Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 04:33 pm
Are you looking for some interesting facts about Mexico? You are in the right place! We’ve got you covered with 100 Mexico facts.
Mexico is one of the popular countries in the world. This country is famous for its exceptional food world, rich culture, pretty beaches. Apart from this, you can see the evolution of Mesoamerican civilizations — such as the Olmec, Maya, Zapotec and Aztec throughout this incredible nation.
From world-class chocolates to gorgeous and beautiful festivals, this country has so much to offer all — who loves to tour and explore amazing countries and places.
Infographics of 60 Facts about Mexico
60 Interesting Facts about Mexico in infographics © Complete Facts Online.com
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Infographics of Basic Facts about Mexico for Kids and Preschoolers
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Surprising Facts About Mexico
1. Angel of Independence: Iconic Symbol of Mexico City
Let’s start with an iconic representation of Mexico!
You might have seen this picture before — it is the Angel of Independence Monument located in Mexico City on the prominent thoroughfare of Paseo de la Reforma.
The Mexican city Angel of Independence was created by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado during the presidency of Porfirio Díaz — to honor the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s War of Independence. It is also a tribute to Mexican freedom fighters over Spain in the independence war. It represents: victory, freedom, and the strength of the Mexican people.
The monument was opened on September 16, 1910, is where 14 national heroes, including Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Ignacio Allende, and José María Morelos y Pavón, are laid to rest. It is a popular place to visit because of its historical significance and beautiful views.
2. Mexico City was built on lake and is Gradually Sinking
Mexico city is sinking. Yes, its true. Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, sinks gradually by about 10 inches yearly due to groundwater extraction from its ancient lake bed. This phenomenon, often called a real-life Atlantis, makes it unique among other capitals.
The city’s sinking has caused it to drop from the 7th to the 8th highest capital globally, now surpassed by Yemen.
3. Mexico is where North American print was born
Mexico is a special place ; It’s where printing first started in North America. This happened way before the internet was invented, in 1539.
The first press was at Casa de la Primera Printera de América ( House of the First Printing). This is in Mexico City. You can still visit this historical site today.
It’s a great way to learn about the history of printing. in North American. Moreover, you can share this cool fact with your friends and family members!
4. The education system in Mexico has a rich history
The oldest North American university isn’t Harvard, but the National Autonomous University of Mexico. It had various names over its history but the most popular former name for this university is the “Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico.” Opening in 1551 as the Royal and Pontifical University of New Spain, it briefly closed in 1867.
Established by a royal decree of Charles V of Spain and confirmed by a papal bull of Pope Julius III, it holds the distinction of being the second oldest university in the Americas, after the University of Santo Domingo.
Despite not being continuously open, it’s older than Harvard.
5. The Spanish Ruled Mexico for 3 centuries
Spain ruled Mexico, known as New Spain, for like 300 years, from the 16th to 19th centuries. Hernán Cortés came to Mexico in 1519 and beat the Aztec Empire by 1521, and took the control.
Then in 1535, they made New Spain an empire under Spain’s rule. Mexico City became the capital. This place was huge, covering Mexico, Central America, and parts of the U.S. southwest.
Mexico said bye to Spain on September 27, 1821 after a big fight called the Mexican War of Independence. Agustín de Iturbide (the first Mexican Emperor) ruled Mexico till Mexico became a republic.
6. Natural Phenomenon of Monarch Butterflies Migration
In Mexico, there is a unique natural phenomenon you can experience called Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Millions of monarch butterflies migrate annually from Canada and the United States to this place.
Amazing Facts about Mexico
7. Mexico City is the oldest city in north America
Mexico City, founded in 1325, is North America’s oldest city. It’s built on the ruins of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán, predating St. Augustine by over 40 years.
8. The subway has cars exclusively for women
Mexico City’s subway has women-only cars. Designed to offer a safe space for women, these cars prohibit men’s entry. Comparable to New York City in safety, Mexico City maintains a standard crime rate.
It’s even considered one of the safer places. Children under 12 can also use these sections. Gender policing doesn’t occur in these spaces. However, use your intuition if you happen to travel in these cars.
9. Home to the world’s tiniest volcano
Mexico hosts the world’s smallest volcano, the Cuexcomate Volcano. It is located near Puebla, standing at only 43 feet tall — which is less than half the height of the Statue of Liberty.
10. The world’s largest pyramid is located in Mexico
Mexico is home to the world’s largest pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Cholula. The Cholula pyramid in Puebla is 66 meters high with a 400-meter base.
This structure surpasses even Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza, making it the largest monument ever built.
11. Mexico: Impact Site of Dinosaur-Extinction Meteorite
The meteorite responsible for the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago struck the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico, leaving behind a 180 square meter crater with a depth exceeding 600 meters.
The crater was discovered in 1981 by employees of the state oil company PEMEX during an oil well drilling.
12. Mexico’s alliances with organizations
Mexico has established alliances with some international organizations.
It includes the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the G20, the Latin Union, the Organization of American States (OAS), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations (UN), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) — and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
These alliances allow Mexico to employ in regional and global partnership on political, economic, social, cultural, and trade-related issues.
13. Most peaceful state in Mexico
Yucatán continued to be the most peaceful state in Mexico. Whereas, Colima ranked as the least peaceful. Moreover, Colima also had the highest homicide rate, mainly because of conflicts among different criminal groups.
14. Origin of the Name Mexico
The name “Mexico” comes from the Nahuatl language. It was originally used to describe the central region of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire in the Valley of Mexico. It is important to note that this region is far away from the area now known as New Mexico.
15. 66 Million International Visitors
In 2022, Mexico welcomed 66 million international visitors. This is 10,695,000 more visitors compared to 2021, which is an increase of 19.3%.
16. 13th Longest Rail Network in the World
Mexico has the 13th longest rail network in the world, measuring 23,389 kilometers. Passengers traveled a total of 466.00 million kilometers on the train in 2021.
17. Religions in Mexico
The largest religious group in Mexico is Roman Catholics, making up 82.7% of the population. Lutherans are the second-largest group, comprising 5.0%. Pentecostals account for 1.6% and Jehovah’s Witnesses make up 1.4%.
The nondenominational group represents 4.7% of the population, and the remaining 4.6% follow other religions.
Interesting Facts about Mexico
18. Children in Mexico do not receive gifts on Christmas
In Mexico, kids get Christmas gifts on January 6th. This day is called Dia de Reyes — or “Three Kings Day“. It celebrates the Three Wise Men giving gifts to Jesus.
But, “things are changing now.” More people are starting to give gifts on — December 24th. This is because cities are growing and people are becoming less religious.
19. Mexico played a role in the formation of the USA
You may wonder how?
From 1810-1821, Mexico fought for independence from Spain. This struggle inspired US President Thomas Jefferson to establish an independent North American Republic, influenced by Mexico’s successful independence war.
20. Mexico City: Second Largest Number of Museums in the World
Mexico, with its Metropolitan Cathedral, Bellas Artes Museum, and Aztec ruins, offers abundant culture. Its capital has over 170 museums, ranking it second globally, only behind London’s nearly 200 museums.
21. Mexico: World’s Largest Fleet of Taxicabs
Mexico has 60,000 registered taxis, primarily in the capital city. Taxi fares in Mexico are among the world’s cheapest.
22. Home ot one of the largest bullrings in the world
Mexico has one of the world’s largest bullrings, Plaza de Toros México. It is capable of holding up to 41,262 spectators for important bullfighting events.
Weird Facts about Mexico
23. World’s Longest-Living Person: Leandra Becerra Lumbreras
Leandra Becerra Lumbreras, a purported Mexican revolutionary and supercentenarian, lived for 127 years. Born on August 31, 1887 (unverified), and died on March 19, 2015, which would have made her potentially the longest-lived person in history.
24. Mexico is the most visited tourist destination in Latin America
Mexico, with its rich cultural and natural diversity, leads Latin America in international tourism, ranking tenth globally as per the World Tourism Organization reports.
Boasting 32 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, Mexico also holds the top position in this category in the American Continent and is ranked sixth worldwide.
25. Mexico Has More Catholics Than Italy
Mexico has a substantial Catholic population, only exceeded in size by Brazil’s Catholic community.
26. Mexico is the World’s Largest Beer Exporter
Mexico has a vast Catholic population, second only to Brazil. Another surprising fact is that, according to Statista, Mexico is the world’s largest beer exporter.
In 2022, Mexico exported $5.4 billion USD worth of beer, double the amount of the next closest exporter.
27. Presidents only Allowed One Six-Year Term
This is really one of the weird facts about Mexico if we compare it with any other nation in the world. In Mexico, presidents can only serve one six-year term and cannot be re-elected. No one is allowed to run for or hold the office again, even on a caretaker basis. This practice is known as Sexenio. Of course it is better for them; not us.
28. The Night of the Radishes Festival
Every year on December 23, Mexico celebrates a festival called “The Night of the Radishes“. It is one of a kind celebration where people carve radishes into elaborate scenes and compete for prizes.
29. Town Famous for Producing Fireworks
The town of Tultepec in Mexico is famous for producing fireworks. It hosts an annual fireworks festival popularly known as National Pyrotechnic Festival that attracts thousands of visitors within and outside of Mexico.
30. Museum Dedicated to Mummies
There is a museum in Mexico called The Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato that is dedicated to mummies. Here displays over 100 naturally mummified bodies that were exhumed from a cemetery in the 19th and 20th centuries.
31. Colima Volcano: Dangerous Volcano in Mexico
The Colima Volcano in Mexico is nicknamed “The Volcano of Fire” and is one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the country. It has erupted more than 40 times since 1576.
32. Lucha Libre: A colorful Wrestling
Mexico has a type of wrestling very well known as “Lucha Libre“. In this sport, wrestlers wear colorful masks, costumes and perform acrobatic moves in the ring.
Fun Facts about Mexico
33. You can eat crawling critters as a snack
In Mexico, market strolls can lead to spiders, grasshoppers, or scorpions for sale. While some might find it horrifying, adventurous foodies can discover unique delicacies among these crawling offerings.
In Mexico’s bustling markets, one can find an eclectic array of edible insects such as spiders, grasshoppers, and scorpions, offering a unique gastronomic adventure for food enthusiasts.
34. Home to Volcano Rabbit
One unique fact about Mexico is that it’s home to a rare species, the Volcano Rabbit, which resides near volcanoes.
35. The biggest tamale in the world
Mexico holds the record for the world’s largest tamale. This 50 meters, 3362-pound tamale (1525 kgs), made in Villahermosa, recaptured Guinness World Records.
This gigantic tamale is 164 feet long and requires a multitude of ingredients. The cost to prepare this massive meal was estimated at 58,000 and 60,000 pesos or between $2,800 – $2900 USD.
Imagine trying to eat that alone in one sitting 😆
36. Mexico is welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community
Mexico, despite its strong Roman Catholic roots, has embraced social progression by legalizing same-sex marriage on 21 December 2009 and same-sex adoption, positioning itself as a gay-friendly destination.
Moreover, it ranking 50th on the list of most LGBTQ+ friendly countries to travel to as of 2023.
37. Mexicans “Cheat” You on the Dance floor
Mexican music and dance make people want to dance. The lively beats of salsa and cumbia, as well as the famous moves of traditional dances like the Jarabe Tapatío, bring joy to Mexicans. Even those who say they can’t dance might surprise you with their skills on the dance floor!
So, be careful with them if you bet on dance challenge 😆
38. Masters of Last Minutes Problem Solving
Mexicans are good at making things up as they go. They can find clever ways to solve everyday problems or with last minute party decorations. They are skilled at thinking quickly and making the most out of any situation.
If you have any Mexican in your friends circle, don’t worry about last minute problem solving’s.
Funny Mexican Facts
39. Home to Burocracia: A board Game
Mexico is home to the “Burocracia” (a play on words combining “burro,” meaning donkey, and “Burocracia,” meaning bureaucracy). This term refers to the sometimes slow and inefficient government processes. It can be quite amusing at times.
40. Take a Bite of Cake and Clean entire face
In Mexico, it is common to celebrate their birthdays by getting a “mordida.” This involves the birthday person taking a bite of their cake, and then their friends. Not finished yet, the family playfully pushes their face into the cake. It can get messy but it’s definitely a fun tradition and really a funny Mexican fact!
41. Chupacabra: A Creature that Drinks Livestock blood
The Chupacabra, a mythical creature often associated with Mexico. It is said that this creature attacks and drinks the blood of livestock. While it may sound scary, the legend has inspired many jokes and funny memes over the years.
42. Humor for Departed Loved Ones
This is one of the funny things about mexico. Mexico is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals. One of them is the Dia de los Muertos.
During this wonderful celebration, people dress up in elaborate costumes and paint their faces like skeletons. It’s a mixture of humor and reverence for the departed loved ones. It entertains everyone!
Historical and Cultural Facts about Mexico
43. Mexico’s Real Name is Not Mexico
Mexico’s official name is the United States of Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos), composed of 31 states alongside the Federal District, each with its own laws, regulations, and police, akin to the United States of America.
Notably, when traveling across state lines, one’s phone is usually in roaming mode.
44. The Capital of Mexico Wasn’t Mexico City Until 2016
The capital of Mexico wasn’t Mexico City until 2016. It used to be the Federal District (Distrito Federal). Now it’s called CDMX (Ciudad de México).
Only folks from this district can say they live in the capital, even though Mexico City is also in the State of Mexico.
45. San Miguel de Allende: A Spanish colonial Marvel
Here is another fact about a famous monument in Mexico — San Miguel de Allende!
Do you know when it was built? It’s Founded in 1542 by monk Juan de San Miguel and General Ignacio Allende —it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 for its cultural significance.
San Miguel de Allende located in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, is known for its well-preserved Colonial and Spanish architecture.
With its vibrant arts scene, including the renowned Instituto Allende — the city attracts artists from around the world. San Miguel de Allende is a treasure trove of history, art, and architectural beauty.
46. Mexico Has the Oldest University in North America
Despite often being associated with South or Central America, Mexico is actually part of North America, along with the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean islands.
As a result, Mexico houses North America’s oldest university, the National University of Mexico (UNAM), founded in 1551, a good 85 years before Harvard.
47. Facts About the Mexican Flag
The Mexican flag, one of Mexico’s three national symbols, features vertical stripes of green, white, and red, which symbolize hope and independence, purity and religion, and the bloodshed of independence fighters respectively.
The white stripe is adorned with the national emblem “Escudo Nacional,” an eagle perched on a cactus clutching a snake, signifying the ancient Aztec legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan, now known as Mexico City.
48. Mexico is one of the Cradles of Civilization
Mexico, a cradle of civilization, traces its roots back to 8000 – 12000 BC, with notable civilizations such as the lesser-known Toltecs. The Toltecs, a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilization with a highly organized society, had a sizable influence over what is now central Mexico; their decline around the 12th century is still debated among scholars.
But, their cultural and artistic contributions significantly impacted subsequent civilizations like the Aztecs.
49. Mexico’s National Dog: Xoloitzcuintli
Mexico’s national dog, the distinctive Xoloitzcuintli or Mexican Hairless Dog, is revered not only for its unique appearance but also its spiritual significance as a guardian of spirits during the Day of the Dead festival.
This breed embodies a blend of cultural heritage and mystical symbolism.
50. Land of Vibrant Festivals
Mexico is known for its vibrant festival culture, with celebrations held almost every week to honor saints and important figures from the country’s history. The most grandiose of these festivals is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, observed annually on November 1st and 2nd.
This lively celebration pays homage to the departed through intricate altars, food offerings, vibrant flowers, and various customs.
Unique Traditions and Customs in Mexico
51. You are not allowed to Shave and Drive in Mexico
In 2008, the city of Torreon in Mexico implemented fines for applying makeup or shaving with an electric razor while driving response to a high number of accidents occurring on the road.
52. You Shouldn’t Throw Toilet Paper in the Toilet
Contrary to common perception, Mexico is part of North America, not Central America, and like several places in the region, toilet paper is typically discarded in a bin rather than flushed down the toilet.
This can be a challenging adjustment for many Latin Americans abroad, and it’s noteworthy that in most Mexican accommodations, particularly those near coastal areas like the Riviera Maya, flushing toilet paper is often not allowed.
53. Mexicans celebrate Independence Day on September 16th, and not on Cinco de Mayo
Mexico declared independence on September 27th, 1821, but celebrates Independence Day on September 16th. This day marks the start of the independence war in 1810. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, but it remembers the Battle of Puebla against the French army in 1862. Celebrations for Cinco de Mayo happen mostly in Puebla and among Mexican immigrants in the United States.
54. Mexico Has Women-Only Carriages in Metro and Buses
Mexican women have some privileges that people don’t always expect. Like in Mexico City, they have buses and subway sections just for women. It’s different in Turkey, where they don’t prioritize women’s safety on public transport like that. Mexican men are respectful and follow ‘caballerosos’ customs, you know, like holding doors and paying for dates.
Here’s something interesting: a study in 2013 found that many women in Mexico City actually prefer to ride in the regular subway sections because men there often kindly offer their seats.
55. Phone Numbers in Mexico Can Be Weird
Let’s consider a sample Mexican cell phone number: 44 66 77 50 55
Here’s how you would dial to this Mexican cell phone number, 44 66 77 50 55:
- If you’re dialing from another Mexican cell phone: Just dial the number as it is, i.e., 44 66 77 50 55.
- If you’re calling from a local landline within Mexico: You need to add ‘044’ before the number. Thus, you would dial 044 44 66 77 50 55.
- If you’re texting from a foreign cell phone: Add the country code for Mexico, which is ‘+52’, before the number. Therefore, you would text +52 44 66 77 50 55.
- If you’re calling from a foreign number: Add ‘+52 1’ before the number. Hence, you would dial +52 1 44 66 77 50 55.
This method of dialing is unique to Mexico and may seem different from what you’re used to, which is why it might seem “weird”. However, it’s just their system for ensuring that calls and texts are correctly routed, whether they’re local or international.
56. US citizens Are Largest Immigration Group in Mexico
Mexican citizens form the largest portion of the United States’ foreign-born populace, while US citizens make up the biggest immigrant group in Mexico.
As per the stats available, in 2020, over 797,000 US citizens reside in Mexico, indicating a higher number of Americans immigrating to Mexico than Mexicans immigrating to the US, an intriguing turn of events.
57. In Many Ways Mexico Differs From Latin America
Mexico is kind of different from other Latin American countries in a few ways. First, geographically, it’s part of North America, not Latin America. Second, the way Mexicans talk is special and has its own style or slang.
People who teach Spanish make a big deal about this, showing off how diverse the language is all around the world.
Wildlife Facts about Mexico
58. There Are Jaguars in Mexico
The jaguar, North America’s largest wildcat, resides in Mexico’s southern jungles and can be spotted around Mayan ruins. Be cautious while exploring cenotes!
59. Home to Big and Small Animals
Mexico is home to animals both big and small. The jaguar, the largest wildcat in North America, can be spotted near Mayan ruins and in Mexican jungles.
On the other hand, Mexico is also the birthplace of the Chihuahua, the world’s smallest dog breed, which originated in the state of Chihuahua itself.
60. Wide number of endangered species
Mexico is home to a vibrant array of species, yet over 60% of its 113 endangered ones, such as the vaquita porpoise, leatherback sea turtle, Scarlet Macaw, Mexican gray wolf, and jaguar, are under threat of extinction.
This alarming crisis threatens not only the biodiversity but also the vibrant natural heritage of the country.
Mexico Economy Facts
61. In Mexico, there is large disparity of wealth distribution
Mexico exhibits a stark wealth disparity, with billionaire Carlos Slim Helú boasting a net worth of US$ 93 billion, drastically overshadowing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador‘s annual salary of US $98,916, or the average annual salary of police officers at US$ 8160 and teachers’ monthly salaries begin at $500 – $800 USD per month.
This contrast is evident in Monterrey, Mexico’s wealthiest city, where lavish neighborhoods like San Pedro exist adjacent to crime-infested areas like Colonia Independence.
62. Mexico Isn’t a Third-World Country
The term ‘third world’ originated during the Cold War to categorize countries based on their geo-political affiliations, and has since colloquially become synonymous with poverty.
However, if ranked by GDP per capita, Mexico is positioned between Turkey and Brazil, showcasing facets of a developed state with modern amenities.
Yet, a substantial wealth disparity exists, with some households employing maids and drivers while others struggle to make ends meet.
63. GDP Growth Rate
Mexico’s GDP at constant prices in the 3rd quarter of 2023 was 25,118 billion pesos with an annual growth rate of 3.3 percent.
64. Consumer Price Index
The consumer prices index in Mexico as of November 30, 2023, was 131.4 — showing a 4.3% increase.
65. Central Government Debt of Mexico
Mexico’s central government debt in October 2023 stood at 11,484,927 million pesos, with a 16.2% increase compared to the previous period.
66. Mexico International Reserve
Mexico’s international reserves (foreign currency holdings, special drawing rights, gold, and other foreign currency assets) as of December 1, 2023, add up to 207,120 million U.S. dollars.
67. Current GDP of Mexico
Current GDP of Mexico as of 2022 is USD 1.41 trillion
68. Existing Trade Agreements of Mexico
Mexico is an active participant in various trade agreements — including APEC, the Pacific Alliance and the TPP. This demonstrates Mexico’s commitment to fostering economic cooperation and expanding its global-trade-network in the Asia-Pacific region.
69. Economic Impact of Violence
In 2021, violence in Mexico had an economic impact of 4.92 trillion pesos (US$243 billion), which accounted for 20.8 percent of the country’s GDP.
70. Inflation Rate in Mexico
In 2022, the average inflation rate in Mexico is approximately 7.9%, which was higher compared to the previous year.
71. Unemployment Rate in Mexico
The unemployment rate in Mexico was around 3.31 percent in 2022, according to statistics.
72. Mexico’s National Debt
This is one of the facts about the Mexican economy the world is looking at. Mexico’s national debt is projected to continuously increase between 2023 and 2028, reaching a total of 382.7 billion U.S. dollars (+40.62 percent). By 2028, it is estimated to reach 1.3 trillion U.S. dollars, marking a new peak. The national debt has been consistently rising in recent years.
73. Mexicans Average Annual Income
Mexico is considered an upper middle-income country with an average annual income of 10,410 USD.
Unique Features and Rankings of Mexico
74. Mexico has 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
As of 2018, Mexico boasts 35 UNESCO sites, encompassing historic town centers such as Guanajuato, Mexico City, and Puebla, numerous ancient ruins, the agave fields of Tequila, and more.
75. Consistently ranked as one of the top tourist destinations
Mexico consistently ranks among the most popular tourist destinations, often listed in the top 10 worldwide. Currently, it is recognized as the sixth-most visited country in the world for tourism by the World Tourism Organization.
With its stunning beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities, Mexico’s allure as a sought-after destination is evident.
Beverage and Food Facts about Mexico
76. Caesar Salad Was originated in Mexico
This is one of the famous Mexican foo facts. According to legend, Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur, invented the Caesar salad in 1924 in Tijuana, Mexico.
Owning a restaurant in the popular tourist spot, Cardini aimed to attract Americans who were disheartened by Prohibition, as reported by The Telegraph.
77. Mexico: A Nation of Coca-Cola Lovers
With an annual consumption rate of 163 liters per person, Mexico leads in Coca-Cola consumption worldwide. This high intake contributes to above-average rates of diabetes and obesity, along with insufficient exercise and junk food overconsumption.
In response, Mexico introduced punitive taxes on high-fat and high-sugar foods in 2013.
78. Mexican cuisine is officially a World Cultural Heritage
Mexican food is officially a World Cultural Heritage. It’s got all those tasty things like tacos and enchiladas. In 2010, UNESCO said it’s important for the world and listed it as Immaterial World Cultural Heritage.
You know, Mexican food started way back during the colonial times. They mixed Spanish and native cooking styles. They used special things like corn, avocado, beans, and cocoa.
And guess what? Mexico has a whopping 59 types of corn, more than anywhere else!
79. 59 Types of Corn in Mexico
In Mexico, the variety of corn is as diverse as the words used to describe it, akin to the North Pole and its many words for snow. While the general term is “maiz,” there are numerous words for different forms of corn.
With 59 distinct varieties, Mexicans have cultivated this vital crop for centuries. Despite challenges posed by international trade agreements and genetically modified imports, farmers persist in preserving corn traditions, collecting seeds, and safeguarding the diversity for future generations.
80. Number one chocolate lovers in the world
Mexico holds the title for the highest per capita chocolate consumption worldwide, with an average citizen consuming an impressive 70 pounds annually. This clearly portrays Mexicans’ deep-rooted love for chocolate.
Really a cool food facts about Mexico, aren’t they??
81. Mexican Burritos Are Only Eaten in the North
Mexican food is super famous worldwide. UNESCO says it’s a big part of our cultural heritage. But listen, what people think is “Mexican food” outside Mexico is usually Tex-Mex.
Real Mexican food is different. Like, they don’t usually eat burritos with rice here. And their authentic dishes are more sour with lots of limes, not just super spicy.
82. Escamoles : A dish made with Eggs
In Mexico, there is a dish called escamoles that is made with ant eggs. It is considered a delicacy and is often fried with butter and spices.
Mexican Language Facts
83. Not all people in Mexico speak Spanish
While Spanish is the official language of Mexico and the country holds the title of the world’s largest Spanish-speaking nation, it is important to note that not all Mexicans speak Spanish.
Mexico is home to 68 other recognized languages, spoken by its diverse indigenous populations. Additionally, Mexico does not have a designated official language specified in its constitution.
84. Mexican Spanish Differ from Other Spanish
Mexican Spanish carries its unique nuances, as highlighted in Mexican slang. For instance, ‘torta’ in Mexico refers to a sandwich, not a cake.
Similarly, ‘sope’, contrary to being soup, is akin to a ‘Mexican pizza’ with dough, sauce, and toppings, albeit not a traditional pizza.
85. 69 diverse languages are spoken in Mexico
Mexico boasts rich linguistic diversity. The government of Mexico conducts most of its official business in Spanish — but acknowledges 68 national languages, 63 among them are indigenous languages. From these indigenous languages most commonly used are most widely used are Nahuatl and Maya.
No other American country matches Mexico’s indigenous language variety. These languages are recognized nationally.
Famous Mexican Inventions and discoveries
86. A Mexican Inventor Created the World’s First Birth Control
At just 25, Mexican chemist Luis Ernesto Miramontes Cardenas synthesized norethisterone, a compound that would become the primary ingredient of the first birth control pills, in 1951.
87. Color TV was invented by a Mexican
This guy, Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena, was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. He made the color TV, you know? He was just 23 when he patented his fancy “Trichromatic Sequential Field System”.
It used spinning color wheels to send and receive colorful pictures. This system helped transmit the first color TV signal in Mexico. Big deal for TV technology!
4. Say thank you to them for avocados and tomatoes
Mexico gave us tasty avocados and tomatoes. The avocado, or Persea Americana, hails from Mexico’s south-central region.
Indigenous peoples like the Aztecs grew avocados first. The name “avocado” is from the Aztec language. Now, avocados are known globally for their creamy texture and health benefits.
Similarly, tomatoes or Solanum lycopersicum are Mexican natives. The Aztecs and other locals ate tomatoes before they spread globally.
Spanish explorers introduced tomatoes to Europe in the 16th century. Today, tomatoes are a global staple with varieties from cherry to beefsteak.
Both avocados and tomatoes influence global cuisine, featuring in — dishes like guacamole and salsa.
88. Tortilla machine
In the 1940s, an inventor named Fausto Celorio created a machine (Tortilla Machine) that makes tortillas automatically. No need to say that—It revolutionized the production of tortillas and significantly increased the efficiency and productivity in the industry of food.
89. Aztec calendar
The ancient Aztecs created a sophisticated calendar system. It is widely known as the Aztec calendar or the Sun Stone. It is also called the “Stone of the Sun.”
It reveals the Aztec understanding of time, astronomy, and cosmology. Moreover, it’s a testament to the scientific achievements of the Aztec civilization.
90. Astral photography
In the 1950s, Mexican astronomer Guillermo Haro significantly contributed to the-field-of astrophotography. Haro developed innovative techniques to capture detailed images of celestial objects. This invention helped advance our understanding of stars, nebulae, and galaxies.
Crime in Mexico and Security facts
91. Mexico’s Homicide Rate
The homicide rate in Mexico saw a serious increase of 76.3% between 2015 and 2021.
At that time, Mexico recorded over 211,000 homicide cases — drawing focus to the severity of the situation.
92. Mexico: The Deadliest Country for Journalists
Mexico has retained the unfortunate title of being — the deadliest country for journalists outside of active war zones for some time.
Journalists in Mexico meet serious dangers due to their work on the intercept of politics and crime. The condition has been worsening over the years, with violence against journalists increasing.
93. Organized Crime Rate in Mexico
The organized crime rate in Mexico reached an all-time high in 2022, with 167 crimes per 100,000 people. Extortion and drug-related crimes played a major role in driving this increase. If we compare the crime rate in Mexico vs USA, Mexico holds a higher position.
94. Cause of Homicides
Organized criminal activity remains the primary cause of homicides and gun violence in Mexico, with up to 80% of murders being connected to organized crime.
95. Violent Crime Rate
From 2015 to 2021, the violent crime rate increased by 16.2 percent, mainly fueled by alarming worsening in rates of family violence and sexual assault.
96. Crime in Mexico Against Tourists
Mexico is not a peaceful country for tourists. Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, including murder, robbery, assault, and kidnapping. Traveling at night outside major cities is discouraged. Drug-related violence is widespread, and there is a risk of kidnapping and extortion.
In 2021, the crime rate was 28.18% per 100K population, showing a slight decline. But with proper precautions and research you can visit this country without any damage.
Demographic Indicators facts
97. Gender Ratio in Mexico
According to the official website of the U.S Government, the male-to-female ratio in Mexico is 95.60%, which is lower than that of the United States (97.20%) and the global average (101.00%).
98. Fertility Rate in Mexico
The total fertility rate in Mexico went down by 0.1 children per woman (-5.24%) from 2020 to 2021. This resulted in the lowest fertility rate of 1.82 children per woman in Mexico in 2021.
99. Life Expectancy of Mexicans
In 2021, the average life expectancy for a newborn in Mexico stayed around 70.21 years. These numbers show how long an average baby in Mexico is expected to live.
100. Population in Mexico
According to statistics from the World Bank the total population of Mexico as of 2022 is 127.5 Million.
Cool Facts About Mexico
- With 10-12% of the world’s biodiversity, Mexico ranks as the fourth most biodiverse country in the world, home to a plethora of wildlife, including spider monkeys, ocelots, and macaws.
- Chocolate traces its roots to Mexico, specifically to the Aztecs and Mayans. Cultivating the cacao plant thousands of years ago, they savored it as a drink and used the beans as currency.
- Mexico is famed for its stunning cenotes, natural pits or water-filled caves. These swimming spots also served as water sources for the Mayan people.
- Mexico doesn’t designate an official language. Although Spanish is widely spoken, the country recognizes 68 languages, primarily indigenous, including four unique language isolates that don’t relate to any other language.
- Frida Kahlo, born in 1907 just outside Mexico City, is one of Mexico’s most renowned artists. She is celebrated for her extraordinary self-portraits.
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Basic Facts about Mexico for Kids and Preschoolers
This section is mainly for those who looking for facts about Mexico for kids or basic facts about Mexico for preschoolers to understand about country, Mexico.
Facts | Description |
---|---|
Official Name of the Country(s) | United Mexican States |
Official Language(s) | Spanish |
Official Currency | Mexican Peso (MXN) |
Capital City | Mexico City |
Largest City | Mexico City |
Population Size | Approximately 128 million (As of June, 2023) |
Area (in square kilometers) | 1,964,375 square kilometers (2023) |
Time Zone(s) | Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6 to UTC-8) |
Bordering Countries | United States, Belize, Guatemala |
Climate and Weather Patterns | Mexico has a diverse climate, including tropical rainforests, arid deserts, and temperate highlands. The climate varies depending on the region. |
Friendly Countries (Alliance) | United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan, Spain, Brazil, Australia, South Korea, India, among others |
Government Type | Federal Presidential Republic |
Head of State | President (Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador – since December 1, 2018) **Updated in November 2023 |
Head of Government | President (Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador – since December 1, 2018) **Updated in November 2023 |
Independence Day | Mexican Independence Day |
Independence Date | September 16, 1810 |
National Holiday(s) | Mexican Independence Day (September 16) |
National Motto | Long Live Mexico! |
National Emblem | Coat of Arms of Mexico |
National Flag | The Flag of Mexico (vertical tricolor of green, white, and red with the national coat of arms in the center of the white stripe) |
National Anthem | Himno Nacional Mexicano (Mexican National Anthem) |
National Symbols | Coat of Arms of Mexico, Eagle, Snake, Cactus |
National Bird | Golden Eagle |
National Animal | Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog) |
National Flower | Dahlia |
National Tree | Montezuma cypress (Taxodium mucronatum) |
National Dog | Chihuahua |
National Sports | Football (Soccer) |
National Dress | Traje de charro for men and china poblana for women. |
National Dish(es) | Mole poblano |
National Drink(s) | Tequila |
National Parks | Sierra de San Pedro Martir National Park, Copper Canyon National Park, Palenque National Park |
Official Religion(s) | No official religion, but Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion |
Major Ethnic Groups | Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European descent), Indigenous peoples (various groups), White/European descent |
Major Historical Events | Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821), Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) |
National Achievements or Contributions | Mesoamerican civilizations (such as the Aztecs and Maya), Mexican muralism (art movement), Nobel Prize laureates in various fields |
Famous Personalities | Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Emiliano Zapata, Pancho Villa |
National Sports Teams | Mexico national football team, Mexico national baseball team |
Major Cities | Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Cancun |
Major Industries | Automotive manufacturing, Petroleum industry, Tourism, Agriculture |
Famous Landmarks or Monuments | Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Frida Kahlo Museum |
World Heritage Sites | Historic Center of Mexico City and Xochimilco, Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan, Historic Center of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Alban |
Famous Historical Figures | Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (Father of Mexican Independence), Benito Juarez (President during Mexican Reform War), Emiliano Zapata (Revolutionary leader) |
Major Wars or Conflicts | Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821), Mexican-American War (1846-1848), Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), Cristero War (1926-1929) |
Important Historical Documents | Plan of Iguala (1821), Mexican Constitution of 1917 |
Landmarks or Sites of Cultural Significance | Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, Palenque, El Tajin, Tulum |
Celebrated Festivals or Events | Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), Independence Day (September 16), Cinco de Mayo, Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon (December holiday season) |
Notable Sports Achievements | Olympic Gold medals in boxing, football (soccer), diving, taekwondo, and other sports |
Cultural Traditions and Customs | Day of the Dead celebrations, Mariachi music, traditional dances like Jarabe Tapatio (Mexican Hat Dance), quinceanera ceremonies |
Great Disasters in History | Mexico City earthquake in 1985, Hurricane Wilma in 2005 |
Notable Inventions and Discoveries | Birth control pill, color TV, contraceptive injection, xoloitzcuintli dog breed, Mexican cuisine (including chocolate, corn, and vanilla) |
Nobel Prize | Nobel laureates in Literature and Peace |
Official Website (Government) | www.gob.mx |
Country Calling Code | +52 |
Internet TLD (Top-Level Domain) | .mx |
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Bottom Line:
Here you have it! I’ve shared 100 interesting facts about Mexico. I hope this blog post gave you a better understanding of Mexico. Thank you for taking your valuable time to read!