Country of Cacti: 22 Interesting Facts About Mexico
Mexico is a land that always has something to offer its guests. It's rich in landmarks, incredible history, and a vibrant culture. Here are some interesting facts about Mexico that might inspire you to visit this wonderful country!
Interesting Facts About Mexico
- The word "Mexico" (pronounced "Meheeco" in Spanish) means "in the navel of the Moon" from the Aztec Nahuatl words "Metztli" meaning "Moon" and "xictli" meaning "navel". The inhabitants of these lands pronounced the word as "meshiko".
- One of Mexico's most important pre-Hispanic civilizations was the Olmecs, who lived in these lands from around 1400 BCE to 300 CE. They are mainly known for the huge stone heads they crafted, which are available for viewing in the country's museums.
- The meteorite that caused the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago fell in the place where the city of Chicxulub is now located—on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The impact formed a crater with a diameter of 180 km, now located at a depth of 600 m. It was discovered in 1981 by workers of the company "Pemex", who noticed a sharp change in soil density at this depth.
- When the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes arrived on the Mexican shores, he was welcomed as a god and offered the sacred cocoa drink.
- The national flag of Mexico consists of three vertical stripes: green symbolizes hope, white represents unity and purity, and red stands for the blood of the national heroes. In the center, on the white stripe, there is a golden eagle depicted, devouring a snake.
- A part of Mexico known as the Yucatan Peninsula has been described since the time of the conquistadors. A Spanish man asked an indigenous person what this place was called, and he heard the answer, "Yucatan". But he didn't understand that the native responded to him: "I don't understand you".
- Mexico ranks fourth in the world in terms of biological diversity. Over 200,000 different species can be found within its territory, constituting approximately 10 to 12% of the world's known living organisms. It also boasts five climate zones and 9 out of 11 ecosystem types. Mexico holds the first place in the number of reptiles with 707 species inhabiting its territory, and ranks second in mammals (491 species) and fourth in amphibians (282 species) and plants (26,000 species).
- Just over 77% of the cactus species found in Mexico are endemic, meaning they cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
- Mexico has at least 50 different species of agave used for making mezcal. Mezcal, the older sibling of tequila, has been produced in these lands long before the drink that has now become a symbol of Mexico.
- The poinsettia, or Christmas flower, is considered the flower of Christmas in Mexico. It originates from there and is named after the first US ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, in the 19th century. As a physician, he was interested in the plant's medicinal properties.
- The Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless Dog, is a breed of dog originating from Mexico. Its age is over three thousand years. The ancient inhabitants of Mexico highly valued the meat of these animals, considering them sacred.
- Mexico has the second longest coral reef, located 200 meters off the coast of Cozumel Island in the state of Quintana Roo.
- The capital of Mexico, Mexico City, is located in a basin surrounded by volcanoes. The two most famous ones are Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl.
- Mexico is home to the world's smallest volcano, located in the city of Puebla, called Cuexcomate. It is only about 13 meters tall and is currently inactive.
- Mexico City has the highest number of museums in the world. Chapultepec Castle, located here and once the residence of governors, is the only castle built on the entire American continent.
- Today, the Federal District of Mexico City is the second most densely populated area in the world, second only to Tokyo, Japan. It has the highest consumption of drinking water in the world.
- Mexico is the largest producer of silver.
- The most consumed beverage by Mexicans is... no, not tequila. It's Coca-Cola.
- Mexico has around 60,000 taxis in operation, a world record.
- Mexico has 26 sites recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. This is more than in other countries like Egypt, Greece, Peru, and the United States.
- Mexican cuisine is also recognized as World Heritage. Mexico has given the world chocolate, chili peppers, and corn.
- In the southeastern part of the country, there is the city of Catemaco—the world capital of sorcerers and witches. Once a year, people from all over the world gather here to celebrate Witch Night.
