Mexico

Capital City - Mexico City
Currency - Peso
Population - 112,322,757 (2011 estimate)
National Language - Spanish
Type of Government - Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic
Leaders - Felipe Calderon (President)
Country's Motto - Mexico does not have a motto, though some of its states do.

Location - Mexico is a country in North America that is bordered by the United States on the north and Guatemala and Belize on the southeast.  To the west it is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and to the west it is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico.

Climate - Mexico has one of the world's most diverse weather systems.  Some areas of the country remain temperate and cool throughout the year while other regions are dry and hot with little variation.  Additionally, the regions that border the Gulf of Mexico often fall victim to the wrath of hurricanes.

Religion - At 82%, Roman Catholicism remains the most predominant religion of the land.  10% of the remainder belong to the Christian faith of various denominations, while 5% reported to be atheist and 3% wished to remain unaffiliated.

Cuisine - Most of Mexico's cuisine is based on pre-Columbian traditions, such as the Aztecs and Maya, combined with Spanish influences.  A heavy use of spices and chiles are used to liven up dishes; and, various meats and vegetables are used depending on region.

Most Famous Landmark - Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, the ruins of Chichen Itza are without question one of the most photographed and most memorable spots in Mexico.  A tribute to ancient Mayan culture, Chichen Itza stands as a beautiful architectural feat as well as a majestic glance into a time long since passed.

If You Learn Only One Thing About Mexico, It Should Be This - Chocolate was used as a sacred and savory drink for the Maya and Aztecs - though it is traditionally believed to have been discovered by the Maya.  People typically drank it following meals to aid in digestion.  It was not the sweet treat that we know today; instead it was a luscious and sometimes bitter libation.  The Europeans first came across this substance in the 16th century when Montezuma introduced the drink to conquistador Hernan Cortes.  Once sugar was added to the blend, chocolate would never be the same.  Thanks be to Montezuma for one of the greatest treats of all time!