Mexico is a country located in the southern part of North America, bordered to the north by the United States, to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean, to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea, and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of over 130 million, it is the 13th largest country in the world by area and the 10th largest by population.
Mexico has a rich and diverse history, with indigenous civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans flourishing long before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century. The country was part of the Spanish Empire until gaining its independence in 1821. The cultural heritage of Mexico is a unique blend of ancient traditions and colonial influences, which is reflected in its art, music, cuisine, and festivals.