21 Fun Facts About Mexico That May Surprise You (Updated 2024)

Mexico is among the high locations to go to due to its tradition, meals, and historical past. Most individuals go to Mexico to put on an all-inclusive resort, nevertheless it’s a rustic filled with historical past and tradition, lovely landscapes, and countless seashores. There’s a purpose we’ve visited so many instances! So, let’s be taught some enjoyable details about Mexico to know the nation higher. Learn on to be taught Mexican details you by no means knew!

Attention-grabbing Mexico Info

Mexico is positioned within the southern a part of North America; it shares its border with the US to the north and Guatemala and Belize to the south. To the west, Mexico is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, which has an attractive shoreline alongside the western fringe of the nation.

To the east, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea give Mexico an extended shoreline alongside the japanese facet. With its diverse geography, Mexico is a bridge between North America and Central America and has a mixture of cultures and landscapes.

1. Its Title Is Not What You Suppose

One of many first enjoyable details about Mexico is that its title is just not actually Mexico. Mexico’s official title is the United Mexican States aka Estados Unidos Mexicanos. This nation is split into states, identical to the U.S.

Mexico has 31 states and a Federal District. Each Mexican state has its personal police, rules, and legal guidelines.

The Federal District, Distrito Federal, was as soon as the capital of Mexico. Most individuals consider that the capital was all the time Mexico Metropolis, however this wasn’t till 2016.

It will get difficult to recollect as a result of Mexico Metropolis’s metropolitan space is throughout the Federal District. Solely these dwelling within the Federal District are thought of capital dwellers.

2. Mexico Is Extra Than a Seashore Vacation spot

Vacationers are likely to make their manner out to Mexico for a vacation on the beach. But, the nation is far more than a seashore vacation spot.

Mexico has a wealthy historical past as they’ve 34 UNESCO world heritage websites inside their borders. A number of the hottest historic facilities embody Mexico Metropolis, Puebla, and Guanajuato. Moreover, Mexican delicacies is acknowledged as an ‘Immaterial World Cultural Heritage’ by UNESCO, emphasizing its cultural significance.

It’s also house to greater than a handful of ancient ruins, essentially the most well-known being Chichen Itza and the agave fields of Tequila.

The nation is in the course of the circum-Pacific Belt, extra generally often called the “Ring of Fireplace,” a spot identified for its earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

3. Dwelling to the World’s Smallest Volcano

Exterior of Puebla, you’ll discover the smallest volcano on this planet, Cuexcomate Volcano. The volcano is simply 13 meters 43 ft tall, and its diameter on the base is about 23 meters (75 ft). It seems to be like a tiny hill. Cuexcomate is also known as a “volcano” as a consequence of its distinctive look, however it’s really a dormant geyser or a volcanic vent.

Cuexcomate is a part of native folklore and legends in Puebla. In response to one legend, it was fashioned when the satan himself tried to destroy town with a big stone however was thwarted by the intervention of the Virgin Mary, who turned the stone right into a tiny volcano.

Cuexcomate has a conical form that resembles a miniature volcano, full with a crater on the high. It’s coated in grass and vegetation, giving it a really picturesque look.

4. World’s Largest Pyramid is in Mexico

Mexico has the smallest volcano and the most important pyramids. The most important monument on this planet was in-built Mexico. The world’s greatest pyramid is the Nice Pyramid of Cholula (Pirámide Tepanapa) in Cholula, Puebla. It’s usually mistaken for a hill due to the vegetation and is typically referred to as the “Nice Pyramid of Cholula” or “Tlachihualtepetl,” which suggests “synthetic mountain” in Nahuatl.

The Nice Pyramid of Cholula is the most important pyramid in quantity on this planet, even greater than the Nice Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. It covers 45 acres and is 55 meters (180 ft) excessive. The pyramid was constructed within the third century BCE by the Olmec-Xicalanca civilization and was expanded and modified by the Maya and Aztecs. It took centuries to complete the pyramid.

5. It Has Animals Large and Small

The jaguar is the largest wildcat in North America and may be discovered close to the Mayan ruins or roaming the Mexican jungles.

Mexico can be house to the smallest canine breed identified to man, the Chihuahua. This canine breed originated within the state of Chihuahua, positioned in northern Mexico, therefore the title of the breed.

6. U.S. Residents Make Up the Largest Immigration Group in Mexico

In Mexico, the most important foreign-born inhabitants is definitely United States residents. The truth is, extra Americans are immigrating to Mexico than vice versa.

Lots of Individuals discover the meals stunning after they transfer or go to Mexico. Mexican meals in america is taken into account Tex-Mex, whereas genuine Mexican meals is totally different.

In Mexico, folks don’t eat Chipotle-style burritos or burritos full of rice. Burritos aren’t that well-liked in Mexico except you might be within the northern area.

One other distinction between Mexican meals present in america and meals present in Mexico is that the genuine model isn’t very spicy. As an alternative, it tastes bitter due to using limes.

7. We Can Thank Mexico For Chocolate

Chocolate got here from Mexico and Mesoamerica. The traditional Mesoamericans, the Aztecs, and Mayans have been the primary to domesticate and use cacao (the supply of chocolate) for meals and ceremonial functions. Mexico introduced chocolate to the Western world and Europe and made it a giant cultural and culinary deal.

Cacao beans have been extremely valued by these cultures and have been used as forex and commerce. They have been additionally used to make a bitter, foamy drink that was usually flavored with spices and chili peppers.

So, whereas chocolate as a cacao drink was developed in Mesoamerica, it was the Europeans who sweetened it and created the bars, truffles, and all of the treats we’ve right now.

8. We May also Thank them for Avocados and the tasty Tomato

Avocados: Avocados (Persea americana) are from south-central Mexico. They’ve been round for 1000’s of years. The Aztecs and different indigenous peoples of Mexico have been the primary to develop avocados. The phrase “avocado” comes from the Aztec Nahuatl phrase “ahuacatl”. Avocados at the moment are a well-liked fruit worldwide, identified for his or her creamy texture and lots of well being advantages.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are from Mexico too. The indigenous peoples of Mexico, together with the Aztecs, grew and ate tomatoes earlier than they have been launched to the remainder of the world. Tomatoes have been dropped at Europe by Spanish explorers within the early sixteenth century and at the moment are a staple in lots of cuisines. The tomato plant is a part of the nightshade household and produces many sorts of tomatoes, from cherry tomatoes to beefsteak.

Each are staples around the globe and are utilized in many dishes, reminiscent of guac and salsa.

9. Mexico Metropolis Is Sinking

Mexico Metropolis is actually sinking annually. In North America, Mexico Metropolis is the oldest metropolis and has the very best elevation. It’s additionally constructed over the ruins of Tenochtitlán, a metropolis on a lake. Learn extra: 10 Best Things to Do in Mexico City for an Epic Trip

Tenochtitlàn was an Aztec metropolis by which the Aztecs made techniques of canals and dikes to forestall floods. When the Spanish got here alongside, they drained the lakebed as an alternative of containing the flood management work.

The Mexican inhabitants in Mexico Metropolis grows annually, requiring extra water to be pumped out. In consequence, town is sinking about 6 to eight inches yearly.

10. Cinco de Mayo Is Not Celebrated in Mexico

Cinco de Mayo is usually mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, however the precise date of Mexican independence is September sixteenth. In 1821, on September twenty seventh, Mexico declared independence. Nonetheless, over a decade earlier than, in 1810, on September sixteenth, the independence battle started. Due to this, Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September sixteenth.

Cinco de Mayo is frequent in america as a day for folks to celebration and have enjoyable. Mexican immigrants in america may rejoice today.

Most are unaware that Cinco de Mayo is a day to commemorate the Battle of Puebla that occurred in 1862. The folks of Puebla do rejoice today.

11. At Christmas, Mexican Youngsters do Not Obtain Presents

In Mexico, Christmas isn’t celebrated on Christmas Day; that’s “Nochebuena.” Mexican youngsters don’t get presents on Christmas Day, as an alternative they wait for an additional day, “Día de Reyes” or “Three Kings’ Day” on January sixth. This custom is deeply rooted in Mexican tradition and has numerous spiritual and historic background.

Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is widely known with household gatherings, meals, and the child Jesus within the nativity scene. Present change is reserved for Día de Reyes, often known as the Feast of the Epiphany. Today commemorates the go to of the Three Smart Males (Tres Reyes Magos or simply Los Reyes) to the child Jesus in Bethlehem. Smart Males deliver presents to youngsters in the identical manner on January fifth; they depart presents below their beds or footwear.

12. A Mexican Inventor Contributed to Growing the Shade TV

Guillermo González Camarena was born February 17, 1917 in Guadalajara, Mexico. In 1934, at 17 years previous, he filed his first patent for the tv.

González Camarena’s greatest achievement was in 1940 when he developed an early coloration TV system which he referred to as the “Trichromatic Sequential Subject System”. This technique used rotating coloration wheels within the transmitter and receiver to breed coloration photos. He patented this in Mexico and the US.

In 1940, Guillermo González Camarena transmitted the primary coloration TV sign in Mexico, a historic milestone in coloration TV. His work on coloration TV was acknowledged internationally.

13. It’s Not a Third-World Nation

The Chilly Conflict is to thank for the time period “third world.” It was created as certainly one of three geopolitical alignment divisions. International locations aligned with america have been thought of “first world” on the time. Allies of the Soviet Union have been “second world” international locations. The international locations not aligned with both have been referred to as “third world.”

Even when the Chilly Conflict ended, the time period remained. “Third world” turned one other title for poverty, whereas the opposite two divisions are remarkable.

The hole between the poor and wealthy in Mexico is massive, however they aren’t thought of a poor nation due to their GDP per capita. Mexico provides many points of interest, identical to different developed international locations.

14. Mexico Differs From Latin America in Many Methods

From the tradition to the language, Mexico is vastly totally different from Latin America. For one, Mexico is in North America, not Latin America. In the case of the language, Mexican Spanish is sort of like slang. It’s a singular variation of Spanish.

In the event you’ve ever studied Spanish at school, chances are you’ll already pay attention to this truth. Spanish lecturers reiterate how totally different the Spanish language may be internationally.

Latin America and Mexico are related in relation to bathroom paper. Sure, you learn that accurately, bathroom paper. In Mexico and Latin America, they like that you just throw bathroom paper within the trash as an alternative of flushing it down the bathroom. Locations nearer to the ocean in Mexico are typically stricter about this.

15. Mexico Has the Oldest College in North America

Once you consider previous universities in North America, your first thought could also be Harvard. Nonetheless, the oldest college in North America is definitely the Nationwide Autonomous College of Mexico (UNAM), which is positioned within the capital metropolis of Mexico Metropolis. It was based in 1551, 85 years earlier than Harvard was.

16. Mexico Has Some Odd Meals

Many foodies journey to Mexico for genuine Mexican delicacies. Essentially the most adventurous of foodies might stroll by means of a market and purchase grasshoppers, scorpions, and spiders to get pleasure from throughout their subsequent meal. This can be a horrifying sight for the common joe, however a few of these crawly critters have nice taste. Why else would you discover the folks of Mexico promoting them for consumption?

If you will get over the oddness of consuming bugs, you’ll discover some tasty treats which are excessive in protein and, after all, are natural. There are tons of edible bugs in Mexico to select from.

It wasn’t meat that received the Aztecs by means of the day, it was fat-free bugs they discovered roaming the grounds. If you’re feeling dangerous, pattern a scrumptious critter throughout your travels in Mexico.

17. It has Meals we all know and Love As Effectively

From enchiladas to Tacos, Mexican meals is a few of the most recognizable and greatest on the planet. Mexico’s nationwide dish is Mole pronounced “moh-lay”) which is a wealthy and flavorful sauce that may be a staple in Mexican delicacies. It’s used to reinforce the flavors of meats like hen or turkey and is produced from varied substances, together with dried chiles (reminiscent of ancho, pasilla, and Mulato), chocolate (often unsweetened), spices (like cinnamon, cumin, and cloves), garlic, onions, tomatoes, and generally fruits (like plantains or raisins) and nuts (reminiscent of almonds or peanuts).

18. Mexico is Often listed as One of many Most In style Vacationer Locations

Mexico is a sizzling vacationer spot. The truth is, it’s one of many high 10 most visited vacationer locations on this planet. Proper now, the World Tourism Group has it because the sixth most visited nation by way of tourism. With its lengthy seashores, UNESCO World Heritage Websites, Historical Ruins, and cities, it’s no surprise it’s so well-liked.

19. Info Concerning the Mexican Flag

The Mexican flag is certainly one of three Nationwide Symbols of Mexico. It consists of three vertical stripes of equal width. The colours of the flag, from left to proper, are inexperienced, white, and crimson. “Verde,” “Blanco,” and “Rojo.” The Mexican flag was first adopted on February 24, 1821.

Within the middle of the white stripe, there’s Mexico’s nationwide emblem, often called the “Mexican Coat of Arms” or “Escudo Nacional.” It options an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak. This emblem represents the legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan, the traditional Aztec capital, which later turned present-day Mexico Metropolis. The symbolism throughout the emblem invitations readers to discover extra about this distinctive civilization and its mythological parts.

Every coloration on the Mexican flag holds particular symbolism. Inexperienced represents hope and independence, white symbolizes purity and faith, and crimson stands for the bloodshed by those that fought for Mexico’s independence.

Document-Breaking Flag: In 2010, Mexico set a Guinness World Document for the most important flag ever flown. The big flag, measuring 2,011 meters lengthy, was displayed in celebration of the nation’s bicentennial.

20. Mexico is among the Cradles of Civilization

Mexico has been round since 8000 – 12000 BC. Everyone knows concerning the Mayans and Aztecs, however fewer know concerning the Toltec Civilization. The Toltecs have been a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilization thought of one of many nice civilizations of historic Mexico, and their affect was widespread in what’s now central Mexico.

The Toltecs have been an organized and concrete society. They’d a hierarchical society with a king on the high, the Aristocracy, monks, and commoners. The Toltec state was dominated by a king and had a warrior class.

The explanations for the autumn of the Toltec civilization are nonetheless unknown. Some say inside battle, others environmental components or exterior invasions. Across the twelfth century, Tula was deserted, and the Toltec state fell. Nonetheless, the Toltecs left a giant cultural and inventive legacy to the Mesoamerican civilizations that adopted, together with the Aztecs.

21. The Spanish Dominated Mexico for 300 Years

The Spanish rule of Mexico as New Spain lasted virtually 300 years, from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico in 1519 and, by 1521, had defeated the Aztec Empire led by Moctezuma II. That was the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico.

The Royal and Pontifical College, based in 1551, is the oldest college in North and Central America. Its historical past is like Harvard’s.

In 1535, New Spain was established as a viceroyalty of the Spanish Empire. The capital of the viceroyalty was Mexico Metropolis (previously Tenochtitlan). New Spain included what’s now Mexico, Central America, and a part of the southwestern US.

September 27, 1821, the Mexican Conflict of Independence ended with the signing of the Plan of Iguala, and Mexico turned impartial of Spain. Agustín de Iturbide was the primary Mexican emperor, however Mexico turned a republic.

Enjoyable Info About Mexico That Will Make You Wish to Take a Journey!

Mexico could also be on the high of the record to journey due to the beautiful beaches and superb views. But, this nation has far more to supply than what folks usually search out.

In the event you’re in search of wealthy historical past, historic constructions, and superb meals, Mexico is the place to be. Mexican tradition Mexico is a wealthy tapestry of traditions maintained by the indigenous descendants in varied areas, providing a singular and vibrant heritage. Don’t accept a day on the seashore when you would be experiencing far more!