Mexico is located in North America, bordered to the north by the United States, to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean, to the southeast by Guatemala and Belize, and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico. The country features diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and coastal regions. The Sierra Madre mountain ranges run along the western and eastern sides of the country, while the central plateau, known as the Mexican Plateau, is a significant geographical feature. Mexico also has numerous rivers, lakes, and a variety of ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to arid deserts.