Guide to Mexico

Full Name: United Mexican States
Location: Central America
Population: 106.4 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Mexico City
Area: 1.96 million sq km (758,449 sq miles)
Major language: Spanish
Life expectancy: 72 years (men) 77 years (woman)
Monetary unit: 1 peso = 100 centavos
Main exports: Machinery and transport equipment, mineral fuels, and lubricants, food and live animals
GNI per capital: US $7,310
Internet domain: .mx
International dialling code: +52
Time Zone:
GMT/UTC -6 Most of Mexico is on Central Standard Time in winter
GMT/UTC -7 Baja, California Sur and several other nothwest states are on mountain time. The northwest state of Sonora is on GMT -7 all year.
GMT/UTC -8 Baja California Norte is on Pacific Standard Time
Entry requirements: UK nationals should have a valid British passport valid for at least six months and be in posession of a completed Tourist Card (FTM) which is avalible on most airlines that serve Mexico or at the international airport. No visa is required for a stay up to 180 days but visitors are expected to have return or forward travel documents and sufficient funds.
When to go: May to September can be hot and humid but the weather is generally more pleasant from October to May. Peak time is December to February. Avoid the southern coast between July and September when the resorts are often soggy and crowded.
Climate: Hot and humid along the coast but at higher elevations inland it is drier and more temperate.
Electricity: 127V 60Hz - use to pin plug

11 October 2007