The term 'GULF of Mexico' refers to the body of water located between the United States and Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida in the United States, and the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. The GULF of Mexico is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Straits of Florida and the Yucatán Channel. It is the ninth largest body of water in the world and covers an area of approximately 600, 000 square miles. The GULF of Mexico is home to a wide variety of marine life and is an important source of oil and natural gas for both the United States and Mexico.