Mexico

At a Glance

Mexico is a country of extraordinary breadth, from the Aztec and Maya archaeological sites of the centre and south, to the canyons of the northwest, the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán, the food culture of Oaxaca, and one of the world's great megacities in Mexico City. The culture is a vibrant fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and contemporary influences, deeply expressive in its art, food, and festivals. Those who explore beyond the resort zones will find one of the richest travel destinations on earth.

• Has more Spanish speakers than Spain — the global centre of the language by population.
• Cacao and chocolate were invented here — Aztecs used cacao as currency.
• Mexico City is built on what was an island in a lake — Tenochtitlan's engineering is still visible underground.
• Día de Muertos is UNESCO-recognised — celebrates death in ways Western culture finds striking.