The Maya people have remained steadfast throughout the years and you can still find considerable populations in present-day Mexico. Their peak was during the pre-Columbian Maya civilization.

The Mesoamerican Maya civilization began around 1800 BC in Soconusco. This was known as the Preclassical period. During this period, the Maya gradually expanded, reaching both the northern and southern lowlands. At its peak, the civilization extended all over northern Central America, including not only Mexico, but other countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize.

Beginning in the Late Preclassical Period, the Mayas started building step pyramids in various locations. Temples were built at the summit of the pyramids, which were topped with carved roof combs. The height of the roof combs allowed them to be viewed even from far away.

The Classical Period saw the continual growth of the Maya civilization. During this era, Maya art blossomed, evident in various murals at Bonampak and stucco reliefs at Palenque.

A small Maya state, known as a polity, is ruled by an "Ajaw." A typical Maya settlement involves a group of houses situated around the acropolis or palaces and the temples. The layout of the city followed the natural form of the environment. Maya society was mostly agriculturally-based, although they also had an established trade industry.

The Maya contributed in various spheres of learning, most especially in writing, mathematics and astronomy. Maya mathematics established the number zero, and used number systems with a base of 20 and a base of 5. The Maya also made precise findings in the field of astronomy, specifically the planets and the moon. They also had observatories built.

The Maya calendar was also very similar to the present calendar, with 365 days in a year. Most of their astronomical discoveries were written in the Dresden Codex.

Maya religion believed that there are three planes in the world, specifically the sky, the earth and the underworld. Most religious ceremonies are performed on ceremonial platforms.

The Postclassical period saw the continued development of the civilization. Gradually, the Maya area declined and separated into city states. When the Spanish arrived, they tried to invade the Maya areas one by one. It took about 150 years before Spain fially conquered the last of the Maya city states, the Itza polity and the Kowoj city.

The Maya peoples can still be found in a number of Maya areas, still with their own sets of traditions. There are more than a thousand Maya sites that you can visit. The bigger ones, such as Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Paleque, are easily accessible and usually have tour guides.

Mexico is divided into several regions. These include Northern Mexico, which are the states nearest to the US-Mexico Border; Central Mexico, which is in the area of the capital; the Pacific Coast, which is composed of a number of beach resorts in the southern area; Baja California, which is a peninsula in the western region; and the Yucatan Peninsula, which is composed of jungles and tropical rainforests.

The country of Mexico is made up of 31 states. Many cities in Mexico are known throughout the world, such as Mexico City, Guanajato, Acapulco and Cancun. The capital of the country is Mexico City, which is also the largest city in Mexico, and one of the largest in the world.