Mexico Land Information Guides

Mexico Regional Breakdown

Mexico, the 14th largest country in the world, is divided into 31 states. It is the fifth largest state in the Americas and its southern-most states have at times been considered extensions of Central America.

Mexico shares it's borders with the U.S., the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez), the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, Guatemala and Belize. Two regional mountain ranges run through the country -- the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra Madre Occidental. The area in between the two mountain ranges is known as the Mexican altiplano.

Mexico's western Baja Peninsula is characterized by gorgeous beach towns, adventures desert terrain and plenty of water sport opportunities. The Pacific Coast region is home to pockets of Mexico's colonial past, amazing coastal communities and an array of premium travel destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Mazatlan. The Gulf Coast area features pyramids and Emerald Coast beaches.

A variety of resort communities can be found along the meandering coastline of the Gulf Coast. Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is home to the bustling resort cities of Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. The white-sand shores of the Yucatan continue to attract tourists from all over the world.

Mexico Climate by Region

The Tropic of Cancer runs through Mexico, bisecting the country into areas of temperate and tropical climates. The parts of Mexico that lie above the Tropic of Cancer feature colder winters, and the areas below the Tropic of Cancer experience little fluctuation in temperature throughout the year. This area of the country can be hot and humid in the summer, but the winters are quite mild and pleasant. The regions with the highest elevation experience the coolest temperatures.

Mexico Demographics by Region

Based on the 2005 Census, Mexico's total population is 103 million. No other country in the world has a higher population of Spanish-speaking peoples. Annual population growth has actually receded over the past few decades. A majority of the nation's population (about three-fourths) lives in cities. The areas in and around Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla and Toluca have the highest populations in the country.

Mexico's Economy by Region

Mexico has the 12th largest economy in the world (based on gross domestic product figures). The country's economy has rebounded nicely since the 1994 economic crisis. Interest rates have been lowered, inflation has been reduced and per capita income has increased considerably. Mexico has the highest per capita income of any country in Latin America. The number of people who live in extreme poverty has reduced dramatically.

Mexico has also opened up to foreign investment. Oil export is the country's biggest source of foreign income. Tourism is the nation's third-largest sector in Mexico's industrial GDP. The industrial sector also includes many automobile-manufacturing centers. Agriculture only accounts for a small percentage of the nation's GDP.

Buying Real Estate in Mexico

Whenever you purchase property in a foreign country, you should spend considerable time researching local laws and practices, to avoid running into any surprises. Buying real estate in Mexico is no different. As long as you know what you are doing, you can find amazing real estate opportunities in Mexico -- especially along the coast.

Since construction and maintenance costs are much lower in Mexico, you can build a profitable property that will serve as a lucrative rental or vacation home. Here are some tips, hints and general information to help you educate yourself on Mexico's real estate purchasing process.

The Role of the Notary Public and Lawyers in Mexican Real Estate Transactions

No real estate transaction can be completed without the help of an official Notary Public. In Mexico, Notary Publics are appointed by the state governor. A person must be at least 35 years old to be a Notary Public in Mexico. Each Notary Public must have a law degree and three years of experience working in a Notary Public office. Every Notary Public must also pass a very stringent exam. Notary Publics have the power to witness and certify legal documents.

Under Mexican law, a Notary Public must prepare all official documents relating to real estate transactions. It's also recommended that you hire a lawyer to help with the transaction. Lawyers will act as the intermediaries between you and the Notary Public.

Title Insurance in Mexico

Obtaining title insurance is a wise move when you purchase property in Mexico. If you purchase a property that has liens, title insurance will protect you from being responsible for them. The cost of title insurance is about five or six dollars for every $1,000 of property value. This fee is a one-time payment that will be due upon purchase.

Understanding the Restricted Zone

The Mexican Constitution restricts the property ownership rights of foreigners in the "restricted zone." This zone covers all land that is located 100 km from any Mexican border and any land that is 50 km from the Mexican coastline. Although ownership rights in the restricted area are limited, it is still possible for foreigners to purchase land in the restricted zone. The purchase however, must be conducted through an intermediary trust (also known as a "fideicomiso").

This legal adjustment was made to attract foreign investment to the country. The trust must be established through a Mexican bank. The foreign trustee will have unrestricted use of the land, but the property rights will officially belong to the trust. The trust will be on the title of the property, and the trustees will be the sole beneficiaries of the trust. Each trustee will be able to develop, rent, lease, sell or transfer rights to the property. The trust will also permit you to name a beneficiary upon your death.

Mexico has a thriving real estate market. As long as you educate yourself on the legal customs of the country, you will be able to secure a valuable property. With more roads being constructed to link different cities and regions, you'll find excellent opportunities to get into a region as it develops. This will increase the future value of your property purchase.

Sonora Land Information Guide

Check out our Sonora Land Information Guide for information about the geography, history, economy, government, demographics and major cities of this second-largest Mexican state. Sonora is a beautiful region that contains many different terrains. The state is located right below Arizona and New Mexico. It also borders Sinoloa, Chihuahua and the Sea of Cortez. Explore this region and it's many landscapes. With stunning deserts, towering mountains and gorgeous coastline, Sonora is a wonderful place to call home.