Mexico and the United Kingdom, two nations rich in culture and history, often draw comparisons. But just how different are these countries in size and scale? This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of Mexico and the UK, examining demographics, geography, economy, tourism, and even beer consumption.
Mexico dwarfs the UK in terms of landmass, as illustrated by this map. Many European countries, including the UK, could fit comfortably within Mexico’s borders.
Population and Demographics: A Tale of Two Nations
The UK, with a population of 67.6 million, is dwarfed by Mexico’s 126 million inhabitants. While over 80% of the UK population resides in England, Mexico boasts a more evenly distributed population across its states. This significant difference in population size places Mexico as the 10th most populous nation globally, while the UK ranks 21st.
Beyond sheer numbers, the two countries differ in age demographics. The median age in the UK is 40.7 years, significantly higher than Mexico’s 29 years. This disparity extends to life expectancy, with UK residents enjoying a longer lifespan compared to their Mexican counterparts. For instance, life expectancy at birth for females in the UK is 82.6 years compared to 78.4 years in Mexico.
Geographical Size: A Stark Contrast
Mexico’s vast territory, encompassing 1.96 million square kilometers, makes it the 13th largest country worldwide. In contrast, the UK’s land area of 243,610 square kilometers positions it as the 78th largest. To put this into perspective, Mexico is roughly eight times larger than the UK. Chihuahua, Mexico’s largest state, is even larger than the entire UK by almost 4,000 square kilometers.
This size difference extends to geographical features. Mexico’s highest peak, Pico de Orizaba, towers over Scotland’s Ben Nevis at 5,636 meters compared to 1,345 meters. Similarly, Mexico’s largest lake, Lake Chapala, and longest river, the Rio Grande, significantly surpass the UK’s Lough Neagh and River Severn in size.
Migration: Britons in Mexico, Mexicans in the UK
Interestingly, a small community of 2,582 British immigrants call Mexico home, primarily concentrated in Mexico City, Querétaro, and Nuevo León. Conversely, around 18,000 Mexicans reside in the UK, including prominent figures like Premier League footballers Raúl Jiménez and Edson Álvarez. The historical ties between the two nations date back centuries, with documented cases of British individuals living in Mexico during the Spanish colonial era.
Economic Landscape: Disparities in Wealth and Growth
While both nations are significant global players, the UK boasts a larger economy with a nominal GDP of US $3.34 trillion compared to Mexico’s $1.79 trillion. This translates to the UK economy being nearly twice the size of Mexico’s. However, wealth distribution tells a different story. Per-capita GDP in the UK is significantly higher at US $46,125 compared to Mexico’s $11,496.
Despite the UK’s larger economy, Mexico exhibited stronger growth in recent years. In 2023, Mexico’s economy grew by 3.2% compared to the UK’s meager 0.1% growth. The IMF forecasts continued growth for Mexico in the coming years.
Tourism: A Close Contest
Both the UK and Mexico are popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. While Mexico welcomed 42.1 million international tourists in 2023, the UK hosted an estimated 37.8 million. Both countries offer unique attractions, from historical sites like Stonehenge and Chichén Itzá to vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes.
Iconic landmarks draw tourists to both nations: Chichén Itzá in Mexico (left) and Stonehenge in the UK (right) represent the rich cultural heritage of each country.
Football and Beer: A Friendly Rivalry
Football, a beloved sport in both countries, reveals interesting comparisons. While England dominates in head-to-head international matches against Mexico, Mexico boasts a more passionate and widespread football culture. In beer production and consumption, Mexico emerges as the clear winner, producing significantly more beer and consuming more per capita than the UK.
Mexico outpaces the UK in both beer production and consumption, highlighting cultural differences and market size.
Conclusion: Size Isn’t Everything
While Mexico surpasses the UK in geographical size, population, and beer consumption, the UK boasts a larger economy and higher per-capita wealth. Both nations possess unique strengths and attractions, offering rich cultural experiences, vibrant economies, and passionate sporting traditions. Ultimately, the comparison highlights the diverse and fascinating characteristics of these two distinct nations.
