Discover Mexico A-to-Z
La Malinche to Loreto
LA MALINCHE
See: Malinchismo
LA PAZ
La Paz—meaning “Peace”—is the capital city of the State of Baja California Sur, on the shores of the Sea of Cortés, also known as the Gulf of California. It is easily accessible from Los Cabos and is situated nearby the arty-bohemian town of Todos Santos. A ferry connects La Paz with Topolobambo, near Los Mochis, on Mexico’s mainland.
Mexperience: La Paz
See Also: Todos Santos, Beaches
LANGUAGE
Mexico has around 120 million inhabitants; most speak Spanish, and others also speak one of Mexico’s native languages. Most native languages are spoken by Mexico’s indigenous peoples, although the country’s official language, and by far the most widely employed is Spanish. Mexican Spanish is among the most polite, clear, and easy to understand of Latin American Spanish dialects. The speed at which the language is spoken is not as accelerated as it is Spain and some South American countries and its pronunciation is softer, making the language easier to ‘pick-up’ and easier to learn.
Mexperience: Spanish Guide, Spanish Language, Pinpoint Spanish
LAW & ORDER
Mexico’s Legal System is underpinned by the Mexican Constitution and is based primarily upon Napoleonic Law, although it has been transformed over the years and, like the Constitution itself, the legal system has American and Socialist characteristics blended into it.
Mexperience: Law and Order
See Also: Society & Culture
LESBIANS
See: LGBT
LGBT (LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER)
Tolerance of sexual diversity is improving in Mexico’s big cities and some cosmopolitan provincial towns, although Mexican society’s typically conservative social attitudes means that tolerance in Mexico of people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender remains measurably lower than in places like the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia. In certain Mexican indigenous cultures — for example, the Zapotecs and Mayas — sexual diversity has been widely accepted for a considerable time.
Mexperience: LGBT in Mexico
LIVING IN MEXICO
People move to Mexico for a whole variety of reasons: some professional, some personal, or a combination of both. Some move to Mexico to retire, especially because the climate is ideal for retired people in many places around Mexico, enabling them to take full advantage of their spare time and they find that the climates in Mexico are more conducive to their general well-being. Thousands of foreign professionals arrive in Mexico every year, independently or as part of a secondment with the company they are working for. You can find comprehensive information and knowledge about living, working, and retirement in Mexico on Mexperience.
Mexperience: Living in Mexico, Lifestyle Guides
See Also: Retirement, Foreign Residents
LOANS AND CREDIT
See: Banking Services
LONE PARENTS
As part of an effort to prevent child abduction, Mexico participates in international programs which aim to ensure that children crossing its borders are traveling legitimately. Special rules apply for lone parents traveling with children as well as unaccompanied minors. You can find details on Mexperience.
Mexperience: Traveling with Minors to Mexico
See Also: Children
LORETO
Originally a Spanish missionary center for the region, Loreto was inaugurated by Father Juan Maria Salvatierra in 1697 under a statue of the Virgin of Loreto, from where the town gets its name. As far back as the late 1970s the Mexican government began promoting Loreto as tourist destination: it has invested in local infrastructure, built an airport, golf, and tennis facilities there. However, to date, Loreto has still not turned into the huge power magnet that was originally envisioned; its primary attractions are still a tranquil atmosphere, its fishing-village feel, and stunning local scenery. Several real estate developments have emerged here in recent years and Loreto has become one of the towns in the State of Baja California Sur popular with foreign retirees.
Mexperience: Loreto
See Also: Beaches