How Big Is Mexico Compared To Usa is a common question for those curious about geographical comparisons. This comprehensive comparison on COMPARE.EDU.VN delves into the sizes, populations, economies, and various other aspects of Mexico and the United States, providing a detailed side-by-side analysis. By examining these key metrics, this article offers valuable insights for anyone looking to understand the scale and scope of these two North American neighbors, aiding in informed decision-making and broader understanding. Explore the details below, including areas like population density, economic indicators, and quality of life metrics, to gain a complete overview of these nations.
1. Introduction: Mexico and the United States – A Sizeable Overview
Understanding the vastness of a country can be challenging without a tangible comparison. When asking, “How big is Mexico compared to USA?”, it’s essential to look beyond simple land area. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of Mexico and the United States, examining various aspects such as population, economy, infrastructure, and quality of life. By delving into these key metrics, we can gain a deeper understanding of the scale and scope of these two North American neighbors. Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or simply curious, this comparison aims to provide valuable insights. We’ll explore the key differences and similarities between Mexico and the USA, giving you a clear picture of their respective sizes and influence.
2. Geographical Footprint: Area and Land Size Comparison
When addressing the question of how big is Mexico compared to USA, area is the first and most straightforward metric to consider.
- Mexico: Mexico covers an area of approximately 1,964,375 square kilometers (758,458 square miles).
- United States: The United States, on the other hand, spans about 9,525,067 square kilometers (3,677,649 square miles).
This means the United States is significantly larger than Mexico, approximately 4.85 times the size.
The sheer size difference impacts various aspects of each nation, from climate diversity to natural resource availability and infrastructure development. For instance, the larger area of the United States allows for a broader range of climatic zones, supporting diverse agricultural practices and a wider distribution of natural resources. Mexico, while smaller, boasts a strategic geographical location with access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, influencing its trade and economic activities.
3. Population Dynamics: Comparing Inhabitants and Demographics
3.1 Population Size
Beyond the physical size, understanding the population is crucial when considering how big is Mexico compared to USA.
- Mexico: As of recent estimates, Mexico has a population of around 129,740,000 people.
- United States: The United States boasts a significantly larger population of approximately 334,915,000.
The United States has approximately 2.58 times the population of Mexico. This disparity in population size influences various socio-economic factors, including workforce size, consumer markets, and the demand for public services.
3.2 Population Density
Population density, measured by the number of inhabitants per square kilometer, provides insights into how populated each country is relative to its area.
- Mexico: Has a population density of about 66.0 inhabitants per square kilometer.
- United States: Features a lower population density of around 35.2 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Despite being smaller, Mexico has a higher concentration of people in a given area, which can affect urban planning, resource management, and environmental sustainability.
3.3 Life Expectancy
Life expectancy is an important indicator of a nation’s overall health and well-being.
- Mexico: Men have an average life expectancy of approximately 72 years, while women average around 78 years.
- United States: Men have an average life expectancy of about 75 years, and women average around 80 years.
The slightly higher life expectancy in the United States reflects differences in healthcare access, lifestyle factors, and socio-economic conditions.
3.4 Average Age
The average age of a population can indicate the demographic structure and future workforce potential.
- Mexico: Has an average age of around 30.8 years, indicating a relatively young population.
- United States: Has an older average age of approximately 38.9 years.
A younger population in Mexico suggests a growing workforce and potential for economic growth, while the older average age in the United States highlights the need for policies addressing aging populations, such as healthcare and retirement benefits.
3.5 Birth and Death Rates
Birth and death rates further illustrate the demographic trends in each country.
- Mexico: Has a birth rate of 14.64 per 1,000 people and a death rate of 6.71 per 1,000 people.
- United States: Has a lower birth rate of 11.00 per 1,000 people and a higher death rate of 9.80 per 1,000 people.
These figures indicate a higher natural population increase in Mexico compared to the United States, although migration patterns also play a significant role in population growth.
3.6 Migration Rates
Migration rates reflect the movement of people in and out of a country, influencing population changes and cultural diversity.
- Mexico: Experiences a net migration rate of -0.78 per 1,000 people, indicating more people leaving than entering.
- United States: Has a positive net migration rate of 3.95 per 1,000 people.
The United States attracts more immigrants, contributing to its population growth and cultural diversity, while Mexico sees a net outflow of people, often seeking better economic opportunities elsewhere.
4. Quality of Life: A Comparative Analysis
When examining how big is Mexico compared to USA, it’s not just about size and population; quality of life is equally important.
4.1 Political Stability
Political stability is a crucial factor in determining the overall quality of life in a country. It affects everything from economic development to personal safety.
- Mexico: Scores 58 on the political stability index.
- United States: Scores higher at 72 on the same index.
The higher score for the United States suggests a more stable political environment, which can lead to greater confidence in the government and its policies.
4.2 Civil Rights
The protection of civil rights is fundamental to ensuring a high quality of life for all citizens.
- Mexico: Has a score of 32 for civil rights.
- United States: Scores significantly higher at 82.
This indicates a stronger legal and social framework for protecting individual freedoms and rights in the United States compared to Mexico.
4.3 Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is a key determinant of life expectancy and overall well-being.
- Mexico: Scores 54 in healthcare quality.
- United States: Scores 75.
The higher healthcare score in the United States reflects better access to medical facilities, advanced treatments, and a more robust healthcare system, although it also faces challenges regarding affordability and coverage.
4.4 Climate
Climate plays a significant role in daily life, affecting agriculture, tourism, and overall comfort.
- Mexico: Scores 74 for its climate.
- United States: Scores 71.
Mexico’s favorable climate, characterized by warm temperatures and diverse ecosystems, contributes positively to its quality of life, particularly in regions popular for tourism and agriculture.
4.5 Cost of Living
The cost of living is an important consideration for individuals and families, influencing their purchasing power and financial stability.
- Mexico: Has a cost of living index of 30.
- United States: Has an index of 32 (with the USA set at 100%).
The lower cost of living in Mexico can make it an attractive option for those seeking affordable living without sacrificing quality of life, although income levels also play a crucial role in overall affordability.
4.6 Popularity
Popularity, as a measure of attractiveness for tourism, investment, and residency, reflects a country’s overall appeal.
- Mexico: Scores 64 in popularity.
- United States: Scores 75.
The United States’ higher popularity score is driven by its global influence, diverse opportunities, and cultural attractions, making it a desirable destination for many around the world.
5. Economic Landscape: Comparing Economies
How big is Mexico compared to USA in terms of economic power? This section delves into various economic indicators to provide a comprehensive comparison.
5.1 Currency
- Mexico: The currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), with 1 MXN equaling 100 Centavos.
- United States: The currency is the US Dollar (USD), with 1 USD equaling 100 Cents.
The strength and stability of a country’s currency reflect its economic health and influence international trade and investment.
5.2 Unemployment Rate
- Mexico: Has an unemployment rate of 2.8%.
- United States: Has an unemployment rate of 3.6%.
A lower unemployment rate in Mexico suggests a tighter labor market and greater job availability compared to the United States.
5.3 Inflation Rate
- Mexico: Experiences an inflation rate of 4.70%.
- United States: Has a lower inflation rate of 3.00%.
Higher inflation in Mexico can erode purchasing power and affect the cost of goods and services, impacting the overall economy.
5.4 Cost of Living
- Mexico: Has a cost of living index of 60.23% compared to the United States.
- United States: Is set at 100% as the baseline for the cost of living index.
This indicates that the cost of living in Mexico is significantly lower than in the United States, making it a more affordable place to live for many.
5.5 Commercial Taxes and Contributions
- Mexico: Levies commercial taxes and contributions at a rate of 30.00%.
- United States: Has a lower rate of 25.63%.
Higher taxes in Mexico can affect business profitability and investment decisions, potentially influencing economic growth.
5.6 Average Income
- Mexico: Reports an average income of $11,980 USD.
- United States: Boasts a much higher average income of $80,450 USD.
The significant difference in average income reflects the overall economic prosperity and higher earning potential in the United States compared to Mexico.
5.7 Average Wage
- Mexico: Has an average wage of $12,432 USD.
- United States: Reports an average wage of $80,116 USD.
The vast disparity in average wages highlights the economic inequalities and differences in labor market conditions between the two countries.
5.8 Central Government Debt
- Mexico: Has a central government debt of 39.97% of its GDP.
- United States: Carries a much higher debt load of 112.26% of its GDP.
While the United States has a larger economy, its higher debt-to-GDP ratio raises concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability compared to Mexico.
5.9 Corruption Index
- Mexico: Scores 74 on the corruption index, indicating a high level of corruption.
- United States: Scores 35, indicating a moderate level of corruption.
A lower corruption score in the United States suggests a more transparent and accountable government, which can foster economic growth and investor confidence.
6. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Trade
6.1 GDP
- Mexico: Has a total GDP of $1,789,114 million USD, or $13.79 million USD per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has a significantly larger GDP of $27,720,709 million USD, or $82.77 million USD per 1,000 inhabitants.
The United States’ substantially larger GDP reflects its economic dominance and greater productivity compared to Mexico.
6.2 Gross National Product (GNP)
- Mexico: Has a total GNP of $1,554,141 million USD, or $11.98 million USD per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has a GNP of $26,944,999 million USD, or $80.45 million USD per 1,000 inhabitants.
The higher GNP of the United States indicates a greater capacity to generate income from its residents and businesses, both domestically and internationally.
6.3 Exported Goods
- Mexico: Exports $649,729 million USD worth of goods, or $5.01 million USD per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Exports $3,071,813 million USD worth of goods, or $9.17 million USD per 1,000 inhabitants.
The larger export volume of the United States reflects its diverse industrial base and global trade relationships compared to Mexico.
6.4 Imported Goods
- Mexico: Imports $674,695 million USD worth of goods, or $5.20 million USD per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Imports $3,856,704 million USD worth of goods, or $11.52 million USD per 1,000 inhabitants.
The higher import volume in the United States is indicative of its large consumer market and reliance on foreign goods to meet domestic demand.
7. Infrastructure: Comparing Transport Networks
When considering how big is Mexico compared to USA, infrastructure plays a critical role in connecting people and facilitating economic activity.
7.1 Roadways
- Mexico: Has 817,596 km of roadways, or 6.30 km per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Boasts 6,832,000 km of roadways, or 20.40 km per 1,000 inhabitants.
The extensive road network in the United States facilitates efficient transportation of goods and people across vast distances, contributing to economic growth and connectivity.
7.2 Railways
- Mexico: Has 23,389 km of railways, or 0.18 km per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Features a much larger railway network of 293,564 km, or 0.88 km per 1,000 inhabitants.
The more extensive railway system in the United States supports heavy freight transport and long-distance passenger travel, enhancing its logistical capabilities.
7.3 Waterways
- Mexico: Has 2,900 km of waterways, or 0.02 km per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has 41,009 km of waterways, or 0.12 km per 1,000 inhabitants.
The larger network of navigable waterways in the United States facilitates trade and transportation, particularly for bulk commodities, enhancing its economic infrastructure.
7.4 Passenger Airports
- Mexico: Has 64 passenger airports, or 0.0005 per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has 635 passenger airports, or 0.0019 per 1,000 inhabitants.
The greater number of airports in the United States supports extensive air travel, both domestically and internationally, enhancing connectivity and facilitating business and tourism.
8. Energy Balance: Production, Consumption, and Emissions
8.1 Production Capacity
- Mexico: Has a production capacity of 913,825.7 GWh, or 7,043.53 MWh per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has a significantly larger production capacity of 10,520,760.0 GWh, or 31,413.23 MWh per 1,000 inhabitants.
The greater energy production capacity in the United States supports its larger economy and higher energy consumption needs compared to Mexico.
8.2 Energy Consumption
- Mexico: Consumes 296,969.0 GWh of energy, or 2,288.96 MWh per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Consumes 4,128,000.0 GWh of energy, or 12,325.52 MWh per 1,000 inhabitants.
The higher energy consumption in the United States reflects its industrialized economy and greater reliance on energy-intensive activities.
8.3 Energy Production
- Mexico: Produces 333,140.0 GWh of energy, or 2,567.76 MWh per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Produces 4,291,777.0 GWh of energy, or 12,814.53 MWh per 1,000 inhabitants.
The United States’ ability to produce a large amount of energy supports its energy independence and meets its substantial domestic demand.
8.4 Energy Export
- Mexico: Exports 1,447.0 GWh of energy, or 11.15 MWh per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Exports 15,758.0 GWh of energy, or 47.05 MWh per 1,000 inhabitants.
The higher energy export volume from the United States reflects its role as a significant energy supplier in the global market.
8.5 Energy Imports
- Mexico: Imports 4,551.0 GWh of energy, or 35.08 MWh per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Imports 56,970.0 GWh of energy, or 170.10 MWh per 1,000 inhabitants.
The greater energy imports in the United States suggest its reliance on foreign energy sources to supplement domestic production and meet its energy needs.
8.6 CO2 Emissions
- Mexico: Emits 712.10 million tons of CO2, or 5,488.70 tons per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Emits 5.96 billion tons of CO2, or 17,797.97 tons per 1,000 inhabitants.
The higher CO2 emissions from the United States reflect its larger industrial base and greater energy consumption, highlighting the need for sustainable energy policies.
9. Telecommunications: Connectivity and Access
When comparing how big is Mexico compared to USA, telecommunications infrastructure is vital for economic and social development.
9.1 International Dialing Code
- Mexico: +52
- United States: +1
These codes are essential for international communication and reflect each country’s integration into the global telecommunications network.
9.2 Internet Domain
- Mexico: .mx
- United States: .us
These internet domains are used to identify websites originating from each country and reflect their digital presence.
9.3 Landlines
- Mexico: Has 25,636,700 landlines, or 198 per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has 87,987,000 landlines, or 263 per 1,000 inhabitants.
The United States has a higher penetration of landlines, reflecting its more developed telecommunications infrastructure, although mobile phones have largely replaced landlines.
9.4 Mobile Cellulars
- Mexico: Has 140,000,000 mobile cellular subscriptions, or 1079 per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has 386,000,000 mobile cellular subscriptions, or 1153 per 1,000 inhabitants.
Both countries have high mobile phone usage rates, indicating widespread access to mobile telecommunications technology.
9.5 Internet Users
- Mexico: Has 105,326,888 internet users, or 812 per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has 325,302,503 internet users, or 971 per 1,000 inhabitants.
The United States has a higher percentage of internet users, reflecting greater digital access and connectivity compared to Mexico.
9.6 Broadband Internet
- Mexico: Has 26,600,000 broadband internet subscriptions, or 205 per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has 131,000,000 broadband internet subscriptions, or 391 per 1,000 inhabitants.
The higher broadband penetration in the United States indicates better access to high-speed internet, supporting economic and social activities.
10. Healthcare System: A Comparative Look
10.1 Hospital Beds
- Mexico: Has 1.02 hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has 2.74 hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants.
The United States has a higher number of hospital beds, suggesting better access to inpatient medical care compared to Mexico.
10.2 Physicians
- Mexico: Has 2.56 physicians per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has 3.61 physicians per 1,000 inhabitants.
The United States has a greater number of physicians per capita, indicating better access to medical professionals compared to Mexico.
10.3 Rabies Deaths
- Mexico: Has a rabies death rate of 0.000 per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Also has a rabies death rate of 0.000 per 1,000 inhabitants.
Both countries have effectively controlled rabies, resulting in very low death rates from the disease.
10.4 HIV Prevalence
- Mexico: Has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.80 per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has an HIV prevalence rate of 1.70 per 1,000 inhabitants.
The higher HIV prevalence in Mexico suggests a greater public health challenge in managing and controlling the spread of the virus compared to the United States.
10.5 Tuberculosis Incidence
- Mexico: Has a tuberculosis incidence rate of 0.29 per 1,000 inhabitants.
- United States: Has a much lower rate of 0.03 per 1,000 inhabitants.
The higher tuberculosis incidence in Mexico indicates a greater public health burden from the disease compared to the United States.
10.6 Diabetes Prevalence
- Mexico: Has a diabetes prevalence rate of 16.9%.
- United States: Has a prevalence rate of 10.7%.
The higher prevalence of diabetes in Mexico suggests a greater public health challenge in preventing and managing the disease compared to the United States.
10.7 Smokers
- Mexico: Has a smoking rate of 9.0%.
- United States: Also has a smoking rate of 9.0%.
Both countries have similar smoking rates, indicating comparable public health efforts in tobacco control.
11. Climate: A Tale of Two Countries
How big is Mexico compared to USA in terms of climate diversity and characteristics?
11.1 Daytime Temperatures
- Mexico: Average daytime temperature is 30.5 °C.
- United States: Average daytime temperature is 19.1 °C.
Mexico generally experiences warmer daytime temperatures due to its geographical location closer to the equator.
11.2 Nighttime Temperatures
- Mexico: Average nighttime temperature is 17.5 °C.
- United States: Average nighttime temperature is 7.6 °C.
Nighttime temperatures in Mexico are also warmer, providing a more moderate climate year-round compared to the United States.
11.3 Water Temperature
- Mexico: Average water temperature is 25.5 °C.
- United States: Average water temperature is 19.1 °C.
The warmer water temperatures in Mexico, particularly in coastal areas, enhance its attractiveness for tourism and water-based activities.
11.4 Relative Humidity
- Mexico: Average relative humidity is 67%.
- United States: Average relative humidity is also 67%.
Both countries experience similar levels of relative humidity, affecting comfort and weather patterns.
11.5 Rain Days
- Mexico: Averages 5.9 rain days.
- United States: Averages 7.1 rain days.
The United States generally experiences more rain days, affecting agricultural practices and water resource management.
11.6 Sunshine Hours
- Mexico: Averages 7.5 sunshine hours per day.
- United States: Averages 7.2 sunshine hours per day.
Mexico enjoys slightly more sunshine hours, contributing to its favorable climate and tourism appeal.
12. Native Languages: A Linguistic Landscape
12.1 Spanish
- Mexico: 90.0% of the population speaks Spanish.
- United States: 10.7% of the population speaks Spanish.
Spanish is the dominant language in Mexico, while it is a significant minority language in the United States.
12.2 English
- Mexico: Not applicable.
- United States: 82.1% of the population speaks English.
English is the primary language in the United States, facilitating communication and commerce.
12.3 Mayan Languages
- Mexico: 1.9% of the population speaks Mayan languages.
- United States: Not applicable.
Mayan languages are an important part of Mexico’s cultural heritage, spoken by indigenous communities.
12.4 Náhuatl
- Mexico: 1.5% of the population speaks Náhuatl.
- United States: Not applicable.
Náhuatl is another indigenous language spoken in Mexico, reflecting its rich linguistic diversity.
12.5 Zapotec
- Mexico: 1.1% of the population speaks Zapotec.
- United States: Not applicable.
Zapotec is also spoken in Mexico and is a significant part of the linguistic landscape.
12.6 Other Languages in the United States
- Chinese: 0.9%
- French: 0.7%
- German: 0.6%
- Italian: 0.6%
- Tagalog: 0.4%
- Korean: 0.3%
- Polish: 0.3%
- Vietnamese: 0.2%
- Russian: 0.2%
- Portuguese: 0.2%
- Japanese: 0.2%
- Armenian: 0.1%
The United States has a highly diverse linguistic landscape, with numerous languages spoken by immigrant communities.
13. Religions: Belief Systems
13.1 Christianity
- Mexico: 90.7% of the population identifies as Christian.
- United States: 69.9% of the population identifies as Christian.
Christianity is the dominant religion in both countries, although the United States has a more diverse religious landscape.
13.2 Nondenominational
- Mexico: 4.7% of the population identifies as nondenominational.
- United States: 23.3% of the population identifies as nondenominational.
The United States has a higher percentage of people who do not affiliate with a specific religious denomination.
13.3 Other Religions in the United States
- Judaism: 1.4%
- Buddhism: 0.8%
- Islam: 0.8%
- Hinduism: 0.5%
The United States has a more diverse range of religions, reflecting its multicultural society.
13.4 Maya
- Mexico: 0.7% of the population practices Maya religions.
- United States: Not applicable.
Maya religious practices are part of Mexico’s indigenous cultural heritage.
13.5 Other Religions
- Mexico: 3.9% of the population practices other religions.
- United States: 3.3% of the population practices other religions.
Both countries have a small percentage of people who practice religions other than Christianity, reflecting their diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
14. Conclusion: Size, Scope, and Significance
In summary, when considering how big is Mexico compared to USA, the United States is significantly larger in terms of land area, population, and economic output. However, Mexico boasts a unique cultural heritage, a strategic geographical location, and a lower cost of living.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Area: The United States is approximately 4.85 times larger than Mexico.
- Population: The United States has about 2.58 times the population of Mexico.
- Economy: The United States has a substantially larger GDP and higher average income compared to Mexico.
- Quality of Life: While the United States generally scores higher in political stability and healthcare, Mexico offers a favorable climate and a lower cost of living.
Understanding these differences and similarities is crucial for informed decision-making, whether you’re a student, a business professional, or simply curious about the world.
Navigating the complexities of comparing different options can be challenging. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we provide detailed and objective comparisons to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re comparing countries, products, or services, our platform offers the insights you need.
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15. FAQ: Common Questions About Mexico and the United States
1. How much bigger is the US than Mexico?
The US is approximately 4.85 times larger than Mexico in terms of land area.
2. What is the population difference between Mexico and the United States?
The United States has about 2.58 times the population of Mexico.
3. Which country has a higher GDP, Mexico or the United States?
The United States has a significantly higher GDP than Mexico.
4. What is the average income in Mexico compared to the United States?
The average income in the United States is much higher than in Mexico, reflecting the different economic scales of the two countries.
5. How does the cost of living compare between Mexico and the United States?
The cost of living in Mexico is generally lower than in the United States.
6. Which country has a higher life expectancy, Mexico or the United States?
The United States has a slightly higher life expectancy for both men and women compared to Mexico.
7. How do the healthcare systems compare in Mexico and the United States?
The United States generally has a more advanced healthcare system with better access to medical facilities and professionals, but it also faces challenges related to affordability and coverage.
8. What are the major languages spoken in Mexico and the United States?
Spanish is the dominant language in Mexico, while English is the primary language in the United States.
9. How do the climates of Mexico and the United States compare?
Mexico generally has a warmer climate with higher daytime and nighttime temperatures, while the United States has a more diverse range of climates due to its larger size.
10. Which country has a higher unemployment rate, Mexico or the United States?
Mexico currently has a lower unemployment rate compared to the United States.
This FAQ section aims to address some of the most common questions about Mexico and the United States, providing clear and concise answers to help readers better understand the key differences and similarities between these two North American neighbors.
