TEFL Mexico
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Teaching in Mexico
Capital – Mexico City
Population – 111, 211, 789 (2009)
Main language – Spanish
Main religion – Roman Catholic
Currency – Mexican peso
History
Mexico has an elaborate and interesting history. Earliest human traces found date back to 20,000BC with migrating hunter gatherers from Asia and Africa. Agriculture followed this. Then the country became dominated by influential groups such as the Toltecs, Mayans, Mixtecs and Aztecs. During these periods, Mexico’s strength and trading increased greatly. This all ended when Spanish conquistadores arrived, setting out to conquer and colonise the countries powerful, urban centres. Once colonised, slavery was abolished, schools and universities were established and there was a massive growth in Christianity. To this day, political and social advances have put Mexico ahead as an important economic power.
Geography
Borders – United States of America, Belize and Guatemala
Land features – desert in the north, rolling hills and broad valleys in Central Mexico, the South is mainly jungle and tropical rainforest.
Climate – In the north it is hot and dry. In the south it is a tropical climate. Central Mexico is higher up with a mild climate.
Culture
The culture of Mexico is blended with pre-Hispanic civilizations and Spanish culture.
Music – Traditional music is abundant in Mexico such as Mariachi, Banda, Ranchera and Norteño. There is also a lot of North American influence and Rock and Pop music is commonly listened to.
Art – Post revolutionary art in Mexico has been expressed by famous artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Mexican art has a very vibrant, colourful appearance.
Cuisine – Mexican food is world renowned for its intense and varied flavour. It is based upon pre-Columbian traditions such as Aztec and Mayan.
Top things to do
Go diving in Arrecife Palancar, be moved by the Day of the Dead festival, party hard on the beaches of Cancún, marvel at the Mayan City of Tulum, visit the pyramids of Teotihuacan, sun bath on Isla Mujeres, explore the Chankanaab National Park, get into the nightlife of Mexico City.
