New Mexico Facts
New Mexico is a southwestern state with one of the most scenic and diverse landscapes in the country, including the Chihuahuan Desert and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
It’s influenced by both Hispanic and Native American culture and has many national parks and monuments, unique cuisines, and a vibrant arts scene.
Quick Facts
Capital: Santa Fe
Population: 2 million
Nickname: Land of Enchantment
Key Cities: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell
Postal Abbreviation: NM
Major Industries: Healthcare, retail, food services, educational services, public administration
History
How did New Mexico get its name: New Mexico’s name is a version of “Nuevo Mexico,” the Spanish name for the upper Rio Grande River.
Mexico is an Aztec spelling that means “place of Mexitli.” Mexitli was an Aztec god.
Date admitted to the Union: Saturday, January 6, 1912.
Related: New Mexico History Facts
Geography
Size: 121,697 sq. miles
Lowest point: Red Bluff Reservoir at 2,842 feet
Highest point: Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet
Counties: 33
Famous locations: Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, International UFO Museum and Research Center
Famous New Mexicans
Demi Lovato- singer
Neil Patrick Harris- actor
Colt McCoy- football player
Adrian Grenier- actor/producer
Holly Holm- mixed martial artist
John Denver- singer
Fun Facts
New Mexico is one of the four corner states because it borders at the same point with Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. It also shares an international border with Mexico.
In New Mexico, there are only about 12 people per square mile. There are many more sheep and cattle in the state than people.
At 7,000 feet above sea level, Santa Fe, New Mexico is the highest capital city in the United States.
New Mexico has one of the greatest temperature ranges in the United States. The lowest temperature ever recorded in the state was -50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the highest was 122.
The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico is home to more than 300 hot air balloons, making it the hot air balloon capital of America.
The city holds the International Balloon Fiesta, the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, each year.
The festival includes unique balloon displays and presentations, live musicians, craft shows, and activities for kids.
New Mexico’s State Constitution officially declares that it’s a bilingual state. 1/3 of families in New Mexico speak Spanish at home.
