Where is Mexico Located?

Where is Mexico located on the map? Mexico is an independent nation located in North America. Check out the following images to see location of Mexico on maps.

Mexico Location in World Map

Mexico borders the southern United States. Mexico also has the longest land border with the USA, it is more than 3,300 kilometers long. Mexico is geographically in North America, because all of Central America is included in North America. If you look at Central America in isolation, Mexico’s largest part is still in North America, only the southernmost area belongs to Central America.

The map shows the regions into which Mexico can be divided.

Location Information of Mexico

Latitude and Longitude

Mexico is located in the southern part of North America, bordered by the United States to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south and west, the Gulf of Mexico to the east, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast. The country spans a wide range of latitudes and longitudes. Mexico’s approximate geographic coordinates are 23.6345° N latitude and 102.5528° W longitude. With a diverse geography that includes beaches, mountains, deserts, and jungles, the country is one of the largest and most varied in the Americas.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Mexico City

The capital of Mexico is Mexico City (Ciudad de México or CDMX), which is not only the largest city in the country but also one of the largest in the world. Located in the Valley of Mexico, a high-altitude basin surrounded by mountains, the city has a population of over 9 million people within the city proper, and more than 21 million in the metropolitan area. Mexico City serves as the country’s political, cultural, and economic hub, with significant influence in both Latin America and globally.

Mexico City is home to a variety of historical landmarks, including the Zócalo (the main square), the National Museum of Anthropology, and Chapultepec Park. The city also features stunning examples of colonial-era architecture, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant neighborhoods such as Coyoacán and Roma.

Major Cities

1. Guadalajara: Known as the “Pearl of the West,” Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city, located in the western state of Jalisco. It has a population of over 5 million people in the metropolitan area. Guadalajara is famous for its rich cultural heritage, including being the birthplace of Mariachi music, Tequila, and Charreadas (Mexican rodeos). Key attractions include the Guadalajara Cathedral, the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, and the nearby Tequila Valley.
2. Monterrey: Located in the northeastern state of Nuevo León, Monterrey is one of Mexico’s leading industrial cities, with a population of around 5 million in the metropolitan area. The city is a hub for finance, commerce, and manufacturing and is often considered the industrial capital of Mexico. Monterrey is known for its scenic mountain views, including Cerro de la Silla (Saddle Mountain), and vibrant cultural scene, including museums and theaters.
3. Cancún: Situated on the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Cancún is a popular tourist destination known for its luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches. The city has a population of approximately 900,000 people, with the surrounding region drawing millions of international visitors each year. Attractions in Cancún include the Mayan ruins of El Rey, Isla Mujeres, and the nearby Cenotes (natural freshwater sinkholes).
4. Puebla: Located southeast of Mexico City, Puebla is a historic colonial city with a population of around 1.5 million people. The city is famous for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, including the Puebla Cathedral and Cholula Pyramid, as well as its traditional cuisine, such as mole poblano. Puebla is also a center for the automobile manufacturing industry in Mexico.
5. Tijuana: Situated just across the border from the United States in Baja California, Tijuana has a population of around 2 million people. It is one of the most important border cities in North America, serving as a cultural and commercial bridge between Mexico and the U.S. Known for its vibrant nightlife, culinary scene, and historical landmarks such as Avenida Revolución, Tijuana is also a major hub for medical tourism.

Time Zone

Mexico spans four different time zones, depending on the region:

• Pacific Standard Time (PST): UTC -8:00, used in Baja California.
• Mountain Standard Time (MST): UTC -7:00, used in states like Chihuahua, Sonora, and Durango.
• Central Standard Time (CST): UTC -6:00, used in most of the country, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
• Eastern Standard Time (EST): UTC -5:00, used in the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Some parts of the country also observe daylight saving time (DST), typically from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, adjusting clocks one hour forward.

Climate

Mexico’s climate varies significantly due to its diverse geography, with everything from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. Generally, Mexico has four distinct climatic zones:

1. Tropical Climate: Found along the coasts and in the southern regions of the country, this climate is characterized by hot, humid conditions and a rainy season from May to October. Coastal areas like Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco experience this climate.
2. Desert Climate: Mexico’s northern and central regions, including states like Sonora and Chihuahua, have an arid or semi-arid desert climate. Summers are extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C (104°F), and winters are cooler with minimal rainfall.
3. Temperate Climate: Much of the central highlands, including Mexico City, have a temperate climate, with mild to cool temperatures year-round due to the elevation. Summer temperatures average between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while winters can drop below 10°C (50°F).
4. Mountain Climate: High-altitude regions such as the Sierra Madre Mountains and parts of Chiapas experience cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Some regions can even experience snowfall during winter.
5. Rainy and Dry Seasons: The rainy season occurs from May to October, while the dry season is from November to April. The rainy season brings heavy tropical storms, especially on the Pacific coast and the Yucatán Peninsula. Mexico also experiences tropical storms and hurricanes, primarily affecting the coastal regions from June to November.

Economic Status

Mexico has the 15th largest economy in the world by nominal GDP and is considered an upper-middle-income country. The nation is part of key international trade organizations like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

1. Manufacturing and Industry

Mexico is a global manufacturing powerhouse, particularly in sectors such as automobiles, electronics, and machinery. Major international companies, such as General Motors, Ford, and Volkswagen, have manufacturing plants in Mexico, particularly in cities like Monterrey and Guadalajara. Additionally, Mexico is one of the world’s largest producers of consumer electronics and telecommunications equipment.

2. Agriculture

Mexico is a leading producer of agricultural products, including corn, sugar, avocados, tomatoes, and coffee. It is one of the largest exporters of avocados globally, often referred to as the “avocado capital of the world.” Agriculture remains a vital part of the rural economy, especially in southern states such as Chiapas and Oaxaca.

3. Tourism

Tourism is one of Mexico’s most important economic drivers. The country is famous for its beaches, archaeological sites, and colonial cities. Major tourist destinations include Cancún, Los Cabos, Riviera Maya, and Mexico City. Mexico also has a rich cultural heritage, drawing tourists to sites like the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, and Palenque.

4. Oil and Energy

Mexico has significant oil reserves, especially in the Gulf of Mexico. The country is a major oil exporter, and Pemex, the state-owned oil company, plays a central role in the economy. However, Mexico’s energy sector has faced challenges, including a decline in oil production and the need for diversification into renewable energy.

5. Challenges

Despite its economic strength, Mexico faces challenges such as poverty, inequality, and violence in certain regions, particularly due to drug cartels. The country is also working on addressing corruption and labor rights issues, though significant progress has been made in recent years.

Tourist Attractions

Mexico is rich in natural beauty, history, and culture, offering a wide range of attractions for travelers.

1. Chichen Itza

One of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, Chichen Itza was the capital of the ancient Mayan civilization and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcán, is a stunning example of Mayan architecture.

2. Teotihuacan

Located near Mexico City, Teotihuacan was once one of the largest cities in the ancient world. Visitors can climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon to get a panoramic view of the ancient city and its mysterious history.

3. Riviera Maya

This stretch of coastline along the Yucatán Peninsula is known for its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant marine life. Popular destinations include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel, which are perfect for relaxation, snorkeling, and exploring Mayan ruins.

4. Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon is a network of six canyons located in the Sierra Tarahumara in northern Mexico. It is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, offering stunning views and opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the indigenous Rarámuri culture.

5. Mexico City

Mexico City offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, such as the National Museum of Anthropology, Chapultepec Park, and Xochimilco’s colorful boat rides. The city is also home to historic neighborhoods, like Coyoacán, the birthplace of artist Frida Kahlo.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens do not require a visa for short stays in Mexico (up to 180 days) for tourism or business purposes. However, travelers must present a valid passport and may be asked to show proof of onward travel. U.S. citizens visiting for other purposes, such as work or study, may need to apply for an appropriate visa.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance to New York City

The distance from New York City to Mexico City is approximately 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles). Flights typically take around 4 to 5 hours.

Distance to Los Angeles

The distance from Los Angeles to Mexico City is approximately 3,100 kilometers (1,926 miles). Flights from Los Angeles to Mexico City typically take 4 to 5 hours as well.

Mexico Facts

Size	1,953,162 km²
Residents	126.19 million
Languages	Spanish and 62 other languages, including Nahuatl
Capital	Mexico City (Ciudad de México)
Longest river	Río Bravo (total length 3034 km, of which 2,000 km as a border river with the USA)
Highest mountain	Citlaltépetl (5,636 m)
Currency	Mexican peso