Mexico
North AmericaMX December 30, 2025
Background
Mexico was the site of several advanced Amerindian civilizations -- including the Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec -- until Spain conquered and colonized the area in the early 16th century. Administered as the Viceroyalty of New Spain for three centuries, it achieved independence early in the 19th century. Elections held in 2000 marked the first time since Mexican Revolution in 1910 that an opposition candidate -- Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) -- defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). He was succeeded in 2006 by another PAN candidate Felipe CALDERON, but Enrique PEÑA NIETO regained the presidency for the PRI in 2012. Left-leaning anti-establishment politician and former mayor of Mexico City (2000-05) Andrés Manuel LÓPEZ OBRADOR, from the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), became president in 2018.
The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, or T-MEC by its Spanish acronym) entered into force in 2020 and replaced its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Mexico amended its constitution in 2019 to facilitate the implementation of the labor components of USMCA.
Mexico is currently the US's second-largest goods trading partner, after Canada. Ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, high underemployment, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities, particularly for the largely indigenous population in the impoverished southern states. Since 2007, Mexico's powerful transnational criminal organizations have engaged in a struggle to control criminal markets, resulting in tens of thousands of drug-related homicides and forced disappearances.
Geographic coordinates
23 00 N, 102 00 W
Natural hazards
tsunamis along the Pacific coast; volcanoes and destructive earthquakes in the center and south; hurricanes on the Pacific, Gulf of America, and Caribbean coasts
Volcanism: Volcanic activity in the central-southern part of the country; the volcanoes in Baja California are mostly dormant; Colima (3,850 m) is Mexico's most active volcano and is responsible for periodic evacuations of nearby villagers; it has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Popocatepetl (5,426 m) poses a threat to Mexico City; other historically active volcanoes include Barcena, Ceboruco, El Chichon, Michoacan-Guanajuato, Pico de Orizaba, San Martin, Socorro, and Tacana; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
Volcanism: Volcanic activity in the central-southern part of the country; the volcanoes in Baja California are mostly dormant; Colima (3,850 m) is Mexico's most active volcano and is responsible for periodic evacuations of nearby villagers; it has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Popocatepetl (5,426 m) poses a threat to Mexico City; other historically active volcanoes include Barcena, Ceboruco, El Chichon, Michoacan-Guanajuato, Pico de Orizaba, San Martin, Socorro, and Tacana; see note 2 under "Geography - note"
Area - comparative
slightly less than three times the size of Texas
Environmental issues
scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities; natural freshwater resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast; urban river pollution from raw sewage and industrial effluents; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification; serious air and water pollution in urban areas; land subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion
Note: The government considers the lack of clean water and deforestation as national security issues
Note: The government considers the lack of clean water and deforestation as national security issues
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements
Climate
varies from tropical to desert
Coastline
9,330 km
Land boundaries
Total: 4,389 km
Border countries (3): Belize 276 km; Guatemala 958 km; US 3,155 km
Border countries (3): Belize 276 km; Guatemala 958 km; US 3,155 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 50.7% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 10.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 38.1% (2023 est.)
Forest: 34.2% (2023 est.)
Other: 15.1% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 10.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 38.1% (2023 est.)
Forest: 34.2% (2023 est.)
Other: 15.1% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Natural resources
petroleum, silver, antimony, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber
Geography - note
Note 1: Strategic location on southern border of the US; Mexico is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, which is a belt bordering the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of the world's earthquakes
Note 2: The Sac Actun cave system at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide, after Mammoth Cave in the United States (see "Geography - note" under United States)
Note 3: The prominent Yucatán Peninsula that divides the Gulf of America from the Caribbean Sea is shared by Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize; on the northern coast of Yucatan near the town of Chicxulub lie the remnants of a massive asteroid or comet crater about 150 km (93 mi) in diameter and extending into the Gulf of America; the impact is believed to have initiated a worldwide climate disruption that caused a mass extinction of 75% of the earth's plant and animal species, including the non-avian dinosaurs
Note 2: The Sac Actun cave system at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide, after Mammoth Cave in the United States (see "Geography - note" under United States)
Note 3: The prominent Yucatán Peninsula that divides the Gulf of America from the Caribbean Sea is shared by Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize; on the northern coast of Yucatan near the town of Chicxulub lie the remnants of a massive asteroid or comet crater about 150 km (93 mi) in diameter and extending into the Gulf of America; the impact is believed to have initiated a worldwide climate disruption that caused a mass extinction of 75% of the earth's plant and animal species, including the non-avian dinosaurs
Terrain
high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert
Location
North America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of America, between Belize and the United States and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the United States
Map references
North America
Irrigated land
59,910 sq km (2022)
Total renewable water resources
461.888 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
most of the population is found in the middle of the country between the states of Jalisco and Veracruz; approximately a quarter of the population lives in and around Mexico City
Elevation
Highest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,636 m
Lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m
Mean elevation: 1,111 m
Lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m
Mean elevation: 1,111 m
Major aquifers
Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains Aquifer
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Gulf of America) Rio Grande/Bravo (607,965 sq km)
Pacific Ocean drainage: (Gulf of California) Colorado (703,148 sq km)
Pacific Ocean drainage: (Gulf of California) Colorado (703,148 sq km)
Major lakes (area sq km)
Fresh water lake(s): Laguna de Chapala - 1,140 sq km
Salt water lake(s): Laguna de Terminos - 1,550 sq km
Salt water lake(s): Laguna de Terminos - 1,550 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Rio Grande river mouth (shared with US [s]) - 3,057 km; Colorado river mouth (shared with US [s]) - 2,333 km
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Area
Total : 1,964,375 sq km
Land: 1,943,945 sq km
Water: 20,430 sq km
Land: 1,943,945 sq km
Water: 20,430 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 23.3% (male 15,647,805/female 14,754,004)
15-64 years: 68.6% (male 43,651,105/female 45,983,174)
65 years and over: 8.2% (2024 est.) (male 4,600,228/female 6,103,611)
15-64 years: 68.6% (male 43,651,105/female 45,983,174)
65 years and over: 8.2% (2024 est.) (male 4,600,228/female 6,103,611)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Literacy
Total population: 95% (2020 est.)
Male: 96% (2020 est.)
Female: 94% (2020 est.)
Male: 96% (2020 est.)
Female: 94% (2020 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Mexican(s)
Adjective: Mexican
Adjective: Mexican
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 15 years (2022 est.)
Male: 14 years (2022 est.)
Female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Male: 14 years (2022 est.)
Female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 81.6% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
22.281 million MEXICO CITY (capital), 5.420 million Guadalajara, 5.117 million Monterrey, 3.345 million Puebla, 2.626 million Toluca de Lerdo, 2.260 million Tijuana (2023)
Physician density
2.59 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
1 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.3 years (2008 est.)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 45.9 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 33.9 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 11.9 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 8.4 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 33.9 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 11.9 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 8.4 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 98.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 1.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 98.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99.7% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 1.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0.3% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (Indigenous-Spanish) 62%, predominantly Indigenous 21%, Indigenous 7%, other 10% (mostly European) (2012 est.)
Note: Mexico does not collect census data on ethnicity
Note: Mexico does not collect census data on ethnicity
Languages
Spanish only 93.8%, Spanish and indigenous languages (including Mayan, Nahuatl, and others) 5.4%, indigenous only 0.6%, unspecified 0.2% (2020 est.)
Major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Health expenditure
6.1% of GDP (2021)
10.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
10.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 3.6% (2018)
Women married by age 18: 20.7% (2018)
Women married by age 18: 20.7% (2018)
Gross reproduction rate
0.88 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
53% (2023 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 5.5% (2024 est.)
Male: 5.2% (2024 est.)
Female: 6.1% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 5.2% (2024 est.)
Female: 6.1% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-0.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 30.8 years (2024 est.)
Male: 28.8 years
Female: 32.7 years
Male: 28.8 years
Female: 32.7 years
Maternal mortality ratio
42 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.79 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 130,739,927 (2024 est.)
Male: 63,899,138
Female: 66,840,789
Male: 63,899,138
Female: 66,840,789
Infant mortality rate
Total: 12.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 13.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 10.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 13.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 10.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 13.8% (2025 est.)
Male: 21.8% (2025 est.)
Female: 6.3% (2025 est.)
Male: 21.8% (2025 est.)
Female: 6.3% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
28.9% (2016)
Death rate
6.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
14.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
4.2% (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 4.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 74.6 years (2024 est.)
Male: 71.6 years
Female: 77.7 years
Male: 71.6 years
Female: 77.7 years
Education expenditure
4.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
14.2% national budget (2022 est.)
14.2% national budget (2022 est.)
Population growth rate
0.72% (2024 est.)
Religions
Catholic 77.7%, no religion 10.6%, other Evangelical Churches 7.5%, Jehovah Witness 1.2%; less than 1 percent: Pentecostal, Seventh Day Adventist, Historics, not specified, Latter Day Saints, other religions (2020 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 13.33 billion cubic meters (2022)
Industrial: 7.953 billion cubic meters (2022)
Agricultural: 68.523 billion cubic meters (2022)
Industrial: 7.953 billion cubic meters (2022)
Agricultural: 68.523 billion cubic meters (2022)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 53.1 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 9.6% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 9.6% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
17.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
441.049 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 32.087 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 228.279 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 180.684 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 32.087 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 228.279 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 180.684 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
57.539 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Ronald D. JOHNSON (since 19 May 2025)
Embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Mexico, CDMX
Mailing address: 8700 Mexico City Place, Washington DC 20521-8700
Telephone: (011) [52]-55-5080-2000
FAX: (011) 52-55-5080-2005
Email address and website:
ACSMexicoCity@state.gov
https://mx.usembassy.gov/
Consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juárez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Mérida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana
Embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Mexico, CDMX
Mailing address: 8700 Mexico City Place, Washington DC 20521-8700
Telephone: (011) [52]-55-5080-2000
FAX: (011) 52-55-5080-2005
Email address and website:
ACSMexicoCity@state.gov
https://mx.usembassy.gov/
Consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juárez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Mérida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana
Administrative divisions
32 states (estados, singular - estado); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, Cuidad de Mexico, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacán, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatan, Zacatecas
Capital
Name: Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico)
Geographic coordinates: 19 26 N, 99 08 W
Time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: DST was permanently removed in October 2022
Time zone note: Mexico has four time zones
Etymology: Name may derive from one of the Nahuatl (Aztec) names for the capital city, Metztlixihtlico, which probably meant "the center of the moon;" alternatively, it may come from Mexica, the original name of the Aztec people
Geographic coordinates: 19 26 N, 99 08 W
Time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: DST was permanently removed in October 2022
Time zone note: Mexico has four time zones
Etymology: Name may derive from one of the Nahuatl (Aztec) names for the capital city, Metztlixihtlico, which probably meant "the center of the moon;" alternatively, it may come from Mexica, the original name of the Aztec people
Constitution
History: Several previous; latest approved 5 February 1917
Amendment process: Proposed by the Congress of the Union; passage requires approval by at least two thirds of the members present and approval by a majority of the state legislatures
Amendment process: Proposed by the Congress of the Union; passage requires approval by at least two thirds of the members present and approval by a majority of the state legislatures
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo (since 1 October 2024)
Head of government: President Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo (since 1 October 2024)
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a single 6-year term
Most recent election date: 2 June 2024
Election results:
2024: Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo elected president; percent of vote - Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo (MORENA) 59.4%, Xóchitl GÁLVEZ Ruiz (PAN) 27.9%, Jorge Álvarez MÁYNEZ (MC) 10.4%, other 2.3%
2018: Andrés Manuel LÓPEZ OBRADOR elected president; percent of vote - Andrés Manuel LÓPEZ OBRADOR (MORENA) 53.2%, Ricardo ANAYA Cortés (PAN) 22.3%, José Antonio MEADE Kuribreña (PRI) 16.4%, Jaime RODRÍGUEZ Calderón (independent) 5.2%, other 2.9%
2012: Enrique PEÑA NIETO elected president; percent of vote - Enrique PEÑA NIETO (PRI) 38.2%, Andrés Manuel LÓPEZ OBRADOR (PRD) 31.6%, Josefina Eugenia VÁZQUEZ Mota (PAN) 25.4%, other 4.8%
Expected date of next election: 2030
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Head of government: President Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo (since 1 October 2024)
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a single 6-year term
Most recent election date: 2 June 2024
Election results:
2024: Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo elected president; percent of vote - Claudia SHEINBAUM Pardo (MORENA) 59.4%, Xóchitl GÁLVEZ Ruiz (PAN) 27.9%, Jorge Álvarez MÁYNEZ (MC) 10.4%, other 2.3%
2018: Andrés Manuel LÓPEZ OBRADOR elected president; percent of vote - Andrés Manuel LÓPEZ OBRADOR (MORENA) 53.2%, Ricardo ANAYA Cortés (PAN) 22.3%, José Antonio MEADE Kuribreña (PRI) 16.4%, Jaime RODRÍGUEZ Calderón (independent) 5.2%, other 2.9%
2012: Enrique PEÑA NIETO elected president; percent of vote - Enrique PEÑA NIETO (PRI) 38.2%, Andrés Manuel LÓPEZ OBRADOR (PRD) 31.6%, Josefina Eugenia VÁZQUEZ Mota (PAN) 25.4%, other 4.8%
Expected date of next election: 2030
Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Flag
Description: Three equal vertical bands of green (left side), white, and red; Mexico's coat of arms (an eagle with a snake in its beak, perched on a cactus) is centered in the white band
Meaning: Green stands for hope, joy, and love; white for peace and honesty; red for hardiness, bravery, strength, and valor
Meaning: Green stands for hope, joy, and love; white for peace and honesty; red for hardiness, bravery, strength, and valor
Independence
16 September 1810 (declared independence from Spain); 27 September 1821 (recognized by Spain)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice or Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación (consists of the chief justice and 11 justices and organized into civil, criminal, administrative, and labor panels) and the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (organized into the superior court, with 7 judges including the court president, and 5 regional courts, each with 3 judges)
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court justices nominated by the president of the republic and approved by two-thirds vote of the members present in the Senate; justices serve 15-year terms; Electoral Tribunal superior and regional court judges nominated by the Supreme Court and elected by two-thirds vote of members present in the Senate; superior court president elected from among its members to hold office for a 4-year term; other judges of the superior and regional courts serve staggered, 9-year terms
Subordinate courts: Federal level includes circuit, collegiate, and unitary courts; state and district level courts
Note: In April 2021, the Mexican congress passed a judicial reform which changed 7 articles of the constitution and preceded a new Organic Law on the Judicial Branch of the Federation
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court justices nominated by the president of the republic and approved by two-thirds vote of the members present in the Senate; justices serve 15-year terms; Electoral Tribunal superior and regional court judges nominated by the Supreme Court and elected by two-thirds vote of members present in the Senate; superior court president elected from among its members to hold office for a 4-year term; other judges of the superior and regional courts serve staggered, 9-year terms
Subordinate courts: Federal level includes circuit, collegiate, and unitary courts; state and district level courts
Note: In April 2021, the Mexican congress passed a judicial reform which changed 7 articles of the constitution and preceded a new Organic Law on the Judicial Branch of the Federation
Legal system
civil law system with US constitutional law influence; judicial review of legislative acts
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Congress of the Union (Congreso de la Unión)
Legislative structure: Bicameral
Note: As of the 2018 election, senators will be eligible for a second term and deputies up to 4 consecutive terms
Legislative structure: Bicameral
Note: As of the 2018 election, senators will be eligible for a second term and deputies up to 4 consecutive terms
International organization participation
ACS, APEC, Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CABEI, CAN (observer), Caricom (observer), CD, CDB, CE (observer), CELAC, CSN (observer), EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-3, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-5, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, MIGA, NAFTA, NAM (observer), NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina (observer), UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, USMCA, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 16 September (1810)
Political parties
Citizen's Movement (Movimiento Ciudadano) or MC
Institutional Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional) or PRI
Labor Party (Partido del Trabajo) or PT
Mexican Green Ecological Party (Partido Verde Ecologista de México) or PVEM
Movement for National Regeneration (Movimiento Regeneración Nacional) or MORENA
National Action Party (Partido Acción Nacional) or PAN
Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolución Democrática) or PRD
Institutional Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional) or PRI
Labor Party (Partido del Trabajo) or PT
Mexican Green Ecological Party (Partido Verde Ecologista de México) or PVEM
Movement for National Regeneration (Movimiento Regeneración Nacional) or MORENA
National Action Party (Partido Acción Nacional) or PAN
Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolución Democrática) or PRD
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Government type
federal presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: United Mexican States
Conventional short form: Mexico
Local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos
Local short form: Mexico
Former: Mexican Republic, Mexican Empire
Etymology: Name may derive from one of the Nahuatl (Aztec) names for the capital city, Metztlixihtlico, which probably meant "the center of the moon;" alternatively, it may come from Mexica, the original name of the Aztec people
Conventional short form: Mexico
Local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos
Local short form: Mexico
Former: Mexican Republic, Mexican Empire
Etymology: Name may derive from one of the Nahuatl (Aztec) names for the capital city, Metztlixihtlico, which probably meant "the center of the moon;" alternatively, it may come from Mexica, the original name of the Aztec people
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Esteban MOCTEZUMA Barragán (since 20 April 2021)
Chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600
FAX: [1] (202) 728-1698
Email address and website:
Mexembusa@sre.gob.mx
https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/eua/index.php/en/
Consulate(s) general: Atlanta (GA), Austin (TX), Boston (MA), Chicago (IL), Dallas (TX), Denver (GA), El Paso (TX), Houston (TX), Laredo (TX), Miami (FL), New York (NY), Nogales (AZ), Phoenix (AZ), Raleigh (NC), Sacramento (CA), San Antonio (TX), San Diego (CA), San Francisco (CA), San Jose (CA), San Juan (Puerto Rico)
Consulate(s): Albuquerque (NM), Boise (ID), Brownsville (TX), Calexico (CA), Del Rio (TX), Detroit (MI), Douglas (AZ), Eagle Pass (TX), Fresno (CA), Indianapolis (IN), Kansas City (MO), Las Vegas (NV), Little Rock (AR), Los Angeles (CA), McAllen (TX), Milwaukee (WI), New Orleans (LA), Oklahoma City (OK), Omaha (NE), Orlando (FL), Oxnard (CA), Philadelphia (PA), Portland (OR), Presidio (TX), Salt Lake City (UT), San Bernardino (CA), Santa Ana (CA), Seattle (WA), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Yuma (AZ)
Chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600
FAX: [1] (202) 728-1698
Email address and website:
Mexembusa@sre.gob.mx
https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/eua/index.php/en/
Consulate(s) general: Atlanta (GA), Austin (TX), Boston (MA), Chicago (IL), Dallas (TX), Denver (GA), El Paso (TX), Houston (TX), Laredo (TX), Miami (FL), New York (NY), Nogales (AZ), Phoenix (AZ), Raleigh (NC), Sacramento (CA), San Antonio (TX), San Diego (CA), San Francisco (CA), San Jose (CA), San Juan (Puerto Rico)
Consulate(s): Albuquerque (NM), Boise (ID), Brownsville (TX), Calexico (CA), Del Rio (TX), Detroit (MI), Douglas (AZ), Eagle Pass (TX), Fresno (CA), Indianapolis (IN), Kansas City (MO), Las Vegas (NV), Little Rock (AR), Los Angeles (CA), McAllen (TX), Milwaukee (WI), New Orleans (LA), Oklahoma City (OK), Omaha (NE), Orlando (FL), Oxnard (CA), Philadelphia (PA), Portland (OR), Presidio (TX), Salt Lake City (UT), San Bernardino (CA), Santa Ana (CA), Seattle (WA), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Yuma (AZ)
National anthem(s)
Title: "Himno Nacional Mexicano" (National Anthem of Mexico)
Lyrics/music: Francisco Gonzalez BOCANEGRA/Jaime Nuno ROCA
History: Adopted 1943
Lyrics/music: Francisco Gonzalez BOCANEGRA/Jaime Nuno ROCA
History: Adopted 1943
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
golden eagle, dahlia
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: Yes
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: Not specified
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: Not specified
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 36 (28 cultural, 6 natural, 2 mixed)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Mexico City (c); Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl (c); Teotihuacan (c); Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino (n); Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (n); Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley (m); Historic Puebla (c); El Tajin (c); Historic Tlacotalpan (c); Historic Oaxaca and Monte Albán (c); Palenque (c); Chichen-Itza (c); Uxmal (c); Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé) (c)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Mexico City (c); Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl (c); Teotihuacan (c); Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino (n); Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (n); Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley (m); Historic Puebla (c); El Tajin (c); Historic Tlacotalpan (c); Historic Oaxaca and Monte Albán (c); Palenque (c); Chichen-Itza (c); Uxmal (c); Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé) (c)
National color(s)
green, white, red
Population below poverty line
36.3% (2022 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.1% (2022 est.)
Highest 10%: 34.4% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 34.4% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
cars, vehicle parts/accessories, crude petroleum, trucks, computers (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
USA 76%, Canada 5%, China 2%, Germany 2%, Spain 1% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
sugarcane, maize, milk, oranges, sorghum, tomatoes, chicken, chillies/peppers, wheat, lemons/limes (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $342.571 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $417.843 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $417.843 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
vehicle parts/accessories, refined petroleum, integrated circuits, broadcasting equipment, cars (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Mexican pesos (MXN) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
18.305 (2024 est.)
17.759 (2023 est.)
20.127 (2022 est.)
20.272 (2021 est.)
21.486 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
18.305 (2024 est.)
17.759 (2023 est.)
20.127 (2022 est.)
20.272 (2021 est.)
21.486 (2020 est.)
Industries
food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism
Economic overview
Upper-middle-income economy; highly integrated with US via trade and nearshore manufacturing; weak domestic demand, fiscal consolidation, and trade uncertainty contributing to sluggish growth; low unemployment; challenges from income inequality, corruption, and cartel-based violence
GDP (official exchange rate)
$1.853 trillion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 70.3% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 11.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 24.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 36.8% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -37.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 11.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 24.2% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 36.8% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -37.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
USA 46%, China 20%, Germany 4%, Japan 3%, S. Korea 3% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 25.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 2.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 2.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
3.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
3.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
4.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
3.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
4.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
60.959 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$306.308 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$232.035 billion (2024 est.)
$214.317 billion (2023 est.)
$201.119 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$214.317 billion (2023 est.)
$201.119 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
45.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Unemployment rate
2.8% (2024 est.)
2.8% (2023 est.)
3.3% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
2.8% (2023 est.)
3.3% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
14.2% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.883 trillion (2024 est.)
$2.842 trillion (2023 est.)
$2.751 trillion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$2.842 trillion (2023 est.)
$2.751 trillion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
4.7% (2024 est.)
5.5% (2023 est.)
7.9% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
5.5% (2023 est.)
7.9% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$5.986 billion (2024 est.)
-$5.611 billion (2023 est.)
-$17.701 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$5.611 billion (2023 est.)
-$17.701 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$22,000 (2024 est.)
$21,900 (2023 est.)
$21,400 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$21,900 (2023 est.)
$21,400 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$697.067 billion (2024 est.)
$674.695 billion (2023 est.)
$672.914 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$674.695 billion (2023 est.)
$672.914 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$680.798 billion (2024 est.)
$649.729 billion (2023 est.)
$630.347 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$649.729 billion (2023 est.)
$630.347 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
1.5% (2024 est.)
3.3% (2023 est.)
3.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
3.3% (2023 est.)
3.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
0.2% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 3.8% (2024 est.)
Industry: 31.6% (2024 est.)
Services: 58.2% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 31.6% (2024 est.)
Services: 58.2% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Electrification - urban areas: 99.8%
Electrification - rural areas: 100%
Electrification - urban areas: 99.8%
Electrification - rural areas: 100%
Coal
Production: 6.296 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Consumption: 15.132 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 4,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 8.809 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 1.16 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Consumption: 15.132 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 4,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 8.809 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 1.16 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 79.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 4.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 5.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 5.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Geothermal: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 4.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 5.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 5.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Geothermal: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Production: 33.118 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Consumption: 97.118 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 27.92 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 64.289 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 180.322 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Consumption: 97.118 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 27.92 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 64.289 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 180.322 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 2.101 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 1.741 million bbl/day (2024 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 5.786 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 1.741 million bbl/day (2024 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 5.786 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 105.586 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 332.042 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 1.97 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 4.863 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 45.47 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 332.042 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 1.97 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 4.863 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 45.47 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 81% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.mx
Broadcast media
telecom reform in 2013 ended a quasi-monopoly; now 885 TV stations and 1,841 radio stations, most privately owned; foreign satellite and cable operators are available; completed transition to digital in 2016 (2022)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 140 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 100 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 100 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 26.6 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 25.637 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 20 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 20 (2023 est.)
Railways
Total: 23,389 km (2017)
Standard gauge: 23,389 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge (27 km electrified)
Standard gauge: 23,389 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge (27 km electrified)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
XA
Airports
1,580 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 674 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 4, general cargo 11, oil tanker 32, other 627
By type: Bulk carrier 4, general cargo 11, oil tanker 32, other 627
Heliports
488 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 years of age (16 with parental consent) for voluntary enlistment for men and women; 18 years of age for compulsory military service for men (selection for service determined by lottery); conscript service obligation is 12 months; those selected serve on Saturdays in a Batallón del Servicio Militar Nacional (National Military Service Battalion) composed entirely of 12-month Servicio Militar Nacional (SMN) conscripts; conscripts remain in reserve status until the age of 40; cadets enrolled in military schools from the age of 15 are considered members of the armed forces; National Guard: single men and women 18-30 years of age may volunteer (2024)
Note: As of 2023, women comprised about 10% of the active-duty Army, Air Force, and Navy, and about 14% of the National Guard
Note: As of 2023, women comprised about 10% of the active-duty Army, Air Force, and Navy, and about 14% of the National Guard
Military expenditures
0.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
the Mexican Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas de México) are divided between the Secretariat of National Defense and the Secretariat of the Navy:
Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaria de Defensa Nacional, SEDENA): Army (Ejercito), Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Mexicana, FAM), National Guard (Guardia Nacional); Secretariat of the Navy (Secretaria de Marina, SEMAR): Mexican Navy (Armada de Mexico (ARM), includes Naval Air Force (FAN), Mexican Naval Infantry Corps (Cuerpo de Infanteria de Marina, Mexmar or CIM))
Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection/SEDENA: National Guard (2025)
Note: The National Guard was formed in 2019 of personnel from the former Federal Police (disbanded in December 2019) and military police units of the Army and Navy
Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaria de Defensa Nacional, SEDENA): Army (Ejercito), Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Mexicana, FAM), National Guard (Guardia Nacional); Secretariat of the Navy (Secretaria de Marina, SEMAR): Mexican Navy (Armada de Mexico (ARM), includes Naval Air Force (FAN), Mexican Naval Infantry Corps (Cuerpo de Infanteria de Marina, Mexmar or CIM))
Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection/SEDENA: National Guard (2025)
Note: The National Guard was formed in 2019 of personnel from the former Federal Police (disbanded in December 2019) and military police units of the Army and Navy
Military - note
the Mexican military is responsible for defending the independence, integrity, and sovereignty of Mexico, as well as providing for internal security, disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and socio-economic development; internal security duties are a key focus, particularly combating narcotics trafficking and organized crime groups, as well as border control and immigration enforcement; the constitution was amended in 2019 to grant the president the authority to use the armed forces to protect internal and national security, and courts have upheld the legality of the armed forces’ role in law enforcement activities in support of civilian authorities through 2028; the military also provides security for strategic facilities, such as oil production infrastructure, and administers most of the country's land and sea ports and customs services, plus a state-owned development bank; in addition, President LÓPEZ OBRADOR placed the military in charge of a growing number of infrastructure projects, such as building and operating a new airport for Mexico City and sections of a train line in the country’s southeast (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
information varies; approximately 260,000 active-duty Armed Forces; approximately 110,000 National Guard personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Mexican military inventory includes a mix of domestically produced and imported armaments from a variety of mostly Western suppliers, particularly the US; Mexico's defense industry produces light armored vehicles and some naval vessels, as well as small arms and other miscellaneous equipment (2025)
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
Major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
Major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
Major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 417,546 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 390,250 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 13 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 390,250 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 13 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Gulf Cartel (CDG); Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG); La Mara Salvatruche (MS-13); Northeast Cartel (CDN); The New Family Michoacana (LNFM); Sinaloa Cartel; United Cartels (CU)
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 2 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 1.55GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 4.9% (2023 est.)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 1.55GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 4.9% (2023 est.)
Space program overview
has a national space policy with a focus on expanding Mexico's commercial space sector, including acquiring satellites and developing specialists, technologies, and infrastructure; manufactures and operates communications and scientific satellites; conducts research on a range of space-related capabilities and technologies, including astronomy, astrophysics, Earth and weather sciences, remote sensing, robotics, satellite payloads, and telecommunications; works with a variety of foreign space agencies and commercial space industries, including those of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the ESA, individual ESA member states (particularly France, Germany, and the UK), India, Japan, Peru, Russia, Ukraine, and the US; led effort to establish the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency and hosts its headquarters (2025)
Space agency/agencies
Mexican Space Agency (Agencia Espacial Mexicana or AEM; established 2010 and began operating in 2013) (2025)
Geoparks
Total global geoparks and regional networks: 2
Global geoparks and regional networks: Comarca Minera, Hidalgo; Mixteca Alta, Oaxaca (2023)
Global geoparks and regional networks: Comarca Minera, Hidalgo; Mixteca Alta, Oaxaca (2023)
Ports
Total ports: 35 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 7
Small: 10
Very small: 14
Size unknown: 4
Ports with oil terminals: 21
Key ports: Acapulco, Ensenada, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Tampico, Tuxpan, Veracruz
Large: 0
Medium: 7
Small: 10
Very small: 14
Size unknown: 4
Ports with oil terminals: 21
Key ports: Acapulco, Ensenada, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Tampico, Tuxpan, Veracruz
Legislative branch - lower chamber
Chamber name: Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados)
Number of seats: 500 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Mixed system
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 3 years
Most recent election date: 6/2/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) (236); Ecologist Green Party of Mexico (PVEM) (77); National Action Party (PAN) (72); Labour Party (PT) (51); Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) (35); Citizens' Movement (MC) (27); Other (2)
Percentage of women in chamber: 50.2%
Expected date of next election: June 2027
Number of seats: 500 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Mixed system
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 3 years
Most recent election date: 6/2/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) (236); Ecologist Green Party of Mexico (PVEM) (77); National Action Party (PAN) (72); Labour Party (PT) (51); Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) (35); Citizens' Movement (MC) (27); Other (2)
Percentage of women in chamber: 50.2%
Expected date of next election: June 2027
Legislative branch - upper chamber
Chamber name: Senate (Cámara de Senadores)
Number of seats: 128 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Mixed system
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 6 years
Most recent election date: 6/2/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) (60); National Action Party (PAN) (22); Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) (16); Ecologist Green Party of Mexico (PVEM) (14); Labour Party (PT) (9); Other (7)
Percentage of women in chamber: 50%
Expected date of next election: June 2030
Number of seats: 128 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Mixed system
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 6 years
Most recent election date: 6/2/2024
Parties elected and seats per party: National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) (60); National Action Party (PAN) (22); Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) (16); Ecologist Green Party of Mexico (PVEM) (14); Labour Party (PT) (9); Other (7)
Percentage of women in chamber: 50%
Expected date of next election: June 2030
Methane emissions
Energy: 1,389 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Agriculture: 2,372.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 1,832.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 49.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Agriculture: 2,372.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 1,832.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 49.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Key space-program milestones
1962-1977 - sounding rocket program
1985 - first Mexican in space on US Space Shuttle; first communications satellite (Morelos-1) built by US and released from the US Space Shuttle
2015 - first successful launch of MEXSAT series of communications satellites by the US
2021 - signed US-led Artemis Accords for space and lunar exploration
2024 - contributed five autonomous micro-robots (Colmena project) on failed US commercial Moon lander mission
1985 - first Mexican in space on US Space Shuttle; first communications satellite (Morelos-1) built by US and released from the US Space Shuttle
2015 - first successful launch of MEXSAT series of communications satellites by the US
2021 - signed US-led Artemis Accords for space and lunar exploration
2024 - contributed five autonomous micro-robots (Colmena project) on failed US commercial Moon lander mission
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
43.5 (2022 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
National coat of arms
Adopted in 1968, Mexico’s coat of arms is also used as the Seal of the United Mexican States. The Mexican Golden Eagle, a national symbol, is perched on a prickly pear cactus and eats a snake. Beneath the eagle, oak and laurel leaves are joined by a ribbon in the national colors. The image symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.