Is Mexico in North or South America?

As a geographer with a keen interest in the Americas, I am often asked where countries like Mexico fall within the continental divides. The question of whether Mexico is in North or South America is a fascinating one, as it touches upon the complex and sometimes debated geographical and geopolitical divisions of our planet.

Geographically speaking, Mexico is located in the southern part of North America. It is bordered by the United States to the north, Belize and Guatemala to the south, and the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea along its coasts. The country is a part of the North American continent, which is one of the seven continents of the world, and it includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico, along with Central America.

Central America, as mentioned in the provided reference, is often considered a region of the North American continent. It is a narrow strip of land that connects North and South America and includes seven countries: Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. While Central America is sometimes included within the geopolitical definition of North America, it is also recognized as a distinct region with its own unique cultural, historical, and ecological characteristics.

The inclusion of Mexico in North America is not without its nuances. While it is geographically part of the North American continent, its cultural and historical ties to South America are also significant. Mexico has a rich indigenous history that predates the arrival of Europeans and shares many cultural similarities with the indigenous peoples of South America. Additionally, the Spanish colonization of Mexico and the subsequent spread of the Spanish language and culture have created strong historical and cultural connections between Mexico and South America.

However, geopolitically, Mexico is firmly placed within North America. It is a member of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which includes the United States and Canada, and is now part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Mexico's political, economic, and trade relationships are more closely aligned with its northern neighbors, reflecting its position as a part of North America.

In terms of physical geography, Mexico's terrain is incredibly diverse, ranging from high mountain ranges and deserts to tropical rainforests and coastal plains. This diversity contributes to the country's rich biodiversity and makes it a unique and important part of the North American continent.

In conclusion, while Mexico's cultural and historical ties to both North and South America are undeniable, from a geographical and geopolitical standpoint, Mexico is unequivocally a part of North America. Its inclusion in Central America is a matter of regional classification rather than a continental one, and its position within the North American continent is well-established.

North America, the planet's 3rd largest continent, includes (23) countries and dozens of possessions and territories. It contains all Caribbean and Central America countries, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, the United States of America, as well as Greenland - the world's largest island.Sep 19, 2016