Beginning of Essay
, in full United Mexican States (Spanish Estados Unidos Mexicanos), federal republic in North America, bounded on the north by the United States; on the east by the United States, the Gulf of , and the Caribbean Sea; on the south by Belize and Guatemala; and on th ....

Middle of Essay
.... and the Gulf of Tehuantepec. The prominent topographical feature of the country is the central plateau, a continuation of the plains of the southwestern United States. Comprising more than half the total area of , the plateau slopes downward from the west to the east and from the south, where the elevation varies from about 1830 to 2440 m (about 6000 to 8000 ft) above sea level, to the north with an elevation of about 1070 to 1220 m (about 3500 to 4000 ft). Two large valleys form notable depressions in the plateau: the Bolsón de Mapimí in the north and the Valley of , or Anáhuac, in central . The coastal plains are generally low, flat, and san ....