When most people hear the word Mexico, a few images instantly spring to mind: tacos, mariachi bands, sun-soaked beaches, and ancient pyramids. But the story of this colorful country stretches far beyond clichés. It’s a land steeped in rich history, vibrant traditions, and landscapes that range from lush jungles to arid deserts. If you’ve ever wondered, “Where is Mexico located?”, “What is the capital of Mexico?”, or “Why is Mexico called South America?”, this guide is for you.
We’re diving deep into the real, fascinating world of Mexico—its people, culture, and geography—with stories, surprising facts, and cultural gems you probably haven’t heard of yet. Let’s explore one of the world’s most captivating countries.
🌎 Where is Mexico Located?
First, let’s clear up a common misconception: What continent is Mexico in? Despite what some might think, Mexico is not in South America. It is firmly part of North America, sitting comfortably between the United States to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south. It has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, which gives it diverse marine life and stunning beach resorts.
The confusion often arises from Mexico’s close cultural and linguistic ties with South America. But geographically? North America, 100%.
If you’re pulling up Mexico on a map, look just below the United States—it’s the big wedge-shaped country stretching down into Central America. In Chinese, it’s called 墨西哥 (Mòxīgē)—a name as rhythmic as the culture it represents.
🏙️ What Is the Capital of Mexico?
The capital of Mexico is none other than Mexico City, or Ciudad de México in Spanish. Not only is it the largest city in Mexico, but it’s also one of the most important political, cultural, and financial centers in the entire Western Hemisphere.
Mexico City is built on the ruins of the ancient Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, which adds a magical historical depth to its bustling modernity. Imagine walking down a busy urban street, grabbing a fresh tamale from a vendor, and just around the corner lies an archaeological dig site revealing pre-Columbian temples. Only in Mexico!
👥 Mexico Population: How Many Mexicans Live There?
As of recent estimates, the Mexico population stands at over 129 million, making it the 11th most populous country in the world. Mexicans, as the people of the country are proudly called, are known for their warmth, resilience, and deep connection to their traditions.
The population is incredibly diverse—while the majority identify as Mestizo (a mix of Indigenous and European descent), Mexico is home to over 60 Indigenous groups, each with their own language, customs, and ancestral lands.
🇲🇽 Mexican Culture: A Tapestry of Tradition and Modernity
Mexican culture is a blend of Indigenous heritage, Spanish influence, and a modern twist that makes it truly unique. You’ll see this mix in everything—from the way families celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to how grandmothers pass down recipes like mole poblano or tamales wrapped in banana leaves.
A quick dive into Mexican culture wouldn’t be complete without mentioning:
- Music: From rancheras and corridos to global pop stars like Luis Miguel or Peso Pluma, music is life for many Mexicans.
- Festivals: Besides the famous Day of the Dead, Mexico hosts hundreds of regional festivals celebrating saints, harvests, and even radishes (yes, there’s a “Night of the Radishes” festival in Oaxaca).
- Art & Literature: Think Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and contemporary writers like Juan Rulfo.
The Mexican local definition of community often revolves around family, neighborhood, and shared tradition. Whether you’re in a big city or a small village, hospitality is a given. Visitors often marvel at how total strangers invite them in for dinner like they’re family.
🌮 Interesting Facts About Mexico (You’ll Want to Share These!)
Let’s spice things up with some fun facts about Mexico that are sure to surprise you:
1. Chocolate Comes from Mexico
That’s right! The Aztecs and Mayans were among the first to cultivate cacao. They drank it as a bitter, spiced beverage—not the sweetened version we know today.
2. It Has the World’s Smallest Volcano
Cue tiny trumpet sounds. The Cuexcomate volcano in Puebla stands just 43 feet tall. Locals jokingly call it a “volcano you can walk up in flip-flops.”
3. Mexico Has 68 National Languages
Spanish might be the dominant language, but Mexico recognizes 68 national languages, including Nahuatl, Maya, and Mixtec.
4. The First Color TV Was Invented by a Mexican
Yep, Guillermo González Camarena, a Mexican engineer, invented an early color television system in the 1940s.
5. Tacos Are UNESCO-Recognized (Sort Of)
Okay, not tacos specifically—but traditional Mexican cuisine is listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. That includes tacos, tamales, salsas, and more.
These are just a few of the interesting facts about Mexico that prove it’s way more than tequila and tourist resorts.
🧭 Why Is Mexico Called South America Sometimes?
This is a geography mix-up more common than you’d expect. Some people ask, “Why is Mexico called South America?”—and the answer is, well, it’s not. It’s in North America, as we clarified earlier.
The mistake often comes from the cultural overlap. Spanish-speaking countries from Mexico all the way down to Argentina are often lumped together as “Latin America.” But Latin America is a cultural and linguistic region—not a continent.
So, next time someone asks if Mexico is in South America, you can gently correct them and drop a few geography facts while you’re at it.
🗺️ Seeing Mexico on the Map: More Than Just a Border
When you look at Mexico on a map, you’ll notice how it’s uniquely positioned to connect two great worlds: the industrial powerhouses of the north and the lush biodiversity of the south.
Its geographical diversity includes:
- The Yucatán Peninsula with its underground rivers and cenotes
- The Baja California Peninsula flanked by deserts and surf-worthy beaches
- The Sierra Madre Mountains that cut through the country like a backbone
- And don’t forget about Mexico City, nestled in a high-altitude valley once covered by Lake Texcoco.
🎉 The Soul of Mexico: People, Passion, and Pride
To truly understand who is William Shakespeare, you’d have to read his plays. But to truly understand who Mexicans are, you’d have to live among them.
You’d attend a wedding that lasts three days. You’d taste tortillas made fresh at dawn. You’d learn to dance to cumbia in the plaza under the stars. You’d see how Mexicans carry their past, present, and future with them—whether through art, family, or resilience.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Vacation Spot
So, what have we learned? Beyond the clichés, Mexico is a country of deep roots, vibrant people, and endless stories. It’s a place where tradition and modernity dance together, where the land itself tells ancient tales, and where every taco has a story.
Whether you’re exploring the capital of Mexico, looking up the Mexico population, or discovering lesser-known facts about Mexico, one thing’s for sure: you’ll always come away with more than you expected.
And hey—if you’re looking for more travel stories, cultural deep dives, and engaging reads, check out more on Riya’s Blogs. This is just one chapter of a much bigger adventure.
Want to read a bit more? Find some more of my writings here-
25 Jude Duarte Quotes That Slay with Strategy and Sass
Echoes in the Dark: A Poem About Missing Someone at Night
Dark Academia Books to Feed Your Moody Soul
I hope you liked the content.
To share your views, you can simply send me an email.
Thank you for being keen readers to a small-time writer.
