“Que viene” vs “proximo”?

Question

I have seen the expression, “*next year*” translated as both “**el ano que viene**” and “**el ano proximo**.” Are there regional preferences? Which one is more natural and why? Which translation is particularly used in Mexico?

Answer 1

"El año que viene" translates more literally to "this coming year" while "el próximo año" would be "next year." Neither is more correct than the other; they convey the same general message.