A fun fact about Mexico is that it’s not really called Mexico: Estados Unidos Mexicanos, or the United Mexican States, is the name used officially for Mexico. In addition to this, you’re about to learn a ton of fascinating and interesting facts about Mexico.
Mexico is a wonder and a source of attraction for people worldwide because of its tremendous heritage and history, world-class cuisine, and rich cultural heritage.
Most people associate Mexico with its world-class beaches and reputation as a corrupt narco-state ruled by drug lords.
Unfortunately, people are scared to travel to Mexico because of prejudices and negative publicity, but few genuinely know what Mexico is known for.
So what does Mexico excel at? Continue reading to learn the most interesting, amusing, bizarre, and distinctive facts about Mexico (with a few extras regarding Mexico City).
What is the capital city of Mexico?
Mexico City serves as the nation’s capital. It is one of the most populated cities in the world and the most populous city in Mexico. Mexico City is famous for its impressive architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history.
Here Are The List 11 Fun Facts about Mexico For Travellers
After doing a lot of research and considering the tripper’s reviews we have shortlisted some of the fun facts about Mexico.
- Its Name Is Not What You Think
- It’s More Than Just a Beach Vacation Spot
- U.S. Citizens Make Up The Largest
- It’s Home To The First Printing Press
- the enormous pyramid in the world is located in Mexico.
- Mexico City Is Sinking
- It’s Not A Third-World Country
- It Differs From Latin America In Some Ways
- Not Everyone In Mexico Speaks Spanish
- Cinco De Mayo Is Not Celebrated Mexican hat
- It Has Interesting Foods
1. Its Name Is Not What You Think
The first interesting fact about Mexico is that the country’s name is not Mexico. The United States of Mexico, often known as Estados Unidos Mexicanos, is the official name of Mexico. Like the United States, this nation is divided into states.
Mexico consists of 31 states and a Federal District. There are laws, regulations, and police in every state.
Formerly, Mexico’s capital was located in the Federal District or Distrito Federal. Most people think that Mexico City has always been the nation’s capital. But until 2016, this was not the case.
Because the metropolitan region of Mexico City is located within the Federal District, it becomes difficult to recall. Capital dwellers are those who reside in the Federal District alone.
2. It’s More Than Just a Beach Vacation Spot
Tonina Ruins in Chiapas, Mexico for a beach getaway in the summer, tourists frequently head to Mexico. However, the nation offers much more than just a beach vacation.
Mexico has a lengthy history, as evidenced by the 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among the most famous historic districts are Mexico City, Puebla, and Guanajuato.
It also has many historical sites, the most famous of which is Chichen Itza, in addition to the agave fields of Tequila.
The nation is in the heart of the circum-Pacific belt, also called the “Ring of Fire,” notorious for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
One of the most exciting things about Mexico is that it is the home of the volcano rabbit, a rare rabbit that dwells close to volcanoes.
Cuexcomate, the smallest volcano in the world, is outside Puebla. The volcano stands merely 43 feet tall and resembles a small hill.
Mexico also has the most significant ancient pyramids and the smallest volcano. The most prominent structure ever built is the Great Pyramid of Cholula.
3. U.S. Citizens Make Up The Largest
Americans make up the vast majority of immigrants living in Mexico. More Americans are moving to Mexico than the other way around.
When they relocate to or travel to Mexico, many Americans are surprised by the cuisine. Authentic Mexican food differs from what is referred to as Tex-Mex in the United States.
Mexicans don’t like Chipotle-style burritos or burritos with a lot of rice. Except for the northern part of the country, burritos are not too familiar there.
Authentic Mexican cuisine is less spicy than the Mexican cuisine found in Mexico, which is another distinction between the two cuisines. Instead, the limes’ use makes it taste sour.
4. It’s Home To The First Printing Press
Mexico City constructed and employed the first printing press in North America. The Casa de la Primera Imprenta de América, often known as the First Printing House of America, is where this first appeared in 1539. Before it arrived in the United States, the first printing press was utilized in Mexico.
5. the enormous pyramid in the world is located in Mexico.
Mexico, not Egypt – The largest pyramid in the world is the Cholula Pyramid, located in the Mexican Federal State of Puebla.
Despite being less well-known, the pyramid, which stands 66 meters tall, has a 400-meter base and can hold 4.5 million cubic meters of space, is far more significant than the one at Giza.
The Cholula pyramid is unseen despite its enormous size since it is tucked beneath a mountain. The striking structure is the church the Spanish conquerors erected atop the pyramid.
6. Mexico City Is Sinking
Every year, Mexico City practically sinks. Mexico City is the oldest and highest-elevation city in North America. In addition, Tenochtitlán, a town on a lake, was built atop its remains.
The Aztecs built networks of canals and dikes in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan to avert flooding. When the Spanish arrived, they decided to drain the lakebed rather than contain the flood control efforts.
Every year, more water needs to be pumped out of Mexico City due to the increase in the population of Mexicans. The effect is that the city is subsiding by 6 to 8 inches annually.
7. It’s Not A Third-World Country
We can thank the Cold War for the phrase “third world.” It was established as one of three divisions of geopolitical alignment. At the time, nations allied with the United States were called “first world” nations. The Soviet Union had “second world” nations as allies. “Third World” refers to countries that support neither side.
The phrase persisted even after the Cold War was over. While the other two classifications are unheard of, the word “third world” has come to mean a region of extreme poverty.
Mexico has a wide disparity between the rich and the poor, yet due to its high GDP per capita, they are not regarded as a developing nation. Like other developed nations, Mexico has a sufficient number of attractions.
8. It Differs From Latin America In Some Ways
Mexico is very different from Latin America in everything from language to culture. One, Mexico is not in Latin America; it is in North America. Mexican Spanish is similar to slang in terms of terminology. It’s a distinct Spanish variant.
You may know this fact if you have ever studied Spanish in school. Spanish teachers stress the diversity of the Spanish language worldwide.
In terms of toilet paper, Mexico and Latin America are similar. Toilet paper, you read that correctly. In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, toilet paper is preferred to be disposed of in the garbage instead of flushed down the toilet.
Mexico tends to be stricter about this in areas nearer to the ocean. Our Mexican friend pointed out that Mexico and India are more similar than you may think.
9. Not Everyone In Mexico Speaks Spanish
Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking nation in the world, and Spanish is the country’s official national language. But not all of Mexico’s indigenous population speaks it.
Mexico lacks an official language, and 68 additional recognized languages are spoken throughout the nation.
10. Cinco De Mayo Is Not Celebrated Mexican hat
On September 27, 1821, Mexico proclaimed its independence. However, the independence fight had started more than ten years earlier, on September 16, 1810. Mexico celebrates its independence day on September 16 as a result.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is frequently observed as a day for celebration and enjoyment. Mexican immigrants living in the US may celebrate this day.
Most people aren’t aware that Cinco de Mayo is a holiday honoring the Battle of Puebla, which took place in 1862. Puebla residents do commemorate this day.
11. It Has Interesting Foods
Mexican cuisine is a popular reason for foodies to visit Mexico. For their next supper, the most daring foodies might wander through a market and purchase grasshoppers, scorpions, and spiders.
For the average person, this may be a terrible sight, yet some of these creepy creatures have fantastic flavor. Other than that, why would Mexicans sell them for consumption?
You can discover some delectable snacks high in protein and, of course, organic if you can get beyond the strangeness of eating bugs. Mexico has a wide variety of delicious insects.
The Aztecs survived the day on fat-free bugs they discovered wandering the grounds rather than meat. If you want to take a chance while traveling in Mexico, try a tasty critter.
Conclusion
When you consider Mexican culture, what first comes to mind? Mariachis, tacos, tequila, stunning beaches, and cactus? All of these associations are valid, but Mexico’s natural and cultural variety goes much beyond that.
The list above of fascinating facts about Mexico will reveal some other characteristics of the nation that you almost certainly did not know.
FAQs About Fun Facts about Mexico
There are a lot of questions that come to mind while fun facts about Mexico, some of the commonly asked questions are answered below.
Q. What is Cinco de Mayo?
A. The fifth of May is designated as Cinco de Mayo in both Mexico and the United States. Contrary to common misconception, Cinco de Mayo is not a holiday celebrating Mexican independence. Instead, it honors the Mexican Army’s triumph over the French Empire on May 5, 1862, in the Battle of Puebla.
q. What is the Day of the Dead?
A. Mexicans observe the Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de los Muertos, on November 1st and 2nd. The festival is a time to pay tribute to and commemorate departed family members. Building shrines, adorning graves, and taking pleasure in customary cuisine and music are common celebration activities.
Q. What are some popular tourist attractions in Mexico?
A. Cancun, Teotihuacan, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Chichen Itza are a few of Mexico’s well-known tourist destinations.
Q. What are some popular Mexican holidays?
A. Dia de los Muertos, Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day, Las Posadas, and Dia de la Revolucion are a few of the well-known Mexican festivals.
Q. What are some traditional Mexican drinks?
A. Horchata, margaritas, micheladas, tequila, and champurrado are traditional Mexican drinks.
Tell Us In The Comments As per you Which One Is The Best Fun Fact about Mexico?
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