Our neighbor to the south has many mountainous regions as well as rainforests. Most Mexicans live in the Central Plateau, where the capital city of Mexico City is located. The Yucatan Peninsula is covered with rain forests, receiving rain year-round.

The first people to settle Mexico were from different Indian groups, including the Maya and the Aztec. In the 1520s, Spain had conquered all of Mexico, and Mexico became a Spanish colony. During Spain's rule, the Indians and mestizos were not treated well. In 1810, Miguel Hidalgo led the Indians and mestizos in a rebellion against the Spanish; the war lasted 11 years. Mexico won its freedom from Spain in 1821. In the years ahead, there were many revolutions and civil wars in Mexico, and it lost half of its territories to the United States in the Mexican War. Finally, in 1917 Mexico became a federal republic and had a new constitution.

Mexico is made up of both native and Spanish cultures. Spanish is the national language, but there are more than 15 Indian languages that are spoken. It exports most of its manufactured goods and products to the United States. Its ancient cities, beaches, and resorts make it a popular place for tourists.