Mexico is a country in North America, bordered by the United States, Guatemala and Belize, and lying between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Pre-Columbian Mexico was home to many advanced civilizations before first contact with Europeans. From 1521 it was colonized by Spain, becoming an independent state three centuries later. September 16 is the country's independence day, commemorating the Cry of Dolores, a declaration which began the Mexican War of Independence in 1810.
Pictured is the coat of arms of Mexico, which depicts a Mexican golden eagle devouring a rattlesnake while perched on a prickly pear cactus. The eagle and snake motif is rooted in an Aztec legend.Illustration: Juan Gabino; vectorisation: Alex Covarrubias