35 Interesting And Fun Mexican Facts About Mexico [Explained]

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There is no doubt that Mexico is one of the most historically and culturally rich places that has endless things to offer. Mexico has 32 states in the country with a plethora of unique cultures, customs, and identities. It is important to understand the different facts about Mexico to take a glimpse into its heritage and culture.

After all, the country is more than just a destination for people on spring break looking to party. Instead, you can find some of the most historical places here that will take you back into the past.

So, if you want to know more about Mexico, you are in the right place. Here are all the top Mexico facts that will boost your knowledge about this country.

General Mexico Facts

The country can sometimes be portrayed differently in the media than it is. Here are some of the general facts about Mexico that are also fascinating to know.

There Are 63 Indigenous Languages

There is no official language in the country, and it has around 68 national languages. 63 of them are deemed to be official indigenous languages.

Because of this, the country is one of the most linguistically diverse in the world. Most of the population speaks Spanish, but Mayan and Aztec languages are also common here.

mayan-and-aztec-heritage-site

It Is the Most Popular Tourist Destination In Latin America

Mexico has the highest number of international visitors each year in all of Latin America. Of course, these interesting Mexican facts don’t come as a surprise at all because the country has a lot to offer. There are endless beaches, heritage sites, remnants of the Mayan and Aztec past, and much more for anyone to explore.

cholula-pyramid

It Has One Of The Seven Wonders

One of the Seven Wonders of the World is located in Mexico, known as Chichen Itza. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a trip to Mexico is often considered incomplete if you don’t explore these ruins.

It receives around 2 million visitors annually, and in this region, you will find many other Mayan Ruins to explore.

Be sure to make your way to Yucatan and explore the ancient Mayan time. You will be impressed when you see this wonder for the first time.

The Country Has The Largest University Worldwide

In 1551, Charles V of Spain founded the National University of Mexico. It is one of the best universities worldwide, and the name is now the National Autonomous University of Mexico. The university is also the largest you will find anywhere in the world.

Keep in mind that the Central University City Campus of this university is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That is because the top artists and architects of Mexico have made the buildings.

It Is The 4th Most Biodiverse Country

The variety of animal and plant life in Mexico is immense, as it houses around 12% of the biodiversity of the world. You will also find the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef here.

There are also seven unique climatic zones in the country as you will find coral reeds, lagoons, lakes, waterfalls, cloud forests, and more. A rich biodiversity is one of the many things that Mexico is famous for.

cenotes-in-mexico

Most Cenotes In The World Are In Mexico

Many people don’t know these facts about Mexico, but cenotes are natural freshwater pools and there are around 6,000 of them in Mexico. The country has the most cenotes in the world. Be sure to visit some of these impressive natural features during your trip.

Fun Facts About Mexico For Travelers

As a tourist, there are endless things for you to do and explore. Of course, you can put some of these fun Mexican facts to use to make your trip memorable.

largest-pyramid-in-the-world

Mexico Has The Largest Pyramid In The World

Egypt doesn’t have the largest pyramid; Mexico does. The Cholula Pyramid is 66 meters in height, 4.5 million cubic meters in volume, and has a base of 400 meters. However, the pyramid is hidden under a mountain, which is why many people miss it on their trip.

national-museum-in-mexico

Mexico City Has A Large Number Of Museums

Mexico is rich in cultural heritage and history, which is why you will find hundreds of museums here, particularly in the capital city. Whenever you visit, make sure that you visit some of these museums to get a better understanding of the culture and history.

These attractions usually host an impressive collection of displays and artifacts. Some of them can take up days to explore if you want to take a deep dive into all the information. This is one of the most exciting facts about Mexico City for travelers, especially museum geeks.

35-unesco-world-heritage-site

There Are 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Many people miss these fun facts about Mexican heritage but let us tell you that you will find around 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites here. These sites include manmade and natural landmarks that you can visit.

Some of the most famous sites include Uxmal, Teotihuacan, Palenque, Chichen Itza, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and many others. Definitely factor some time to explore these famous landmarks in Mexico.

beach-coastline-in-mexico

You Will Find Over 7,000 Miles Of Coastline

Some of the best beaches in the world are located in Mexico, making it the top beach destination to visit. From the coast of Cancun to the other end of Acapulco, there are many options when it comes to beaches in Mexico.

In addition, there are also many lakes that you can explore, such as the Lake of Seven Colors that will take your breath away. Do your research before you go and spend some time on the top beaches in the country.

The World’s Smallest Volcano Is In Mexico

Cuexcomate Volcano is the smallest volcano in the world, and it is located near Puebla City in Mexico. The volcano is only 13 meters tall, and it barely looks like a hill. Keep in mind that there are more than forty active volcanoes in the country along with thousands of inactive volcanoes.

Interesting Facts About Mexico That Will Blow Your Mind

There are many interesting Mexican facts that most people are not familiar with. Here are some of to know about.

Most Mexicans Don’t Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

Contrary to popular belief, most Mexicans don’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Only people in Puebla, Mexico, celebrate it with parades, food, and much more. Outside this city, you will hardly find any celebrations throughout Mexico. It is not a federal holiday, and stores and offices continue to function normally.

The Country Has The Most Taxis Worldwide

Mexico City has a population of around nine million people and over 140,000 taxi cabs around the city. No other place has this many taxi cabs. However, you will also find ride-sharing applications to use, such as Uber and many others, for your convenience.

Millions Of Butterflies Migrate To And From The Country Every Year

Monarch butterflies are incredibly beautiful, and each November, millions or billions of them migrate from Canada to Mexico. When they are here, these butterflies stay in the country till March. You can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mexico Monarch Sanctuary.

On the other hand, you can also visit Central Mexico when the migration season takes place. It is one of the best sights you will see. You can also see these butterflies at the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Biosphere.

mexico-city-lake

Mexico City Was Built On A Lake

Yes, Mexico City was built on a lake, and this is one of the top interesting facts about Mexico many people don’t know. The capital is sinking because it used to be the 7th highest capital city in the world. However, it has lost this position because the city is sinking by 12cm each year.

It Only Has One Gun Store

Mexico has some of the strictest firearm regulations and laws in the world. That is why you will only find one gun store throughout the country. The gun store is situated in Mexico City, and the military runs this store to control who has firearms.

Citizens that want to buy a gun need to submit references, provide fingerprints, get a background check, and much more. Even after these requirements have been met, they will only be provided with one gun and one bullet box.

Mexican Culture Facts

Mexico’s deep cultural heritage spans hundreds and thousands of years. These customs are still a part of the country, especially in indigenous regions. Here are some of the top Mexican culture facts you should know:

The People Of Mexico Are Some Of The Happiest And Friendliest

The people of Mexico are some of the happiest people in the world. That is because a lot of research shows that well-being is much higher in Mexico than in the USA. The reason for this is that there is an emphasis on community and family along with universal healthcare.

You will also find the people to be incredibly hospitable. If you ever need help, you can count on someone to help you out without even asking for anything in return.

Kids Don’t Get Presents On Christmas

This fact is perhaps the most unique one you will find because Christmas is all about giving. However, kids don’t get presents at Christmas. That is because Mexicans exchange Christmas presents on Three Kings Day, which is January 6th.

day-of-the-dead-holiday

The Day Of The Dead Is A National Holiday

Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, dates back to the Aztec times, and it is a national holiday in the country. It is perhaps one of the most important holidays to exist in the country. There are endless celebrations throughout Mexico with parades and festivals that you can visit.

woman-texting-on-a-train

You Will Find Women-Only Cars In The Subway Of Mexico City

The government has tried to make Mexico City safe for women, which is why the front of the subway carriages is only for children and women. That is because the city has a higher crime rate than smaller cities in the country. Besides that, even the front part of buses in Mexico City is reserved for women.

woman-drinking-coca-cola

People Consume The Most Coca-Cola In Mexico

Each person in Mexico consumes an average of 163 liters of Coca-Cola each year. The drink is so popular that you will find it on every corner. However, this has led to an obesity problem, which is why children are not allowed to purchase soda legally by themselves in Oaxaca.

Facts On Mexico For Kids

Mexico is a fantastic country with a lot of history and heritage that kids should also know. That is why you must know the various Mexico facts for kids to teach them about this country. Here are some of the top ones for trivia.

The First Printing Press Was Used In Mexico

The first printing press to be used was in Mexico and not in the USA. The House of the First Printing Press was opened in 1539 to publish books in the country. You can still go to this printing press and take a tour to see where the printing of literature began in the New World.  

famous-cholula-city

The Oldest City In North America Is Cholula

Cholula is the oldest city, as it is said to be found around 2,000 BC. On the other hand, Mexico City is said to be found at least a thousand years later. People have inhabited this oldest city for thousands of years, and you need to visit it once while you are in the country.

The Christmas Season Lasts For Two Months

Yes, you might think this is over the top, but this is how it is in Mexico. The Christmas season in Mexico ends after the Three Kings Day in January.

Besides that, as soon as December begins, you will find nightly holiday celebrations taking place around the country. It is a magical time to visit Mexico, and the entire country comes to life during these two months.

two-cute-chihuahuas

The Smallest Dog In The World Comes From Mexico

The smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua, and it is said to come from Mexico. However, the national dog of Mexico is the Xoloitzcuintli.

These dogs were small and hairless, and they were sacred to the Aztec people. That is because Aztecs thought that these dogs deliver the souls of the people to the underworld once they are dead.

One Of The Only Blowholes On The Planet Is Located In Mexico

La Bufadora translated to the blowhole, and you will find it in Mexico. There are only a few blowholes throughout the world, and one of them is in Mexico. Be sure to visit this site and take in this natural wonder.

Facts About Mexican Food

If there is one thing Mexico has gifted to the world, it is the incredible food. Mexican food is full of flavor and includes fresh and healthy ingredients. People from all over the world come to Mexico to indulge in this cuisine.

Here are the top food facts about Mexico that everyone should know.

chocolate-cocoa-mug

Chocolate Originates From Mexico

Toltec, Aztec, Maya, And Olmec civilizations have been cultivating cacao for more than three thousand years. At one time, these beans were also used as currency. The origin of chocolate lies in Mexico, and you can enjoy some delicious ancient chocolate drinks here.

We recommend that you try the drink of the gods, also known as tejate, when you come here. It will have you coming back for more.

famous-mexican-foods

UNESCO Approves Mexican Food

More than a decade ago, UNESCO declared Mexican food as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind. Of course, this means that the food is incredible, and it is one of the best gifts that the country has given to the world. There are endless variations of ancient dishes that you can find throughout Mexico.

Whenever you visit, you need to try the staples and visit the places that locals recommend. It is heaven for anyone looking to explore food.

sweet-corn-in-plate

You Will Find 59 Corn Varieties Here

Mexican farmers have been cultivating corn for hundreds of years now. It is one of the top staple foods in the country, which is why you will find almost sixty varieties here. The varieties also come in unique colors that include green, white, red, and much more.

Try as wide varieties as you can while you are here, and you will not be disappointed. Each of them has something unique to offer.

The Food Is All About Native Delights

Mexican food is rich in culture and heritage, which is why the dishes are filled with native delights. These include ingredients that were important to ancient civilizations, such as cacao, tomato, bell peppers, corn, and much more. All of these ingredients make the dishes incredibly tasty.

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Mexico History Facts

The history of Mexico spans back thousands of years ago, which is why it is crucial to know some aspects of it. This will enhance your knowledge about the country. Here are some facts about Mexican history that you should know.

The Country Has Been Inhabited For Over 20,000 Years

There is evidence from the Tlapacoya archaeological site that points toward the fact that humans inhabited Mexico around 22,000 years ago.

Before this, we thought that the history of Mexico only spans back a few thousand years. As new information and evidence come to light, our perspective of the country keeps on changing.

Smallpox Was Thought To Be A Punishment From God By The Aztecs

Epidemics were not a thing in ancient civilizations, and there was no medical or scientific information available at the time. When smallpox hit the Aztec empire, they thought that it was a punishment from the gods. The popular belief was that the Christian god was mighty, and he was punishing the empire for their wrongdoings.

Because of this, most Aztecs ended up accepting Catholicism. At the time, it was a way for them to make sense of the disease that took the lives of many people.

The Meteor That Killed Dinosaurs Is Here

Sixty-five million years ago, a huge asteroid came blasting at the earth and wiped out the dinosaurs. You can find this meteor in the Yucatan Peninsula, and it was discovered in 1981 when employees of PEMEX were drilling an oil well. The crater is massive, as it is around 1,900 square feet wide.

However, you can’t visit this crater because it is located underground. Of course, this has made a lot of people question its existence, but it does exist.

The First Conquest Was In 1519

Mexico has had a tumultuous history, and Spaniards have tried to conquer it many times. The first conquest of the country happened in 1519, but their fighting ability was not the thing that won the war. Instead, these people brought smallpox with them, that spread throughout the country.

The illness also killed more than three million native people, but the actual number is thought to be a lot more. Because of this, the Spaniards won the war and conquered Mexico. The epidemic was the first of its kind at the time, which is why it killed millions of people.

Texas Used To Be Part Of Mexico

Mexico used to be incredibly massive, and you can gauge this with the fact that even Texas used to be a part of Mexico at one time. However, in 1836, the state declared independence, and in 1845, it became part of the USA. When it was part of Mexico, the state used to be known as Coahuila y Tejas.

The best part is that if you want to hop from the border, there are many road trips you can take from Texas. So, be sure to get your exploring boots on and begin understanding the history of this incredible place. You will learn a lot as you cross the border.

Discovering More Interesting Mexican Facts

These are just some of the facts about Mexico that you need to know. The country is incredible, and there is a lot to do and explore when you reach it. Everyone should visit Mexico at least once in their life and discover the past ancient civilizations.

Of course, the one thing that you will remember forever after your trip is Mexican food. No one does food better than Mexico, and you need to visit the country to understand what we are talking about.

Book your tickets to one of the top travel destinations in the world, and uncover more interesting facts about Mexico for yourself.


PIN THESE FUN FACTS ABOUT MEXICO FOR LATER!

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Welcome To NomadsUnveiled
This is Rax. For over a decade, I have traveled to over 60 countries - from a budget backpacker to a business traveler, expat and then a digital nomad. You can find insights and perspectives from myself and other world travelers that will inspire your journey of discovery.

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