22 surprising facts about Mexico that will inspire your next trip

Better go ahead and book your ticket now.


Mexico is an incredible country with a rich history, a vibrant culture, wonderful people and an absolutely food in the mouth. And if you think you know all the facts about Mexico, you need to know, you are certainly wrong. The country is a diversified tapestry of surprises and there is always something new to explore. So, Vamanos! It's time to learn a little more about this wonderful country.

Here are 22 facts on our Mexico that will cause your curiosity and run your vagabond. As you finish this list, you will be itchy to pack your bags and embark on a great Mexican adventure. In addition, before planning your trip, make sure to check20 ways to make the trip less stressful.

1
Mexico is actually called Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United States)

Group of People Waving Mexican Flags in Back Lit

One of the most interesting facts about Mexico is that you do not even know its own name. That's right, the country is notreallycalled "Mexico". After obtaining his independence from Spain in 1821, the new country took the titleEstados Unidos MexicanosIn 1824. It was because he wanted to moderate after democracy in the United States (Estados Unidos).

The word "mexico" comes fromAztec, which referred like the Mexical. In their language, Nahuatl, Mexico means "Place des Mexica".

2
Mexico has 69 official languages

a chalkboard with the question hablas espanol? do you speak Spanish? written in Spanish, a pot with pencils and the flag of Spain, on a wooden desk
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Most non-Mexicans guess that Spanish is the official language of Mexico. But the government also recognizes 68indigenous languagesas official languages. There are currently more than 150 different indigenous languages ​​spoken in Mexico and the country is currently at home to more than 6 million speakers of these languages.

3
The country ranks fourth world for biodiversity

Jaguar resting in the shade of trees in Xcaret Park (Cancun, Mexico)
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Not only is linguistic Mexico diversified, but it is also considered to be ecologicallyCountry Megadivers. The country houses 10-12% of the worldbiodiversity, with more than 200,000 different types of species. There are more than 170,000 square kilometers of protected natural areas, as well as many conservation efforts. Spider monkeys, volcano rabbits, jaguars, axolotls and ollots are just some of thecool animalsYou could find in Mexico.

4
Chocolate is from Mexico

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Historians have drawn theorigins of chocolateBack to the old olmerics, who lived in what is now southern Mexico of about 1500 BC. The olmerics transmitted the boat on the mayas, which venerated chocolate and used chocolate drinks in many ceremonies. But chocolate really took off with the Aztecs, which lived in central Mexico from 13:00 to 1521. The Aztecs calledChocolate The "Drink of Gods" and even cocoa beans like a currency, valuing them more precious than gold. (Which, of course, any chocoholic will agree with.)

5
You can also thank Mexico for corn and chiles

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This is true, so many of your favorite foods come from Mexico.ButWas developed for the first time by indigenous tribes of Mexico about 7,000 years ago and started as a grass called Teosint. The pepper peppers were first cultivated in the TEHUACÁN valley at 5,000 BC. and had a huge presence in Maya and Aztec traditions.

6
Mexico is the largest exporter of beer in the world

Pouring beer from tap
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Warningbeer lovers! Mexico houses a $ 3.8 billion beer industry, making it thebiggest beer exporterin the world. This is one of those facts about Mexico you want to remember the next time you get out on a crown, cooling with an Equis back, or cool yourself with a modeling.

7
Artists in Mexico can pay their taxes with works of art

paint brush canvas office
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Mexico has a long longstanding tradition of incredible art, Frida Kahlo in José Clemente Orozco. Through a program called Pago species (in-kind payment) Artistspay off their taxesgiving pieces of their art to the government. The spectacular Pago public collection contains more than 7,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures and graphics. The pieces are housed in museums around the world and if you visit Mexico, you can see many in the national heritage collection at theMuseo Nacional del Artein Mexico.

8
The Yucatán region has got its name from a misunderstanding worthy of FACEPALM

Merida San Idefonso cathedral sunrise in Yucatan Mexico

The Yucatán Peninsula is one of the iconic geographical characteristics of Mexico (and also gives its name to the state of Yucatán). But theOrigin of name "yucatán"is actually the result of a classic classic misunderstanding.

When the Spaniard Conquistador Hernández de Córdova arrived on the coast of Yucatan in 1517, his crew asked the inhabitants they met what their land was called. But, the inhabitants did not understand what the Spaniards asked. In the most popular version of the story, they answered "Tetec Dtan. My t Natic ​​has Dtan." Which means "you speak very quickly; we do not understand your language."

But the Spaniards took this as the answer to their question and (in a missed comprehension of the answer) thought they said that the region was called "Yucatán". In another version of the story, the inhabitants replied "Yucatán" which literally translates into "I'm not from here." Good job, Córdova. Anyway, the name stuck.

9
Millions of monarch butterflies migrate every year in Mexico

Monarch butterfly with wings spread on a flower
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Every fall, millions ofMonarch butterflies migrateHot climates from Mexico to wait for the winter before returning to the United States and Canada in the spring. If you are lucky enough to be in Mexico between November and March, you can have a glimpse of these beautiful creatures at theButterfly monarch biosphere reservenorth of the city of Mexico.

10
The city of Mexico is larger than the city of New York and has the largest fleet of taxis in the world.

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We like to speak big here in the city that never sleeps, but one of the most interesting facts about Mexico is that the city of Mexico is actually the oldest and most populated city in North America, with apopulation8.9 million people. The city also houses more than 140,000 taxis taxis, the largest fleet in the world. If you demolished a large vibrant city, CDMX is where to go.

11
Mexico has more than 160 museums

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When you make your trip to Mexico, you will not hurt to do things to do. The city has more than 160 museums, theSecond most museumsIn the world (with London as the first). Choose from a fascinating picture, including theMuseo Nacional de Antropología, thePalacio Beautiful Artes, theFrida Kahlo Museum, and many, much more.

12
The city of Mexico started like the city Aztec, Tenochtitlan

Aztec Pyramid in Teotihuacan, Mexico City

As I mentioned above, the city of Mexico is the oldest city in North America. It started asTarnochtitlan, the massive capital of the Aztec Empire. The city was built in 1325 on an island of Lake Texcoco. (In fact, because it was built on a lake, the city flows slowly.) Tenochtitlan was captured by the Spaniards in 1521, but you can always find many Aztec ruins in the modern city.

13
You can find the largest pyramid in the world in Mexico

The Great Pyramid of Cholula
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You could associate pyramids with the ancient Egyptians, but the largest pyramid in the world is actually theGreat cholula pyramid(A.k.a. tlachhihultepetl, which means "Mountain made" in Nahuatl.) The pyramid is 180 feet high and its base measures 1,480 square feet.

14
Mexico is located on the Pacific Fire Ring

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Located in the most active seismic region of the world, Mexico has42 active volcanoesand thousands of inactive volcanoes. Among them you can find the smallest volcano in the world, theCuexcomate volcano, in Puebla, Mexico.

15
Tequila Sille de Tequila, Jalisco

tequila shots
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If you think of these volcanoes you stress, you need a good strong drink. Fortunately, Mexico has covered you that Tequila's inventors. The drink, made from distilled agave, comes from Tequila, Jalisco and was first commercially distilled in 1758. But the drink had his departure when the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century and, pushing for brandy, started Distiller local plants. Today, the city is aUnesco World Heritage. Fun Make: Tequila is only allowed to tequila if it has been produced and bottled in Jalisco or some selected Mexican regions.

16
The eagle on the Mexican flag comes from an Aztec legend

Flat laying Mexico flag

You probably know green, white and red stripesFlag of MexicoAnd the emblematic eagle at its center. According to the Legend of Aztec, the gods have advised the Aztecs that the place where they should build their city would be marked by an eagle on a pear pan, eating a snake. They spotted this eagle on the spot which now contains the main plaza of the city of Mexico.

17
Charaea is the national sport of Mexico

Mexican charros mariachis horses horseback sombrero Mexico traditions ruedo racing culture festival rural equine holiday traditional outfit outdoors outfitters mexicano vaqueros sombreros band rider

In addition to Mexico's fervor for football (a.k.a. Soccer), the country is home to the sports Charreada.Charreadais a Rodeo style event, in which costumed cowboys show their laundry and make their supports dance to music. There is a strict set of rules and notation, associated with a lively vibration that makes a trip to a charm a must for any trip to Mexico.

18
Mexico has the second largest number of Catholics in the world

St. Paul's Cathedral

Catholicismis huge in Mexico, with more than 81% of adults in the identifying country as Catholic. Religion was delivered by the Spaniards in the 16th century and today Mexico has one of the most powerful links in Catholicism in the world. One of the most important icons in the country is the Virgin of Guadalupe, considered the "mother" of all Mexicans.

19
Most Mexicans do not really celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Cinco De Mayo Background with Margarita and Tacos
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This is one of those facts about Americans from Mexico can not stop deceiving you. Sorry to disappoint you, butCINCO DE MAYOis actually more American holidays. Although many think that this celebrates Mexican independence, the date is making a small fight against combat against the French. RealMexican independence dayOn September 16th is September 16th, you will find tons of parades, festivals and celebrations in the country.

20
It is illegal to play the Mexican national anthem incorrectly

Mexican fans in uniform sing the national anthem during the World Cup

Be careful because Mexico takes its national symbolism seriously. There are several chapters in its laws on how to play the national anthem or Mexicano of Himno Nacional properly. If you do it wrong, you couldget a ticket. So good, before leaving for your trip, you may wantlistenTo make sure you succeed.

21
Mexico is home to the oldest University of North America

The Central Library of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), covered with a mural by Juan O'Gorman, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Autonomous National University of Mexico(Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) was originally founded in 1551 like the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico. It took its modern form as a public research university in 1910. The beautiful campus is aUnesco World HeritageAnd is definitely worth a visit.

22
You can find one of the seven wonders of the world in Mexico

El Castillo (The Kukulkan Temple) of Chichen Itza, mayan pyramid in Yucatan, Mexico

If the previous facts did not sell you to make a trip to Mexico, how about the chance to see one of the seven wonders of the world?Chichen Itzais an archaeological site created by the Mayans to honor the God, Kukulcán. It has been developed between 750 and 900 advertisers and has become one of the largest Mayan cities. In 2007, he was named one of the seven new wonders of the modern world. The pyramid is located in the municipality Tinúm, the state of Yucatán, and it is obviously somewhere that each visitor in Mexico must see.Now that you have learned a ton of facts about Mexico, you will need more ideas for places to visit. For this, checkMy best trip: 20 famous travelers reveal their most memorable adventures.

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