Population: 107,029,000

Capital and Population: Mexico City ; 19,013,000

Area: 1,964,375 square kilometers (758,449 square miles)

Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant

Currency: Mexican peso

Life Expectancy: 74 years (men), 79 years (women)

GDP Per Capita: U.S. $8,900

Monetary unit: 1 peso = 100 centavos

Main exports: Machinery and transport equipment, mineral fuels and lubricants, food and live animals

Literacy Percent: 92%

Riviera Maya

Located in Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula and in the state of Quintana Roo, The Riviera Maya includes Tulum, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, and of course Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen

Playa is the fastest growing city in Latin America , and the world's fastest growing town (by a rate of 26% per annum), according to the Guinness Book of Records.

The Riviera Maya is one of the most popular and beautiful tourism districts in Mexico , covering an 80-mile stretch of Caribbean coastline, and is famous for its all-inclusive resorts, powder white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, and array of recreational activities.  As a result, Riviera Maya real estate and the tourism industry are booming.

The Terrain of Riviera Maya is flat, with tropical jungles and breathtaking coastlines along the Mexican Caribbean.  Residents and tourists enjoy a pleasant climate, with the average annual temperature ranging from 77 degrees F to 86 degrees F.  Offshore water temperatures in Riviera Maya range from 78 degrees F in January to 84 degrees F in August.  The months of May through November are the rainy season, bringing at most one or two short afternoon showers a day.

At $13 US Billion a year, Foreign Tourism is the third largest revenue source for the Mexican Government. The Yucatan Peninsula , which includes Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, generates over 70% of this $13 billion in this foreign tourism revenue.

For the second consecutive year, condominium construction has outpaced that of hotels.  According to the housing consulting firm Softec Mexico , sales of tourist housing in 2007 increased 52.5% as compared to the previous year.  Approximately 80% of the beachfront housing was purchased by foreigners, principally from the U.S. , Canada and now many European Countries.

The Mexican Government projects a six-fold increase in tourism investments by 2012, to reach 20 billion dollars. 

In a meeting with the business community to promote investment in infrastructure in the tourist sector, Mexican President Felipe Calderon said a record investment of 3.5 billion dollars was reached in 2007, surpassing expectations.  “Our wish is, of course, not just to keep up, but to increase the rhythm of investment in the sector this year.  By 2012 we want Mexico to have private investment in tourism of at least 20 billion dollars,” Calderon said.  The Mexican president is keen to promote investment in infrastructure as a way to diffuse the effects of a possible recession in the United States .

Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo is located on the Yucatan Peninsula , bordered by the Bay of Chetumal and Rio Hondo to the South, and the Caribbean Seat to the east.  It is the youngest state in the country, as well as the farthest east, meaning it is the first state to see the sunrise everyday.  It is also one of the only sates featuring magnificent underground rivers with limestone sinkholes, perfect for diving.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is the fastest growing and the most happening place on the coast.  There are hotels for every budget, a vast variety of restaurants offering a taste of the global menu, and an active nightlife of which most is on or around s the famous 5 th Avenue .

In the last few years the town has grown quickly, and local residents and the tourism board are working hard to keep if from becoming a smaller version of Cancun .  The government and citizens are encouraging builders to use the same kind of tropical, slightly avant-garde architectural style that has given Playa del Carmen its unique charm.

Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras is a private gated community located 20 minutes south of the world famous Playa del Carmen and 30 minutes north of Tulum.  If you are thinking about vacationing in this beautiful destination you will not be disappointed.  Travelers to Puerto Aventuras can enjoy their vacations in the comfort of Luxury 5 Star Hotel accommodations.

If you want more of the comforts of home while on vacation in Puerto Aventuras you can rent one of the many condos, villas or houses that line the beach, marina, and golf course.  Here you will find so many activities, restaurants and shopping just a short walk from your door.

Akumal

The community of Akumal and Half Moon Bay is relatively old for the shore, which means that it's already built up and does not have the boomtown feel of Playa and Tulum. Akumal has a strong ecological orientation and the locals are a mix of North American and Mexican citizens, who take full advantage of the slower paced lifestyle of the tropics, making this a good place to chill and watch the waves.

Tulum

The town of Tulum (near the Tulum ruins) has a hotel district of about 30 palapa style hotels, which stretch down the coast of Punta Allen peninsula.  A few years ago it was mainly a destination for backpackers but with some of the most beautiful beaches on this coast and many improvements in htel amenities, it now attracts people with larger budgets.  Tulum is a place where you can enjoy the beach in relative solitude and quite.  Standing on the beach you can look both ways, see nothing but white powder sand, palm trees and maybe count 30 people.

The Tulum Mayan Ruin site is located on the beach where it is known that Mayan Kings Vacationed.