21 Surprising and Fun Facts About Mexico (2024 Update)
Mexico is a fascinating destination renowned for its rich culture, delicious food, and deep history. While many travelers flock to all-inclusive resorts, the country offers so much more: stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches await those who explore beyond the ordinary. Here are some surprising facts about Mexico that will deepen your appreciation of this vibrant country.
Interesting Mexico Facts
Situated in the southern part of North America, Mexico shares its northern border with the United States and its southern borders with Guatemala and Belize. The Pacific Ocean graces Mexico's western coastline, while the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea line the eastern shores. This diverse geography makes Mexico a cultural bridge between North America and Central America.
1. Its Name Is Not What You Think
One intriguing fact about Mexico is that its official name is not simply ‘Mexico.’ The full title is the United Mexican States, or Estados Unidos Mexicanos. Much like the U.S., Mexico comprises 31 states and one Federal District.
Each state operates with its own police force, regulations, and laws. Interestingly, although many believe that Mexico City has always been the capital, it was officially designated as such only in 2016; prior to that, it was known as Distrito Federal.
This can be a bit confusing since Mexico City’s metropolitan area lies within the Federal District boundaries. Only residents of this district are recognized as living in the capital.
Mexico Is More Than a Beach Destination
While many travelers flock to Mexico for its stunning beaches, the country offers so much more than just sun and sand.
With a rich history, Mexico boasts 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including historic centers such as Mexico City, Puebla, and Guanajuato. Additionally, Mexican cuisine is recognized by UNESCO as an 'Immaterial World Cultural Heritage,' highlighting its cultural importance.
The country is also home to numerous ancient ruins, with Chichen Itza being the most famous among them, alongside the agave fields that give rise to tequila.
Situated in the circum-Pacific Belt—commonly known as the "Ring of Fire"—Mexico is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Home to the World’s Smallest Volcano
Located just outside of Puebla is Cuexcomate Volcano, recognized as the smallest volcano in the world. Standing at only 13 meters (43 feet) tall with a base diameter of about 23 meters (75 feet), it resembles a small hill rather than a traditional volcano. Although it appears like one due to its shape, Cuexcomate is actually a dormant geyser or volcanic vent.
Cuexcomate holds a special place in local folklore. One legend tells that it was formed when the devil attempted to destroy Puebla with a massive stone but was stopped by the Virgin Mary, who transformed the stone into this tiny volcano.
With its conical shape and grassy cover, Cuexcomate presents a picturesque sight reminiscent of a miniature volcano complete with a crater at its summit.
World’s Largest Pyramid Is in Mexico
In addition to having the world's smallest volcano, Mexico is home to its largest pyramid—the Great Pyramid of Cholula (Pirámide Tepanapa) located in Cholula, Puebla. Often mistaken for just another hill due to its vegetation cover, it also goes by names like "Great Pyramid of Cholula" or "Tlachihualtepetl," which means "artificial mountain" in Nahuatl.
This monumental structure is not only vast but also surpasses even Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza in volume. Covering an area of 45 acres and standing at 55 meters (180 feet) high, it was originally constructed by the Olmec-Xicalanca civilization in the 3rd century BCE and later expanded upon by both Maya and Aztec cultures over centuries.
It Has Animals Big and Small
The jaguar reigns as North America's largest wildcat and can often be spotted near Mayan ruins or wandering through Mexico's lush jungles.
Conversely, on the smaller side of things lies one of humanity's tiniest dog breeds—the Chihuahua. Named after the state where it originated in northern Mexico, this breed has captured hearts around the world.
6. U.S. Citizens Make Up the Largest Immigration Group in Mexico
In Mexico, the largest foreign-born population consists of United States citizens, with more Americans immigrating to Mexico than vice versa.
Many Americans find Mexican food surprising when they move or visit. The Mexican cuisine served in the United States is often categorized as Tex-Mex, which differs significantly from authentic Mexican dishes.
In Mexico, you won't typically find Chipotle-style burritos filled with rice; burritos are primarily popular only in the northern regions.
Another notable difference is that authentic Mexican food isn’t usually spicy. Instead, it often has a sour flavor due to lime usage.
7. We Can Thank Mexico For Chocolate
Chocolate originated from Mexico and Mesoamerica, where ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans first cultivated cacao for both culinary and ceremonial uses. This rich heritage brought chocolate to Europe, establishing it as a significant cultural and culinary element.
Cacao beans held great value among these cultures, serving as currency and trade items. They were also used to create a bitter drink flavored with spices and chili peppers.
While Mesoamericans developed chocolate drinks, it was Europeans who sweetened it into the bars and treats we enjoy today.
8. We Can Also Thank Them for Avocados and Tomatoes
10. Cinco de Mayo Is Not Celebrated in Mexico
Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexican Independence Day, which actually falls on September 16th. Mexico declared its independence on September 27, 1821, but the war for independence began earlier, on September 16, 1810. Consequently, Mexicans celebrate their Independence Day on September 16th.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a popular occasion for festivities and parties. While some Mexican immigrants may observe this day, it is primarily a celebration of the Battle of Puebla that took place in 1862—a fact that many people are unaware of. The residents of Puebla do commemorate this significant event.
11. At Christmas, Mexican Children Do Not Receive Gifts
In Mexico, Christmas is not celebrated on December 25; instead, it is observed during "Nochebuena" or Christmas Eve. Children do not receive presents on Christmas Day itself; they wait for "Día de Reyes" or Three Kings’ Day on January 6th. This tradition holds deep cultural and religious significance in Mexico.
Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is marked by family gatherings and festive meals centered around the nativity scene featuring the baby Jesus. Gift exchanges occur during Día de Reyes, which celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men to Jesus in Bethlehem. On the night before this day, children find gifts left under their beds or shoes by Los Reyes.
12. A Mexican Inventor Contributed to Developing Color TV
Guillermo González Camarena was born on February 17, 1917, in Guadalajara, Mexico. He filed his first patent for television at just 17 years old in 1934.
Camarena's most notable achievement came in 1940 when he developed an early color TV system known as the "Trichromatic Sequential Field System." This innovation utilized rotating color wheels to produce vibrant color images and was patented both in Mexico and the United States.
In that same year, he transmitted Mexico's first color TV signal—an important milestone that garnered international recognition for his contributions to television technology.
13. It’s Not a Third-World Country
The term "third world" originated during the Cold War as a geopolitical classification system: countries allied with the United States were labeled “first world,” those aligned with the Soviet Union were “second world,” and those non-aligned fell into what was termed “third world.” Although this classification has persisted even after the Cold War ended—often associated with poverty—it does not accurately reflect contemporary realities.
While there exists a significant wealth gap between rich and poor within Mexico, it is essential to note that it should not be classified as a poor country based solely on GDP per capita statistics. With its rich culture and numerous attractions similar to those found in developed nations, Mexico offers much more than what outdated labels might suggest.
14. Mexico Differs From Latin America in Many Ways
Mexico stands out distinctly from Latin America in several aspects, including culture and language. Geographically, Mexico is classified as part of North America rather than Latin America. Moreover, the Spanish spoken in Mexico features unique slang and variations that differ significantly from other Spanish-speaking regions.
If you've ever taken a Spanish class, you might have learned about these differences. Language instructors often emphasize how diverse the Spanish language can be across different countries.
Interestingly, both Mexico and other Latin American countries share a common practice regarding toilet paper usage. In many places in Mexico, it's customary to dispose of used toilet paper in the trash rather than flushing it down the toilet. This practice tends to be more strictly observed in coastal areas.
15. Mexico Has the Oldest University in North America
When considering historic universities in North America, one might immediately think of Harvard. However, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), located in Mexico City, holds the title of the oldest university on the continent, having been established in 1551—85 years before Harvard.
16. Mexico Has Some Odd Foods
For culinary adventurers, Mexico offers an array of authentic dishes that may seem unconventional at first glance. Markets in Mexico often feature delicacies such as grasshoppers, scorpions, and spiders available for purchase. While this may seem unappetizing to some, many locals enjoy these edible insects due to their rich flavors.
If you can overcome any reservations about consuming bugs, you'll discover a range of protein-rich snacks that are entirely organic. Edible insects feature prominently in Mexican cuisine; they were even staples for ancient civilizations like the Aztecs who relied on them as a crucial source of nutrition.
17. It has Foods we Know and Love As Well
Mexican cuisine is renowned worldwide for its deliciousness and variety—from enchiladas to tacos—and ranks among the best globally. One standout dish is Mole (pronounced "moh-lay"), which serves as a rich sauce integral to Mexican cooking. This versatile sauce enhances meats such as chicken or turkey and combines various ingredients including dried chiles (like ancho and pasilla), unsweetened chocolate, spices (such as cinnamon and cumin), garlic, onions, tomatoes, along with occasional fruits like plantains or nuts such as almonds.
18. Mexico is Regularly Listed as One of the Most Popular Tourist Destinations
Mexico is a vibrant tourist destination, ranking among the top 10 most visited places in the world. According to the World Tourism Organization, it stands as the 6th most popular country for tourism globally. With its stunning beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient ruins, and bustling cities, it's clear why travelers flock to this beautiful nation.
19. Facts About the Mexican Flag
The Mexican flag is one of three National Symbols representing Mexico. It features three vertical stripes of equal width in green, white, and red from left to right—"Verde," "Blanco," and "Rojo." This design was officially adopted on February 24, 1821.
At the center of the white stripe sits Mexico’s national emblem, known as the “Mexican Coat of Arms” or “Escudo Nacional.” This emblem depicts an eagle perched on a cactus holding a snake in its beak, symbolizing the legendary founding of Tenochtitlan, now modern-day Mexico City. The rich symbolism invites exploration into this unique civilization's mythology.
Each color on the flag bears significant meaning: green represents hope and independence; white symbolizes purity and religion; while red signifies the bloodshed by those who fought for Mexico’s freedom.
Record-Breaking Flag: In 2010, Mexico set a Guinness World Record for the largest flag ever flown. The enormous flag measured 2,011 meters long and was displayed in celebration of the country's bicentennial.
Fun Facts About Mexico That Will Make You Want to Take a Trip!
Mexico is renowned for its stunning beaches and breathtaking landscapes, but this vibrant country offers so much more than just picturesque views. Beyond the shorelines, you’ll discover a treasure trove of rich history, ancient structures, and incredible cuisine that truly represent the heart of Mexican culture.
The culture of Mexico is a colorful tapestry woven from diverse traditions preserved by indigenous descendants across various regions. This unique heritage invites travelers to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. Why settle for just a day at the beach when you can immerse yourself in an experience that showcases all that Mexico has to offer?