Global - Technology - Review

Mexico, the world’s most populous Spanish speaking country has a rich cultural tradition of art, music, dance and cuisine. In pre-Columbian times the centre of civilisations like the Olmec, Maya and Aztecs, Mexico was ruled by Spain for three hundred years, creating a distinctive fusion of Hispanic and Mesoamerican cultures. The capital, Mexico City, with over twenty million inhabitants, is the largest city in the Americas. The legacy of ancient cultures can be seen in the pyramids at Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan. The country is mountainous and volcanic; one of the highest peaks is the active volcano Popocatepetl. As well as its cuisine, Mexico has given the world basic ingredients like chocolate, tomatoes, maize, vanilla, courgettes and jalapenos as well as specialities like enchiladas, tacos, burritos, tamales and tequila. The nation’s biodiversity is reflected in animals like the jaguar and the national symbol, the Golden Eagle. There are 64 National Parks and more World Heritage sites than any other in the Americas. The economy has major automotive, communications and aerospace sectors, and the tourist industry is one of the largest in the world. Visitors are attracted by the ancient sites as well as beach resorts like Acapulco and Cancun.