultures and the culture of Spain, imparted during Spain´s 300-year colonization. Its cuisine is known for its intense and varied flavours, colourful decoration, and variety of spices. Most of today´s Mexican food is based on pre-Columbian traditions, including the Aztecs and Maya, combined with culinary trends introduced by Spanish colonists.