Mexico is a federal republic located in North America, bordering the United States. It has 31 states and a federal district containing the capital, Mexico City. Mexico has a population with deep cultural and historical roots, including several influential pre-Columbian civilizations. Some of Mexico's most notable figures are the artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and conquistador Hernan Cortes who led the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century. Mexican culture is also defined by traditions like charreada rodeos and iconic dishes such as enchiladas.

1. Mexico South of the Border

2. Mexico is located in Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the US and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the U.S.

4. Mexico Capital: Mexico City The United Mexican States of Mexico is a federal republic made up of 31 states and one Federal District, which contains the capital, Mexico City. Article 49 of the constitution provides that the federal government is divided in three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

6. Surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, it was a center for several pre-Columbian civilizations, including Teotihuacan, the Toltec, and the Aztec.

7. El Presidente The President of the United Mexican States is the head of state of Mexico. Under the Constitution, the president is also the head of government and the Supreme Commander of the Mexican armed forces. Felipe Calderon, current President

8. This is one of Frida Kahlo’s oldest self-portraits signed in the German manner "Frieda." When the Nazis rose to power, she stopped using the German spelling. Diego Rivera, Contradictions Between Rich and Poor The stormy marriage and professional relationship of these two giants of Mexican modernism produced this country’s most notable art in the early part of the 20 th century. Kahlo and Rivera

9. Cortes Hernan Cortes, with only a small army of soldiers, sailors, slaves, and several horses and cannons, landed on the shores of modern day Mexico in 1519. Using Veracruz as a base of operations, he moved inland in search of gold. There he found the empire of the Aztecs, the largest and strongest empire in the history of pre-Hispanic Mexico. Conquistador

10. Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence in the 19th century.

11. Valley of Mexico

12. Charros The charros, Mexico's tough cowboys and rodeo showmen, have long symbolized the ideal of the national character. Brave, self-reliant and proud, they are as Mexicans best like to see themselves.

13. New Mexico-Style Red Chile Enchiladas 1-18 corn tortillas, 1qt Red chili sauce, 1lb Grated cheddar, 1 ea Large onion chopped 6 x Fried eggs. Cuisine