With a population of around 126 million, most of the country’s people are known as Mestizos; an ethnicity referring to a mix of indigenous American and European ancestry, with other minority groups including Afro-Mexicans, White Mexicans and people from all over the world. That said, the majority of its people are united under the same national identity, resulting in an ethnically diverse but racially and culturally homogenous country.

More than race, it is language that unites most Mexicans, with Spanish being the language spoken by the majority. Most are monolingual, with most public schools teaching only the Spanish language. However, at least 68 national languages are recognised, with 63 being indigenous and most being in danger of extinction in the near future. Of particular importance concerning language, the Mayan script is known to be the most sophisticated hieroglyph-based system in the Americas. It was first identified in Guatemala around 300BC and its use was widespread in Mesoamerica until the Spanish Conquest.

Mexico’s rich culture, owing in part to the complexity of its history, is renown all over the world – be it food, television, literature, music or sports. As always, these things are best experienced and not read about!

Its people lead varied lives, with those in bustling cities enjoying the luxuries of development including excellent healthcare and education, with those in rural areas lacking in many of such resources. Whilst Mexico has no official religion, around 80% of believers are Roman Catholics.