INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MEXICO

In the minds of most people, Mexico is usually seen as a beach resort destination or a corrupt narco-state run by drug lords. However, the majority of people don’t know the facts about Mexico, its culture, and its people. With vibrant cultural events and colorful celebrations, there is so much to learn about this wonderful North American gem. Here are some Interesting Facts about Mexico.

 

Tulum

 

The Capital of Mexico Wasn’t Mexico City Until 2016

The majority of people have always thought that the capital of Mexico is Mexico City. The actual capital was Distrito Federal (DF) – the Federal District, In 2016, the city officially changed its name to CDMX (Ciudad de Mexico). It can be confusing because the Mexico City metropolitan area lies within DF and parts of the State of Mexico. However, only the inhabitants of DF can say they live in the capital.

Cultural Heritage

Mexico is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. It is home to 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza, the pre-Columbian city of Teotihuacan, and the historic center of Mexico City. The list includes the historic centers of towns like Guanajuato, Mexico City, and Puebla, as well as dozens of ancient ruins, the agave fields of Tequila, and much more.

 

Teotihuacan

 

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Cinco de Mayo, often misunderstood as Mexico's Independence Day, actually commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It is celebrated with parades, music, and traditional dances. Mexico declared independence on September 27th, 1821, but the beginning of the independence war was Sept 16th, 1810,  the day that’s celebrated as independence day.

 

Megadiverse Country

Mexico is one of the world's megadiverse countries, housing 10-12% of the world's biodiversity. It boasts a wide range of ecosystems, including deserts, jungles, coral reefs, and mountains, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

 

Barrier Reef Eco Systems

 

Gastronomy

Mexican cuisine is globally celebrated. It is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Tantalizing dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, mole, guacamole, and chiles en nogada showcase Mexico's diverse flavors and regional specialties.

 

Aztec and Mayan Civilizations

Mexico was the cradle of ancient civilizations, notably the Aztecs and Mayans. These civilizations left behind impressive archaeological sites, intricate pyramids, and intricate artwork, providing a glimpse into their advanced societies.

 

Chichen Itza

 

Birthplace of Chocolate

Chocolate has its roots in Mexico. The ancient Mesoamericans, including the Mayans and Aztecs, cultivated cacao trees and enjoyed a bitter drink made from roasted cacao beans. Today, Mexico produces high-quality chocolate loved worldwide.

 

Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a unique Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1-2. It honors deceased loved ones with colorful altars, sugar skulls, marigold decorations, and visits to cemeteries. It's a vibrant celebration of life and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

 

Day of The dead

 

The Great Pyramid of Cholula

The Great Pyramid of Cholula in Puebla, Mexico, is the largest pyramid by volume in the world. Despite being over 2,000 years old, it was concealed beneath a hill until its discovery in the 20th century.

 

Beautiful Beaches

Mexico boasts stunning beaches along its coastlines. From the crystal-clear waters of the Riviera Maya to the vibrant nightlife of Acapulco and the secluded shores of the Baja California Peninsula, there is a beach destination to suit every taste.

 

Quintana Roo

 

Mexico City is Sinking Every Year

Mexico City has the highest elevation and is the oldest city in North America. But not only that. it’s also built over the ruins of a great Aztec city Tenochtitlán on a lake. As a result, Mexico City is sinking at a rate of 6 to 8 inches a year as pumps draw water out for the city’s growing population.

 

Mexico Has the Oldest University in North America

People usually think that since Mexico is a part of Latin America it’s located in either South or Central America. But Mexico is actually a part of North America, along with the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean islands. Therefore, Mexico has the oldest university in North America. The National University of Mexico (UNAM) was founded in 1551 by Charles V of Spain, 85 years before Harvard.

 

UNAM University Campus

 

UNESCO City of Design

Mexico City is a UNESCO City of Design, recognized for its innovative and influential design industry. The city is a hub for architecture, fashion, industrial design, and graphic arts, contributing to its vibrant creative scene.

 

Mexico Has World’s Smallest Volcano

Mexico is in the middle of the “Ring of Fire”, also called the circum-Pacific Belt. It’s where almost 90% of the world’s earthquakes and about 81 % of the planet’s volcanic eruptions take place. It’s the only place in the world where a rare rabbit called the volcano rabbit which lives near volcanos. Mexico is also home to the world’s smallest volcano – Cuexcomate. This volcano sits just outside the city of Puebla and stands a cute 43 feet tall, barely a small hill.

 

Cuexcomate

 

Mexico Has Been Inhabited for About 22,000 Years

For years, archeologists could only date Mexico’s inhabitants back to the Olmec civilization, about 3,700 years ago. Among the first Mesoamericans to create complex societies, the Olmec’s unique cultural practices influenced later civilizations, like the Maya and Aztecs.

 

Mexico is home to the most Cenotes on the planet

Mexico is known for its beautiful cenotes, which are basically natural freshwater pools. There are about 6,000 cenotes in Mexico, with most in the Yucatan Peninsula, and all connected as part of the largest underwater cave system on Earth.

 

Caribbean Cenote

The World’s Smallest Dog Comes from Mexico

The Chihuahua is the smallest known dog breed. It was first bred in the Northern Mexican state of Chihuahua — for which the dog is named. Chihuahuas are said to be descendants of the techichi, an ancient and bark-less companion from the Toltec civilization.

Millions of Butterflies Migrate to and from Mexico Each Year

Every November, millions (possibly billions) of monarch butterflies make their annual 3,000-mile migration from Canada to Mexico, where they stay from about November to March. Located not far from Mexico City, the Mexico Monarch Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you visit Central Mexico during their migration season, this is one of the most fun things to do in Mexico.

 

Monarch Butterflies

 

Mexico has the Most Taxi Cabs in the World

In Mexico City alone, with its massive population of nearly nine million, there are more than 140,000 taxi cabs on the roads. This is said to be the world’s largest fleet of cabs, but nowadays, there are also Mexico ride-sharing apps like Uber, DiDi, and BlaBlaCar.

Mexico is Home to World’s Biggest Ancient Pyramid

The largest pyramid in the world is the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico. It is also the largest monument ever constructed in the world, not the pyramids of Giza. Incredibly, this massive pyramid is mostly buried underground!

 

Cholula 

 

Mexico has NO Official Language

More so than not having one single official language, Mexico actually has 68 official languages! This places Mexico as one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. Though Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world, and most Mexicans do speak Spanish, there are 68 other recognized languages.

Mexico is the World’s Largest Beer Exporter

In 2019, Mexico exported $4.2 billion worth of beer. The Netherlands, which produces Heineken, is the world’s second biggest beer exporter with sales of $2.1 billion — only about half as much as Mexico. What’s the best-selling beer in Mexico? According to Wikipedia, it’s Corona, which is one of the five most-consumed beers in the world, and available in more than 150 countries.

 

Coronas on The Beach

 

Color TV Was Invented in Mexico

Without Mexico, the world would be a lot more black and white for a long time. Guillermo González Camarena was an inventor who created the chromoscopic adapter for television equipment, which was an early color tv transmission system. He was only 17 and did it during WWII! His first official color transmission was from Mexico City in 1946.

 

There are 59 Types of Corn in Mexico

When it comes to the meaning of words that describe corn Mexico is like the North Pole and the words for snow. However corn, in general, is called maiz, but there are various words for corn in different forms. It’s not surprising as Mexican corn comes in 59 varieties.

 

Mexican Corn

 

These fascinating facts only scratch the surface of Mexico's rich history, cultural heritage, natural wonders, and culinary delights. Exploring this diverse and captivating country will undoubtedly reveal countless more intriguing aspects of Mexican culture and traditions. These are just a few of the most interesting facts about Mexico, a fascinating Latin American country that every traveler should visit at least once.Find out more here.