The following is a comparison between the top two most populous countries in North America, the United States of America (USA) and Mexico. Let’s read.
USA vs Mexico | country comparison
Which country has a larger area, USA or Mexico?
The United States is one of the largest countries in the world. It is five times larger than Mexico.
- USA area – approximately 9.8 million square km
- Mexico area – approximately 1.96 million square km
Which country is more populous, USA or Mexico?
USA and Mexico rank number 1 and 2 respectively in terms of population in North America.
- USA population – 340 million (2023 estimate)
- Mexico population – 129.4 million (2024 estimate)
GDP comparison
| 2023 IMF | USA | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | United States Dollar | Mexican Peso |
| GDP (nominal) | $27.72 trillion | $1.79 trillion |
| GDP per capita (nominal) | $82.72 thousand | $13.64 thousand |
| GDP (PPP) | $27.72 trillion | $3.18 trillion |
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mexico has more sites inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list as compared with the United States,
- USA – 26 sites
- Mexico – 35 sites
Capital city
- USA – Washington, D.C. (population – around 700,000)
- Mexico – Mexico City (Population – around 9.2 million)
Fun fact: Mexico city is the largest city in North America.
Climate
Both Mexico and the United States have a wide range of climate zones. In general, Mexico remains warmer than the United States.
Popular sports
- American football, baseball, and basketball are the three most popular sports in the US.
- Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Mexico. Other popular sports in Mexico are Baseball, boxing, and basketball.
Most spoken Language
- USA – English
- Mexico – Spanish
Highest mountain peak
- USA – Denali/Mount McKinley (6,190 m)
- Mexico – Pico de Orizaba/Citlaltépetl (5,636 m)
State/Provinces
- The US has 50 states and a federal district i.e., Washington, D.C.
- There are 32 federal entities in Mexico, 31 of which are states and 1 is the capital Mexico City.
(Also read: USA vs Canada | USA and Canada – country comparison)
Wildlife
Mexico is a biodiversity hotspot. The country has 10-12% of the world’s biodiversity,
Large mammals
- USA – Brown bear, black bear, Cougar, Bighorn sheep, Gray Wolf, Moose, Elk, American Bison, etc.
- Mexico – Cougar, Jaguar, Baird’s tapir, Spider monkey, etc.
Birds
- USA – Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, etc.
- Mexico – West Mexican chachalaca, Golden Eagle, Green parakeet, Mexican Woodnymph, etc.
Reptiles
- USA – American Alligator, American crocodile, Western diamondback rattlesnake, Gila monster lizard, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, etc.
- Mexico – Western diamondback rattlesnake, Gila monster lizard, Mexican beaded lizard, Morelet’s crocodile, etc.
USA vs Mexico
| USA | Mexico | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | approximately 9.8 million square km | approximately 1.96 million square km |
| Population | 340 million (2023 estimate) | 129.4 million (2024 estimate) |
| Most spoken language | American English | Spanish |
| Capital city | Washington, D.C. | Mexico City |
| Largest city | New York City | Mexico City |
| Currency | United States dollar | Mexican Peso |
| Life expectancy at birth (2023/UN) | 79.3 | 75.07 |
| Highest mountain | Denali/Mount McKinley | Pico de Orizaba |
| Most popular sport | American Football | Football (association football) |
| Busiest Airport | Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport | Mexico City International Airport |
| Type of government | Federal presidential constitutional republic | Federal presidential republic |