Mexico, officially the United Mexican States (Spanish: Estados Unidos Mexicanos), is a federal republic in North America. It is the only Spanish-speaking country in North America and the 34th largest country by total area in the world. With an estimated population of over 130 million, Mexico is the most populous country in North America.

Below is a list of ten interesting facts about Mexico to know before you visit

Number 10. US citizens Are The Largest Immigration Group in Mexico

In the United States, Mexican citizens make up the largest proportion of foreign-born residents. US citizens, however, make up the largest group of immigrants in Mexico. Mexico is home to over 750,000 US citizens, according to the 2010 Census. In other words, more Americans are immigrating to Mexico than Mexicans are migrating to the US. Ironic, isn’t it?

Number 9.  Home Of The Chihuahua, The World’s Smallest Dog

There is no breed smaller than the Chihuahua, which originated in the Mexican state of Chihuahua (after which it was named).

Number 8. Mexico Is Home To One Of The Six Cradles Of Civilization

Human civilization in Mexico dates back at least 8,000 years ago. You can find the empires of the Olmecs, Toltecs, Teotihuacan’s, Zapotecs, Mayans, and Aztecs here. Mexico is thus regarded as one of the world’s cradles of civilizations 

Number 7. Kids in Mexico don’t get presents on Christmas

Christmas presents are given to Mexican children on January 6th, not December 25th. In Mexico, people celebrate the day the Three Wise Men arrived to give gifts to Jesus, not Jesus’ birth. When Jesus gets presents, everyone gets presents!

Number 6. Home of the world’s smallest volcano

Mexico has the world’s smallest volcano! If you will, you can call it a small-cano. Located just outside Puebla, the Cuexcomate Volcano stands 43 feet tall. Compared to Mauna Loa in Hawaii, which stands 13,678 feet tall, this volcano barely qualifies as a hill! Consider this height comparison: Cuexcomate is not even half the height of the Statue of Liberty.

Number 5. The Mexican Flag Is Very Symbolic

In the middle of the Mexican flag, you’ll see an eagle perched on a prickly pear branch with a snake in its mouth. As legend has it, the Aztecs were instructed (by the sun god, Huitzilopochtli) to search for a place where this scene was playing out; they found it in Tenochtitlan, today’s Mexico City.

Number 4. Mexico’s Official Name Is Estados Unidades Mexico

The official name of Mexico is Estados Unidades Mexico (which translates to the United Mexican States in Spanish.)

Number 3. There are women-only cars in the subway

Segregated transportation has become popular in some cities around the world despite its social controversy. There are subway cars in Mexico City that are completely safe for women because men are prohibited from entering. As with any large city, Mexico City has a standard crime rate, which is designed to help combat public groping, assault, and kidnapping. Mexico City is still relatively safe compared to New York City. The city even has the reputation of being one of the safest places to visit!

Number 2. You can find crawling cuisine

You will find spiders, grasshoppers, and even scorpions for sale at any Mexican market. In these markets, adventurous foodies can find some excellent grub, among other crawling things.

Number 1.  The World’s Second-Largest Catholic Population

 It is estimated that 83 percent of the population of Mexico is Catholic, second only to the population of Brazil.

To sum it up, Mexico is big, beautiful and full of life. it’s home to ancient archaeological sites, colonial cities, amazing beaches and bustling markets.

Mexico is one of the friendliest places on Earth, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Be ready to fall in love with Mexican culture, language and people. Do not skip on this experience.