Facts About Mexico

The country of Mexico, also known as the United Mexican States, is located in the southern half of the North American continent. It covers an area of 1958.2 thousand square kilometers and holds a population of 89.95 million. The country is the fifth largest in the Western Hemisphere, behind Canada, the United States, Brazil and Argentina. Mexico City, the capital of the nation, is one of the world's largest metropolitan areas with nearly nine million people.

Birding

Mexico is home to one of the diverse populations of birds in the world. According to the Audubon Society of Mexico, there are thousands of different species that live in the plentiful forests and deserts of the country. This includes more than fifty species of hummingbirds and dozens of pelicans.

Small Volcano

Mexico is also the home to the world's smallest volcano. Located in the city of Puebla, the volcano known as the Cuexcomate is a only 43 feet tall. Although it appears to scientists to be inactive now, it has become a large tourist attraction that has even been fitted with a staircase to climb to the top.

Pyramid Bird Call

One of the pyramids in Mexico has been fitted with an interesting feature from the ancient Mayan culture. The main pyramid in Chichen Itza was designed with several air passages that recreate the sound of a bird as air passes through. This is known as the "Call of the Quetzal."

Ancient Tree

The country of Mexico is the home of what may be the oldest tree in the world. According to researchers, the "Arbol de Tule," located on the church grounds in Santa Maria del Tule appears to be more than 2000 years old. It has grown to a level of more than 40 feet tall and become a widely-seen tourist attraction.

Tequila

Although tequila is highly popular in modern times, the alcoholic beverage actually dates back to at least the 1500s. Early Spanish immigrants found that the tribes of both Mayan and Aztec decent distilled a type of agave liquor in basic pots.