Country Profile: Mexico

Mexico, located in North America, boasts a rich tapestry of history shaped by advanced pre-Columbian civilizations and later colonization by Spain. It is home to approximately 130.7 million people and has a diverse economy that is heavily integrated with the United States, particularly through trade agreements like the USMCA. Governed as a federal presidential republic, Mexico faces ongoing challenges related to economic inequality and crime but maintains a vibrant democratic process.

Geography

Mexico spans 1,964,375 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than three times Texas. It shares borders with the United States to the north, Belize and Guatemala to the southeast, and has coastlines along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The country features a varied landscape that includes high mountains, low coastal plains, and deserts, contributing to diverse climates ranging from tropical to arid.

• 4,389 km - Total land boundaries with Belize, Guatemala, and the US.
• 9,330 km - Length of coastline.
• 5,636 m - Highest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba.
• 50.7% - Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
• 34.2% - Forest cover of total land area (2023).

People and Society

Mexico has a population estimated at 130,739,927 as of 2024, with a majority of individuals identifying as Mestizo. The nation is predominantly urbanized, with 81.6% of the population living in cities. Spanish is the major language spoken by 93.8% of the population, reflecting the country's colonial history. The Mexican society is influenced by a rich cultural heritage and a strong Catholic tradition.

• 77.7% - Percentage of the population identifying as Catholic.
• 94% - Literacy rate among adults (2020).
• 31 years - Median age of the population (2025).
• 8.2% - Percentage of the population aged 65 years and over (2024).
• 36.3% - Population living below the national poverty line (2022).

Economy

Mexico's economy is classified as upper-middle-income, heavily tied to the US through trade and manufacturing. Despite growth challenges fueled by income inequality and cartel violence, the country's GDP continues to expand, with a real GDP estimated at $2.883 trillion for 2024. The economy is characterized by a significant service sector.

• 3.8% - Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024).
• 58.2% - Contribution of services to GDP (2024).
• 2.8% - Estimated unemployment rate (2024).
• 14.73 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2025).
• 36.3% - Percentage of the population below the poverty line (2022).

Government

Mexico is a federal presidential republic with a complex political landscape that includes multiple parties. The current president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has been in office since October 2024. The nation operates under a constitution that mandates significant separation of powers among executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

• 32 states - Administrative divisions of Mexico.
• 18 years - Legal voting age for citizens.
• 59.4% - Percentage of votes for the current president in the 2024 election.
• 500 - Total members of the Chamber of Deputies.
• 128 - Total members of the Senate.

Military and Security

The Mexican Armed Forces comprise the Army, Air Force, and Navy, with a focus on both national defense and internal security, particularly against drug cartels. Military expenditures are estimated at 0.9% of GDP for 2024. The National Guard was established in 2019, consolidating various security roles.

• 260,000 - Active-duty personnel in the Armed Forces (2025).
• 110,000 - Personnel in the National Guard (2025).
• 18 years - Age for voluntary military service, with compulsory service for men.
• 0.7% - Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2023).
• 45.47 billion kWh - Electricity transmission/distribution losses (2023).

Energy

Mexico has a diverse energy sector with a mix of fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewable energies. As of 2023, electricity access is nearly universal, with 100% of the population electrified. The country consumes substantial amounts of natural gas and petrol, amid efforts to expand renewable energy sources.

• 79.6% - Percentage of electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023).
• 332.042 billion kWh - Total electricity consumption (2023).
• 105.586 million kW - Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
• 2.101 million bbl/day - Total petroleum production (2023).
• 33.118 billion cubic meters - Natural gas production (2023).

Environment

Mexico faces significant environmental challenges, including water scarcity and pollution. The government recognizes these issues as national security concerns. Over the years, the country has engaged in multiple environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to addressing these pressing issues.

• 53.1 million tons - Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
• 9.6% - Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
• 441.049 million metric tonnes - Total CO2 emissions (2023).
• 50.7% - Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
• 34.2% - Percentage of forested land (2023).

Transportation

Mexico has an extensive transportation network, encompassing roads, railways, and airports. Key ports facilitate significant maritime trade, while the country maintains a robust merchant marine fleet. The civil aviation sector is supported by a growing number of airports.

• 1,580 - Total number of airports (2025).
• 23,389 km - Total length of railways (2017).
• 674 - Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
• 35 - Total ports (2024).
• 488 - Number of heliports (2025).

Communications

The communications sector is rapidly evolving in Mexico, with a high penetration of mobile cellular subscriptions and the internet. The country has undergone significant telecommunications reform, increasing competition and accessibility.

• 140 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
• 81% - Percentage of the population that are internet users (2023).
• 25.637 million - Fixed-line subscriptions (2023).
• 26.6 million - Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
• 20 - Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants for fixed lines (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	130,739,927 (2024 est.)
Area	1,964,375 sq km
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)	$2.883 trillion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	2.8% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	14.73 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	57.539 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Literacy Rate	95% (2020 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	74.6 years (2024 est.)
CO2 Emissions	441.049 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Municipal Solid Waste Generated Annually	53.1 million tons (2024 est.)