‘It’s cool to learn about countries: Mexico’
‘It’s cool to learn about countries: Mexico’ by Barbara A Somervill (published in 2011)
1. Mexico’s official name is Estados Unidos Mexicanos. To the north lays the United States of America. To the south are Belize and Guatemala. The Gulf of Mexico and the Carribean Sea lap Mexico’s eastern shores. To the west are the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California.
2. Corn is a staple food for all Mexicans. It is the most important crop that is grown. Mexico also produces wheat, soybeans, rice and beans. Coffee, fruit, tomatoes, beef and poultry are produced too.
3. A key part of Mexico’s economy is the maquiladora. Maquiladoras are factories that are owned by non-Mexican companies. Raw materials or parts are brought into Mexico to be turned into products at the maquiladoras. These products are then shipped for sale elsewhere.
Clothing, cars and electronic equipment are assembled at maquiladoras. The advantage for foreign investors is clear. Mexican wage and benefit costs are low. At the same time, the number and quality of available workers is high.
4. Many years ago, Mexico was home to the Mayas, the Mexica and the Aztecs. The Mayas lived on the Yucatan Peninsula and in Central America. Mayan religious ceremonies took place at pyramids. Some of these pyramids have survived to this day.
5. In Mexico, people celebrate two birthdays. The first is the anniversary of one’s birth. The second falls on one’s name day or saint’s day. Chidren are usually named for a Roman Catholic saint. Each saint has a saint’s day. A boy named Francisco, for example, would celebrate on the Feast of St. Francis, which is October 4. Mexican birthday parties feature great food, singing and pinatas loaded with goodies.
6. Tortillas are Mexican flatbreads made of corn or wheat flour. They can be filled with cheese, meat, tomatoes, lettuce, onions and salsa. In Mexico, tortillas are served at many meals.
7. Breakfast in Mexico may consist of beans, rice and fried tortillas. People may also eat huevos rancheros. The dish features eggs with salsa and tortillas on the side. Coffee rounds out the meal.
8. Peppers are an important ingredient in chili sauce. This sauce is used to season many Mexican meals. For special meals, Mexicans may create a sauce called mole, made with unsweetened chocolate and other ingredients.
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