Why in News?
Mexico deployed around 10,000 troops following large-scale violence triggered after the death of drug cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera.
About Mexico
- Official Name
United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) - Location
Southern part of North America. - Capital
Mexico City - Political System
Federal republic.
Borders and Water Bodies
Land Borders
- United States to the north
- Guatemala and Belize to the southeast
Water Boundaries
- Pacific Ocean to the west and south
- Gulf of Mexico to the east
- Caribbean Sea to the southeast
Major Physical Features
Tectonic Setting
- Lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire
- Highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity
Mountain Systems
- Sierra Madre Occidental (west)
- Sierra Madre Oriental (east)
- Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (Cordillera Neo-Volcánica)
Important Volcanoes
- Popocatépetl (active volcano)
- Citlaltépetl (Pico de Orizaba) — highest peak in Mexico
Major Physiographic Regions
- Mexican Plateau
- Yucatán Peninsula
- Baja California Peninsula
- Coastal plains
Major Rivers
- Río Bravo (Rio Grande) — forms part of US–Mexico border
- Grijalva River
- Balsas River
