As a geographer with a deep interest in the political and cultural aspects of the world, I am pleased to address the question of whether Mexico is considered part of North America. Geographically, North America is one of the seven continents recognized globally, and it includes a vast expanse of land that stretches from the Arctic Circle in the north to the narrow isthmus of Central America in the south. This continent is further divided into three major regions: North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

When we delve into the specifics of the continent, we find that North America traditionally encompasses three sovereign states: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This is a widely accepted definition that is often used in various contexts, including political, economic, and cultural discussions. The inclusion of Mexico in North America is not just a geographical fact but also a political and economic reality. Mexico is a member of several North American organizations and agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was later replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), further solidifying its place within the North American region.

It is also important to note that the northern part of the continent, which includes the United States and Canada, is sometimes referred to as North America in a more restricted sense. This usage is less common but does exist, particularly in discussions that focus on the northernmost regions of the continent. However, when we speak of North America in its broadest sense, it is inclusive of Mexico.

The term "North America" can also be used to include Greenland, which is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. While Greenland is geographically part of the North American plate, it is politically and culturally linked to Europe due to its ties with Denmark.

In contrast, Central America is a region that connects North America and South America. It consists of seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. This region is often considered a subregion of North America due to its geographical location and its historical, cultural, and economic ties to both North and South America.

The Caribbean, on the other hand, is a region that includes the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and the surrounding coasts. This area is culturally and historically distinct from the rest of North America and is often treated as a separate region for various purposes.

In conclusion, Mexico is indeed a part of North America when considering the continent in its entirety. Its inclusion is supported by geographical, political, economic, and cultural ties that bind it to the broader North American region. While there are variations in how the term "North America" is used, the most comprehensive and inclusive definition recognizes Mexico as a key component of this continent.

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These are Central America and the Caribbean. The north of the continent maintains recognized regions as well. In contrast to the common definition of "North America", that which encompasses the whole continent, the term "North America" is also used to refer to Canada, Mexico, the United States, and Greenland.read more >>