The international border between Mexico (United Mexican States) and the United States is the longest in the world between an economically developing country and one with a highly developed, industrialized economy. This proximity has influenced the culture of both Mexico and the United States, evident in a number of communities that have grown up along the common border.
Mexico is more than 2,000 km (1,200 mi) wide along its northern border with the United States, but narrows to only 210 km (130 mi) in the south, between the Bay of Campeche and the Gulf of Tehuantepec. The central plateau, where most of Mexico's major peaks and inactive volcanoes are located, runs from the U.S. border through the middle of the country south to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The large basin where Mexico City is located has been known historically as the Valley of Mexico. As with California to the north, Mexico has frequent seismic activity, and earthquakes are fairly common in the capital city. The important international tourist center of Cancun is located along the eastern coast of the Yucatán. Mexico's coastline totals about 9,300 km (about 5,800 mi) in length, with its western coast being about twice as long as its eastern coast.
Much of the country is characterized by a semiarid climate with limited rainfall. The varied topography and climate in other regions have contributed to regional diversity and uneven economic development.
