" The Olmecs lived around the Gulf of Mexico about 1000 years BC. They left behind pottery, carvings and giant statues. Between 300 AD and 900 AD the Mayans, based around Yucatan, controlled not just Mexico but much of Central America. They had a calendar based on the movements of the sun and worshipped a range of gods. Great pyramids, hieroglyphs and murals have all been found from this time in history. Perhaps the most well known of the groups which once ruled the region were the Aztecs from about 1300 AD to 1500 AD. "

" By the sixteenth century many European countries were beginning to explore the world, sailing great distances in search of riches. The famous Spanish explorer Cortes fought and defeated the Aztecs, destroying their Empire. They turned the Aztecs into slaves, built churches and introduced the Spanish language, and ruled Mexico for 300 years. During this time many Europeans came over to Mexico and settled there. Between 1810 and 1821 Mexicans fought a War of Independence with their Spanish conquerors. In 1821 Mexico achieved independence, an event celebrated every year on 16th September."

During the early 1900s most Mexicans lived in rural (countryside) areas and worked as farmers. Today almost four out of every five Mexicans live and work in urban areas (towns and cities). Houses in rural areas are often very basic, made from mud bricks and materials found nearby. Many lack basic facilities like running water and electricity.

Mexico's population has trebled over the last 50 years. This has created problems in some urban areas. Overcrowding has led to poor housing conditions and pollution. However, there are hopes for improvement as population growth is starting to slow down and new laws have been brought in to reduce pollution.