FACTS

Location: Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the US and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the US

Area (only Total) total: 1,972,550 sq km

Climate: varies from tropical to desert

Terrain: high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert

Population: 109,955,400

Main Language (only first): Spanish

Government type: federal republic

Capital (Name): Mexico (Distrito Federal)

Capital (Time Difference): UTC-6

Independence: 16 September 1810

National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1810)

HOLIDAYS

March 21 - 24 Good Friday to Easter Monday

May 1 Labour Day

May 5 Battle of Puebla

September 1 President's address/Bank Holiday

September 16 Independence Day*

October 12 Dia de la Raza/Columbus Day - most places close

November 2 Dia de los Muertos. Most places close

November 20 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution

December 12 Virgin of Guadalupe, Government and banks only

December 25 Christmas Day

*Independence was declared at Midnight so 15 and 16 September both count as part of the "Noche del Grito" or Shout of Freedom. Only the 16th is a holiday, however.

1Most businesses close though these are not official holidays. They are official for government and banks.