10 Things You May Not Know About Mexico

The majority of people don't know very much about Mexico. When asked about Mexico, they think of beaches or resorts. After all, that's the only reason you would come here, right? Or, they think of murders and drug kingpins because that's all you hear about on the news. Well there is much more to Mexico...

1. Mexico has the 5th largest number of Unesco World Heritage sites in the world.

There are 31 registered Unesco sites in Mexico.

One of our favorites is the ancient city of Palenque.

We have visited 16 of the 31 Mexican Unesco sites so far. Lots more to see!

2. Outside of the United States, there are more American citizens living in Mexico than anywhere else in the world.

Mexico has a population of about 115 million people, and over 1 million of them are citizens of the United States of America.

3. Mexicans drink more Coca-Cola than anywhere else in the world.

The average Mexican drinks 675 eight ounce bottles per year (From Coca-Cola's 2010 annual report). That's more than two per day! Perhaps that's because Mexican Coca-Cola is still made from the original recipe and sweetened with sugar, while the American version is made with high fructose corn syrup. By the way, apparently you can buy Mexican Coca-Cola at Kroger stores in the United States.

4. Mexico's economy is booming.

The Mexican stock exchange is setting record after record. The last ten years have been among the best in the world. Investment is booming and there's a large, growing middle class. Mexico has signed 44 world trade agreements, more than any other country in the world. Mexico has more engineering students enrolled in University than any other country south of the U.S. border.

The last ten years on the Mexican stock exchange.

5. Mexico is divided into states...just like the United States of America.

There are 31 states and one "federal district" around Mexico City.

There are only four of the Mexican states that we have not visited yet! The Mexican states are very diverse and the Mexican people are proud of their different states. 

6. Mexico has the largest number of different reptiles in the world.

Snakes, crocodiles, iguanas...there are over 800 different species of reptiles in Mexico!

We saw this big fellow during a boat trip in the Sumidero Canyon!

7. No presents at Christmas.

Most Mexican children do not receive any presents at Christmas. The gift giving usually takes place on January 6th, which is Three Kings Day.

8. Mexico has very diverse weather.

Yes, there is snow in Mexico! Some at the top of volcanoes, (as well as glaciers!) but other times areas of the inland get snow. 

9. Mexico has two of the three largest pyramids in the world.

Do you think of Egypt when somebody mentions pyramids? Mexico has many pyramids as well!

Here's Kevin at the Piramide de la Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) at Teotihuacan near Mexico City.

10. Mexicans love soap operas!

Here, they are called "telenovelas". Direct translation might be "televised novels". Unlike American soap operas that never end, Mexican soap operas are in series form with anywhere from 50 to 100 episodes. They have a beginning and an ending. They are very popular here in Mexico!

We hope you've learned something new today! What is it that you didn't know about Mexico?