Fun Facts About Mexico That You'll Want To Taco 'Bout

Mexico is a country situated on the southern portion of the continent of North America.

The capital of Mexico is Mexico City. The country shares an extensive border with the United States in the north and the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Guatemala, and Belize in the south, west, and southeast.

Mexico has a long history marked by the dominance of several indigenous cultures such as the Aztecs and rich civilizations, like those of the Mayans. No doubt, its illustrious history strongly impacts the country's culture even today.

Mexico is especially famous for its mouthwatering delicacies; be it the creamy guacamole, the crispy tortillas, or the savory salsa, the food of Mexico has a special place among popular global cuisines. Not just food, the dance, music, festivities, and historical landmarks of Mexico are also unique in themselves.

Find out more in these fun facts about Mexico for kids! If you like reading fun and interesting facts about Mexico, why not also read facts about Machu Picchu andfun facts about Italy?

Size And Location Of Mexico

The country of Mexico is located south of the United States in the continent of North America.

Mexico has a total area of about 761,606 sq mi (1,972,550 sq km) and is a little over 2,000 mi (3,219 km) in length. The total land area of Mexico also includes around 2,317 sq mi (6,000 sq km) of various islands in the Pacific Ocean.

The total land boundary of Mexico is 2,704 mi (4,353 km).

The country has an overall coastline stretching for 5,797 mi (9,330 km) and faces the Gulf of California, Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. To put it in perspective, the country of Mexico is thrice the size of Texas and is the 13th largest country in the world.

On the northern boundary of Mexico is the United States, particularly Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California from east to west.

To the east, Mexico is bound by the Gulf of Mexico, and to the south and west is the Pacific Ocean. Surrounding the southeastern borders of Mexico are Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea.

Mexico forms the northernmost region of Latin America and is the most populated Spanish-speaking country in the world.

Furthermore, the country is divided into 31 states and one federal district and includes numerous neighboring islands in the Pacific Ocean, including the remote Islas Revillagigedo and Isla Guadalupe.

The capital city of Mexico is Mexico City, which, while being the largest city in Mexico, is also the most populated city in North America. Located in the Valley of Mexico at an elevation of 7,350 ft (2,240 m), Mexico City is an important financial and cultural hub and is also the world's largest Spanish-speaking city.

Also, did you know that Mexico City is the oldest capital city in the Americas and was founded by indigenous people?

The country of Mexico does not have any official language as such. However, Spanish is the most dominant language in the country, even though it is not defined as the official language in the Mexican legislation.

The official name of the country has changed several times with the change in governments.

The current constitution of the country, as well as three previous federal constitutions, stick to the name Estados Unidos Mexicanos, which translates to United Mexican States. The Constitutional Laws of 1836 used the phrase República Mexicana or Mexican Republic.

What is unique about Mexico?

There are many unique things about this spectacular country. Among them are the iconic landmarks. Mexico is dotted with ancient landmarks that have become popular tourist destinations and an integral part of the country's cultural heritage.

Located on the Caribbean coast, the Tulum is a travelers' paradise with its breathtaking beaches. Plus, the ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum are located on a cliff and offer the most splendid views.

Another series of ruins are located in Monte Alban dating back to 500 BCE. One of the most famous historical spots in Mexico and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Chichen Itza.

It houses the Kukulkan stepped pyramid and was inhabited by the ancient Mayans. The Palenque temples date back to 200 CE and are located deep in the Mexican jungles abundant with diverse wildlife.

Other prominent historical landmarks of Mexico include the Great Pyramid of Cholula, El Tajin, and La Venta. Among more contemporary landmarks are the Museo Nacional de Antropologia (The National Museum of Anthropology), Las Pozas (sculpture garden), and the Cathedral Metropolitana.

What is Mexico known for?

Mexico facts are incomplete without talking about what makes this country in Latin America so famous. So, here are the things that Mexico is known for all over the world.

Mexico is famous all over the world for numerous reasons. Be it the Mexican history, Mexican cuisine, the Mexican culture, the Mexican landscape, or the many tourist attractions, this country in the southern tip of North America has a lot to offer.

To begin with, Mexico has been home to several indigenous civilizations since ancient times. The earliest known of these was the Olmec culture that flourished from around 1500 BCE.

Subsequently, the Zapotec and Maya civilizations came about in the pre-classical period. The classic era saw the emergence of  Teotihuacán, an empire in Central Mexico known for some of the largest pyramid structures in pre-Columbian America.

The Toltec and Aztec cultures gained prominence in the post-classic era. After the Spanish conquest and the fall of the Aztec Empire in 1521, Mexico came to be known as New Spain and entered a 300-years old colonial era.

What followed was a series of historical events, including the Mexican War of Independence, the Mexican Revolution, and several changes in government. According to the 1917 Constitution, the United Mexican States are a federation with a presidential system of government.

Apart from its rich history, Mexico is known for being one of the best chocolate producers in the world. In fact, the Olmecs are believed to have first produced chocolate about 4,000 years ago in Mexico.

Another interesting fact about Mexico is that the smallest volcano in the world is located in this country. Standing at just 43 ft (13 m), Cuexcomate Volcano is the smallest volcano in the world and is way smaller than Hawaii's Mauna Loa!

What's more, Mexico is also home to the largest pyramid in the world. If you thought that the world's largest pyramids are located in Egypt, you'd be surprised to know that the world's largest pyramidal structure is the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico.

Cholula also happens to be the oldest city in Mexico, established between 800-200 BCE!

Speaking of old, the buzzing Mexico City that is one of the largest cities in North America today is built on the ruins of the ancient Aztec City. In fact, many consider Mexico City to be the oldest city in North America.

Among other things that make Mexico so famous are the lip-smacking Mexican food, the Mayan temples, the 30 plus UNESCO World Heritage sites, the gorgeous white sand beaches, and the cenotes. The cenotes are natural pools formed by the erosion of limestone bedrock.

The cenotes are a popular tourist destination and an absolute treat for swimmers, divers, and snorkelers who come to explore the sublime blue waters and the subterranean world beneath.

Fun Facts About Mexican Culture

The vibrant, colorful, and rich culture of Mexico is strongly influenced by the Aztec and Maya civilizations and the European colonial era. So, let's explore some interesting Mexico facts about the country's fascinating culture.

The Mexican people have diverse customs and traditions. Each region has its own cultural practices with roots in the native Mexican heritage. The different indigenous groups such as the Nahuas, Mayas, Zapotecs, Otomis, Tzotziles, and the Tzeltales have all influenced the culture of Mexico in terms of language, rituals, cuisine, medicine, celebrations, festivals, and much more.

Festivals and fiestas form an integral part of the culture of Mexico. Some of the important national days and festivals observed in Mexico include Independence Day (16 September), Day of the Dead (1 and 2 November), Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (12 December), Guelaguetza Festival, Semana Santa, and the Fiesta de San Cristobal (16-25 July).

The Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos) is an important Mexican festival to celebrate departed souls. However, instead of grieving, the celebrations are marked with festive music.

It originated in ancient Mesoamerica (northern Central America and Mexico).

Also, most Mexicans do not celebrate the fifth of May. The Cinco de Mayo or 5 de Mayo is observed on 5 May to commemorate the victory of the Mexican Army over the French Empire in 1862.

Dance and music form an equally important part of life in Mexico. Traditional mariachi music has its roots in the 18th century and is a popular form of music in the Mexican countryside.

It consists of the mariachi band with charro suit-wearing musicians and an ensemble of mostly stringed musical instruments. Various folk dances are also common throughout Mexico, with one of the most popular ones being the Jarabe Tapatio or the Mexican hat dance. The sombrero hat is an important aspect of the Jarabe Tapatio dance costume.

Last but not least, the delicious Mexican food is one of the main reasons that make Mexico so well-known throughout the world.

The country has around 59 indigenous varieties of corn as well as a great variety of exotic fruits, including dragon fruit. Often, dishes in Mexico incorporate unusual ingredients like cow eyeballs, ant egg sac, and worm salt.

Some of the most popular dishes from Mexico include huevos rancheros (ranch eggs), quesadillas (cheese tortillas), tacos (corn tortilla circles), tamales, fried ice cream, refried bean salad, Mexican rice, fajitas, enchiladas, and guacamole.

Fun Facts About Christmas In Mexico

Did you know that Christmas in Mexico is not celebrated on 25 December? Well, these fun facts about Christmas in Mexico will tell you more!

Catholicism arrived in Mexico in the 16th century. However, unlike other countries where Christmas is traditionally celebrated on 25 December, Christmas for the Mexicans begins on 12 December and lasts almost a month up to 6 January.

Moreover, the Christmas celebrations in Mexico have their roots in indigenous and Spanish culture, marked by events such as candle-lit processions, Spanish Christmas carols, enacting nativity scenes, fireworks, and dancing. With time, typical Christmas traditions like the Christmas tree and Santa Claus have also made their way into the festivities.

Here's a list of what happens on each day of the Christmas celebrations:

12 December: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, marked by a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe to visit the Virgin Mary.

16-24 December: Las Posadas, processions re-enacting Joseph and Mary's search for shelter.

24 December: Nochebuena (Christmas Eve )

25 December: Navidad (Christmas Day)

28 December: Dia de Los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Sainted Innocents)

6 January: Dia de Los Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)

2 February: La Candelaria (Candlemas), Christ figurines are taken to church to receive blessings.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly factsfor everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for fun facts about Mexico then why not take a look at facts about Poland, or New Zealand animals.