11 Interesting Facts About Mexico Explained with Video
Mexico is the largest country in Central America, and the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. Mexico is the home of Maya and Aztec and full of history going back to the earliest known civilizations.
In Modern Mexico, Mexican, like the other "Mint" countries that are in the early stages of prosperity, there is a large gap between of wealthy and the poor, with a limited middle class. If you are planning to have a stopover in the country, here are some interesting facts about Mexico.
General Facts About Mexico
1.Mexico ranks as the fourth most bio-diverse country in the world
The reason Mexico is so diverse is the the change in topography. Mexico’s costal lines are flat and green with vegetation, the north is rocky and dry, the south is humid and lush with many rainforests and biosphere reserves. Mexico is the home of 10%-12% of the world’s biodiversity with over 200,000 different species. Furthermore, Mexico ranks 1st in biodiversity in reptiles, 2nd in mammals, 4th in amphibians and 4th in flora.
This and tons of more facts in the video below!
Geographical Facts About Mexico
2. Eight current US states used to belong to Mexico
One of the most interesting facts about Mexico is that 8 of current States in US were actually part of Mexico. Former US president James K. Polk campaigned to expand the territory in the southwestern of the country. And when the Mexican government turned down the offer to buy the land, a war between Mexico and the USA started in 1846. Mexico lost the battle and had to sell the present-day US states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, the western half of New Mexico, the west quarter of Colorado, and Wyoming's southwest corner. Before the war, Texas gained independence from Mexico and joined the union in 1845.
3. Mexico has the world’s largest pyramid
Many believe the great pyramid of Egypt is the largest in the world, but that title actually belongs to Cholula's great pyramid. To be fair Egypt's largest pyramid is taller, but Cholula's is bigger by volume. Other than being the largest pyramid, it is the largest monument ever constructed by humans. This pyramid is an Aztec temple dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl.
4. Chicxulub Crater in Mexico was caused by the asteroid that is theorized to have killed the dinosaurs
Chicxulub crater is an impact crater buried underneath the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. The hole formed when the asteroid known as the Chicxulub impactor struck the Earth about 66 million years ago. Scientists believe that this event caused a mass extinction on Earth, including dinosaurs.
Interesting Mexico Facts
5. UNESCO declared Mexican cuisine as a world cultural heritage
This is probably not a surprising fact about Mexico because Mexican food is just really good. The Mexican food culture dates way back to pre-Spanish colonization. In 2010, UNESCO added Mexican cuisine to the list of Immaterial World Cultural Heritage. Even though traditional Mexican cuisine went through various changes over the years, some chefs are trying to keep traditions alive by cooking their ancestors' food.
6. Mexico will be the 5th largest economy by 2050
Mexico’s economy is the 15th largest in the world, according to the world bank reports. The country is one of the largest producers of electronics, automobiles, oil, and silver. The American investment bank Goldman Sachs predicts Mexico to be the 5th largest economy by 2050. The government introduced several infrastructure investment plans in 2019 to boost its economic growth.
7. A daughters 15th birthday is an important celebration in Mexico
The fiesta de quince años or Quinceañera is a celebration of a daughter’s 15th birthday. Although Quinceañera is popular throughout Latin America, it has its cultural roots in Mexico. The celebration marks the transition of a girl from childhood to young adulthood in Mexican culture. Historically, the father would present her to potential suitors.
8. The day of the dead is a tradition that originated in Mexico
The day of the dead or Día de Muertos is another worldwide cultural celebration that originated in Mexico. It is a combination of Catholicism and indigenous Aztec rituals to celebrate All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day falls on November 1st and 2nd every year. Families and friends gather to pray and remember deceased friends and family members.
9. Mexicans are obsessed with Coca Cola
Mexico is one of the largest consumers of Coca Cola and other sugary drinks. An average Mexican drinks more than 700 cups of Coca Cola a year, almost double what Americans consume. In the region of Chiapas, where the water is scarce, Coca Cola is cheaper than drinking water. This Coca-Cola obsession is causing massive health problems among Mexicans, such as obesity and diabetes.
10. Consumption of Chocolate began in Mexico
The history of Chocolate dates back to the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. They believed Cocoa beans to be a gift of Quetzalcoatl, the god of wisdom. People in this region mixed grounded Cocoa beans with cornmeal and chili peppers to create a drink. However, this beverage was bitter, in contrast to what we drink today as hot Chocolate.
11. There is an on-going war between the Mexican government and drug cartels
Mexico is well known for drug cartels and drug-related crimes. In 2006, the government started a low-intensity war with drug cartels to dismantle them and reduce drug-related crimes. Unfortunately, the government's effort seems ineffective as drug cartels are becoming stronger, and crimes are increasing year by year.