Fun Facts about Mexico
Mariachis, tequila, tacos, gorgeous beaches, and cactus?
These are all valid correlations, but Mexico's natural and cultural groups with different much more.
If you ask what are 3 interesting facts about mexico? You will not going to now only 3 facts about Mexico or 5 interesting facts about Mexico.
You won't get here 50 facts about Mexico but more than 15 facts about Mexico.
You shall not get here the ten surprising facts about Mexico but also more than 20 interesting facts about Mexico.
It will reveal some aspects of the country that you were most likely unaware of.
It is also suitable for children who are searching facts about mexico for kids.
1|
The Real Name of Mexico is not Mexico.
The official name of the country Mexico is - the United States of Mexico.
It also called Estados Unidos Mexicanos in the native language. The Country has 31 states as well as the Federal District.
Like the USA, each state has its own
- Set of laws,
- Regulations, and
- Police.
One peculiar thing is that when you are in a different state than where you stay or live, your phone will be almost always in roaming.
2|
Mexico City Wasn't the Country's Capital Until the year 2016.
Like me, the majority of people have always supposed that Mexico City is the capital of Mexico.
Distrito Federal (DF) – the Federal District – was the actual capital. The city officially changed its name to CDMX in 2016. (Ciudad de Mexico).
It can be a little bit confusing because the Mexico City metropolitan area covers both DF as well as some parts of the State of Mexico.
However, only those who live in DF can claim to be citizens of the capital.
3|
Mexico has North America's oldest university.
What is the name of North America's oldest university?
Many people think of Harvard, but it bears little resemblance to the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City.
This university was established in the year 1551 as the Royal and Pontifical University of New Spain.
But, sadly it was forced to close in the year 1867 which was the period of dictatorship rule.
It was restarted during the revolution, so it hasn't been open as long as Harvard, but it has been around longer!
As per historical records, it is commonly believed that Mexico has North America's oldest university.
We know that Mexico is a part of Latin America. It is along with the US, Canada, and the Caribbean islands is a part of the North American continent.
As a result, Mexico has North America's oldest university. Charles V of Spain established the National University of Mexico (UNAM) in 1551, 85 years before Harvard.
4|
Color television was invented in Mexico.
For a long time, the world would have been much more black and white without Mexico.
Guillermo González Camarena invented the chromoscopic adapter for television equipment, which was an early colour television transmission system.
Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena, the inventor of color television, was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
In 1940, at the age of 23, he filed a patent for the first color image transmission system, that would later be used in the Voyager 1 spacecraft.
The interesting fact is that he was only 17 at the time and did it during WWII! In 1946, he made his first official color transmission from Mexico City.
5|
Mexico City is sinking year after year.
Like Atlantis, the city is slowly sinking into the depths of the oceans! No, not at all.
However, as the city pumps water from the lake that supports it, Mexico City is sinking at a rate of about 10 inches per year.
In fact, it has gone down so far that it has lost its position as the world's seventh-highest capital city to Yemen, and now ranks eighth.
Mexico City like "the Leaning Tower of Pisa" has the highest elevation. It is considered North America's oldest city.
This city was also built on the ruins of the great Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which is located on a lake.
The Aztecs, who worked up to a great extent to build intricate systems of dikes and canals. It helped to control flooding.
The Spanish focused on the drainage of the lakebed system. Because they realized how much work was required to maintain their watery existence.
As a result, Mexico City is sinking at a rate of 6 to 8 inches per year as pumps acquire water for the city's expanding population.
6|
Mexico City is North America's oldest city.
Many people believe that St. Augustine is the oldest city in North America.
But Mexico City was established a little more than 40 years before it in 1521.
The Spaniards built the city on the ruins of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan.
7|
It was the birthplace of print in North America.
Long before phones and the internet became widespread, Mexico was the place to go in North America to find literature.
Mexico City was the first place in North America to use a printing press in 1539.
8|
Crawling cuisine is available.
Here is one of the weird facts about mexico food. When you visit after walking long through any market in Mexico.
It can lead you to the crawling creatures market (spiders, grasshoppers, and even scorpions).
These all of which are all available for purchase to put on your dinner table.
Some find this disgusting, but adventurous foodies can find some excellent grub, among other crawling things, in these markets.
9|
The world's largest tamale can be found here.
Americans are known for their large food portions, but even they would struggle to finish a 3-foot-long, 150-pound tamale that takes a village to make!
The "el zacahuil" is a traditional huge dish.
It is frequently served at special celebrations and occasions such as Xantolo, the Feast of All Saints, and can feed up to 70 people.
This behemoth is stuffed with pork or turkey, piled high with chile and a delightful spice blend.
It is served on grilled banana leaves with pickled jalapenos.
10|
2. Mexico is home to 69 different languages.
As a result, Mexico is one of the countries with the greatest linguistic diversity on the planet.
In addition to Spanish, there are 68 indigenous languages spoken in Mexico, including náhuatl, mixteco, and otom.
No other country on the American continent has as many indigenous languages as Mexico.
Indigenous languages, like Spanish, are accepted as national languages.
11|
In Mexico, there are women-only vehicles in the metro and buses.
Separated transportation is a socially disputed concept that has gained popularity in some cities around the world.
Mexico City, like any other large city, has an usual crime rate, which is intended to help combat public molesting, assault, and even kidnapping.
Mexico City is one of the cities that has subway cars where men are not permitted to enter, creating a space that is completely safe for women.
Women in Mexico are actually quite privileged, despite the stereotype that they are grossly mistreated.
There are public transport buses and subways made for only women in Mexico City.
Furthermore, Mexican men are caballerosos. They always open the door for women and warmly welcome them.
The Mexican men, pick them up before the date as well as the meeting. They also usually pay for everything.
To put it another way, Mexico City is about as safe as New York City. It is even regarded as one of the safest places to visit!
12|
The World's Smallest Volcano can be Found here.
Mexico is located in the center of the "Ring of Fire," also known as the circum-Pacific belt.
It is the site of nearly 90% of the world's earthquakes and approximately 81% of the planet's volcanic eruptions.
The world's smallest volcano can be found in Mexico! If you will, consider it a small Jon boat.
The Cuexcomate Volcano, which stands 43 feet tall, is located just outside the city of Puebla.
This volcano is barely a hill in comparison to Mauna Loa in Hawaii, which stands 13,678 feet tall!
If you happen to have thought that this height isn't good enough. You will be surprised to know that Cuexcomate is half as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
It is the only place in the world where a rare rabbit known as the volcano rabbit, which lives near volcanoes.
13|
Mexico City is home to the first printing press in North America.
It was the year 1539 when the First Printing Press in North America (Casa de la Primera Imprenta de América) was set up in Mexico City.
It was considered the first printing press in North America.
After Mexico, it was used in Europe Then this printing technology was brought to the United States.
14|
On Christmas Day, Mexican Children do not receive Gifts.
It is amazing facts about Mexico Christmas. Don't worry, children do receive gifts, and they may even receive them twice.
The larger celebration, however, occurs on January 6th, the Day of the Three Kings.
Children in Mexico do not receive Christmas presents on December 25th. Instead, they receive them on January 6th.
Rather than celebrating Jesus' birth, Mexicans commemorate the arrival of the Three Wise Men with gifts for Jesus.
When Jesus receives gifts, everyone receives gifts!
15|
Country does not Celebrate Independence Day
Mexicans do not observe Cinco de Mayo. Mexico declared independence on September 27th, 1821.
But, the beginning of the independence war was September 16th, 1810 – the day that is celebrated as Independence Day.
Cinco de Mayo does not commemorate Mexican independence; rather, it marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
In this battle Mexico defeated the French army.
Independence day is mostly celebrated in Puebla as well as by Mexican immigrants living in the United States.
16|
Mexico is welcoming to LGBTQ+ people (Community).
For Mexicans, same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption are both legal!
While the country's strong ties to the Roman Catholic Church caused it to lean conservative.
There has been a social transformation, and Mexico has even marketed itself as a gay-friendly destination. Mexico City is considered a frontrunner.
17|
Mexico has the Largest Pyramid in the World.
You will exclaim with surprise to know that the largest pyramid in the world is the Great Pyramid of Cholula.
Not Egypt, but Mexico – The Cholula Pyramid in the Mexican Federal State of Puebla is the world's largest pyramid.
The pyramid is significantly larger than the Pyramid of Giza, despite its lesser popularity.
It has height of 66 meters, a 400-meter base, and a total volume of 4.5 million cubic meters.
Despite its impressive size, the Cholula Pyramid is easily forgotten because it is hidden beneath a mountain.
The eye-catching structure is the church built on top of the pyramid by the Spaniard conquerors.
It is located in Mexico. It is also considered the largest/tallest monument ever constructed in the world. As we commonly think about the pyramids of Giza.
18|
Mexico is the Most Popular Tourist Destination in Latin America.
As per World Tourism Organization statistics, Mexico has the highest number of international visitors in Latin America and is ranked #10 in the world.
This is unsurprising given the variety of culture and nature on offer in Mexico.
UNESCO has designated 32 locations in the country as World Cultural Heritage sites.
Mexico leads the American continent in this segment once more and is ranked sixth overall.
19|
Mexico is a big Coca-Cola drinker.
This consumption rate of 163 liters per person per year is uncommon in any other country in the world.
It is surprising that such misuse in Coca-Cola consumption can be seen in people's health, as diabetes and obesity rates in Mexico are above average.
Other factors include a lack of exercise and a high intake of junk food.
As a result, punishing taxes on foods with high fat or sugar content was implemented in 2013.
20|
Mexican Cuisine has been marked as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
- Tacos,
- Picante, and
- enchiladas
They are traditional Mexican cuisine is diverse in nature and quite popular abroad also.
Mexican cuisine was added to the list of Immaterial World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2010.
Mexican cuisine has its roots engraved during colonial periods. It was a time when Spanish cuisine mixed with native cuisine preparations.
It gave a new cuisine with a unique blend of tastes. Corn, avocado, beans, cocoa, and other indigenous ingredients are just a few examples.
There are 64 different types of corn in Mexico. Not any other country in the world boast to have such claims.
21|
Mexico City has the world's Second-Highest Intensity of Museums.
Mexico has a lot to offer in terms of culture, from the Metropolitan Cathedral to the Bellas Artes [Fine Arts] Museum and the ruins of Aztec constructions.
Over 170 museums can be visited in this megalopolis, which has a remarkable number of museums.
In terms of museums, it is the world's second-largest city.
It is only slightly topped by London, which has nearly 200 museums.
22|
The World's First Birth Control Device Was Invented by a Mexican
The chemical compound was invented by Luis Ernesto Miramontes Cardenas, a 25-year-old Mexican chemist.
He was the first man who performed the synthesis of norethisterone.
It guided the world of medicine to design the main component of the first birth control pills in the year 1951.
23|
US Citizens Are Mexico's Largest Immigration Group
It's no secret that Mexicans make up the lion's share of the country's foreign-born population.
However, US citizens make up the majority of Mexico's immigrant population.
More than 7.50 thousand US citizens reside in Mexico, according to the 2010 Census.
Yes, it means that more Americans are migrating to Mexico than Mexicans are migrating to the United States. It's kind of strange...
24|
The Meteorite that wiped out the Dinosaurs landed in Mexico.
The large meteor that completely destroyed out dinosaurs 65 million years ago landed on Mexico's Yucatán peninsula.
A 180-square-meter crater with a depth of over 600 meters was left in its aftermath.
The crater was discovered in 1981 by employees of the state oil company PEMEX while drilling an oil well.
25|
You Shouldn't Flush the Toilet With Toilet Paper
In this regard, Mexico is no different from other parts of Central America.
Especially given that it is located in North America rather than Central America.
Toilet paper should be disposed of in a bin, not in the toilet bowl.
Not surprisingly, many Latin Americans living in other countries struggle to adjust to flushing toilet paper down the toilet.
Comment below if I'm wrong, but none of the hostels in Mexico that you'll stay in allow you to flush toilet paper.
Particularly in Riviera Maya, which is so close to the sea.
26|
Only the North Eats Mexican Burritos
Everyone seems to love Mexican food, so much so that UNESCO recently declared it as a priceless part of humanity's cultural heritage.
Outside of Mexico, however, what is commonly referred to as "Mexican food" is more often than not Tex-Mex.
In Mexico, for example, no one eats Chipotle-style or rice-filled burritos.
In the Northern Mexico, burritos are popular, however, I meant burritos from US fast-food chains.
Not only that, but most authentic Mexican food isn't spicy or hot – it's actually sour from the use of a lot of limes (in Spanish simply called lemons).
27|
Mexican Spanish Is Not the Same as Other Spanish
Mexican Spanish, as I mentioned in my previous article on Mexican slang, is clearly different.
Torta, for example, does not mean cake in Mexico, but rather a sandwich.
Also, sope doesn't mean soup, but a 'Mexican pizza' (it's not the same Italian pizza, but it's similar to that concept – dough, sauce, and toppings).
28|
Mexico has 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the list.
Mexico claims to have 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites located within its borders.
The world heritage site list includes some of the historic centers of Mexicos' cities like -
- Mexico City,
- Guanajuato, and
- Puebla,
- as well as dozens of ancient sites,
- Tequila agave fields, and
- much more.
29|
Mexico has the World's Highest Proportion of Taxi Cabs.
There are 60,000 registered taxis on Mexican streets, with the majority based in Mexico City.
Moreover, taxi fares in Mexico are lower than in almost every other country in the world.
30|
Odd Mexican Phone Numbers
Let's suppose your mobile number in Mexico is 55593-33568.
If you want to call or text someone from another cell phone, dial this number. When dialing from a local phone, add (0-44) before the number.
If you want to text from a foreign cellphone, add (+52), but if you want to call from a foreign number, add (+52 1).
31|
The Caesar Salad Was Created in Mexico
According to legend, the salad was invented in Tijuana, Mexico in 1924 by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini.
Cardini, as reported by The Telegraph was the owner of a restaurant.
It was located in the tourist destination to "attract Americans disappointed by Prohibition."
32|
Jaguars Can Be Found in Mexico
The jaguar is the largest wildcat in the North American region.
Mexico's southern jungles are home to the Jaguar.
They've also been spotted hopping around Mayan ruins. Take precautions when exploring cenotes!
33|
Mexico is not a Third-World Country.
During the Cold War, the term "third world" was coined as one of three geopolitical alignment divisions.
- Countries aligned with the United States were considered "first world,"
- countries aligned with the Soviet Union were considered "second world,"
- and non-aligned countries were considered "third world."
Despite the fact that the Cold War ended 25 years ago, the term "third world" became synonymous with poverty in colloquial terms, while the other two terms vanished.
If countries are ranked by GDP per capita, Mexico is somewhere between Turkey and Brazil.
It, like any developed country, has a wide range of modern hotels, houses, and exclusive restaurants.
34|
In Mexico, you can't Shave and Drive.
In the year 2008, the Mexican city of Torreon Administration banned driving while doing make-up or shaving with an electric razor.
If anyone was found violating, they were fined for this. There were clearly too many accidents on the road.
35|
Yucatan is said to have been Named after a Confusion
The Peninsula got its name from a mix-up between the Mayans and the Spanish conquerors.
According to local legend, one of the explorers asked about the name of the peninsula with a local.
He responded, 'Ma'anaatik ka t'ann,' which translates as 'I don't understand you.'
36|
Mexico has 59 Different types of Corn.
When it comes to the meaning of corn-related words, Mexico is comparable to the North Pole and the meaning of snow-related words.
However, while corn is commonly referred to as maiz, there are numerous words for corn in various forms.
It's not surprising, given that Mexican corn comes in 59 different varieties.
Mexicans have been growing this important crop for centuries.
Despite various threats from International Trade Agreements and genetically modified (GM) imports, farmers continue to grow corn.
They also collect seeds and preserve varieties for future generations.
37|
Mexico's economy is thriving.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mexico has the world's 15th largest economy.
It is the 11th largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity.
Some of Volkswagen's best-selling variants are partially manufactured here.
The country has emerged as one of the fastest-growing hostspot in terms of new research and development.
Movies About Mexico:
- Y Tu Mama Tambien
- Frida
- Nosotros los nobles – the Mexican version of Crazy Rich Asians
- Amores Perros
- Once Upon a Time in Mexico
- Man on Fire
- The Mexican
Books about Mexico:
- All the Pretty Horses (by Cormac McCarthy)
- Under the Volcano (by Malcolm Lowry)
- The Labyrinth of Solitude (by Octavio Paz)
- La Perdida (by Jessica Abel)
- Like Water for Chocolate
FAQ about Mexico.
Q1- What is Mexico Religion ?
Ans - Majority of Mexicans follow Christianity.
Q2- What are Interesting Facts about Mexico ?
Ans - You can read more than 36 Weird facts about Mexico.
Q3- Facts about Mexico History.
Ans - The Majority follow Christianity about 91 of total population in Mexico. The Catholic represents about 82.7% (as per 2010 records. Other religion are Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hindu and Sikhs.