Think You Know Mexico? These 45 Fun Facts About Mexico May Shock You
Here’s a Fun fact about Mexico — It’s actually not called Mexico 😳
Mexico’s official name is Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United Mexican States or United States of Mexico). Besides this, there are so many fun facts about Mexico and interesting facts about Mexico that you’re about to discover.
As a large country, Mexico is packed with rich culture, world class food, and incredible heritage and history. This actually made it difficult to narrow the list down because there are so many cool things about Mexico.
Keep reading to discover the 45 most interesting facts about Mexico — including facts about Mexico City, general fun facts about Mexico, and other interesting things about Mexico that make it so unique.
45 Interesting & Fun Facts About Mexico
1. Mexico has the World’s Largest Pyramid
If you asked most people where the largest pyramid on Earth is located, 99% of them would likely say Egypt.
However, the Great Pyramid of Cholula in the Mexican Federal State Puebla happens to be the largest pyramid in the world (by volume; not height). This pyramid is in Cholula, Mexico, near Puebla City.
Incredibly, this massive pyramid is mostly buried underground!
When the Spanish conquistadors invaded Mexico, they put Catholic churches right on top of preexisting temples, and the Great Pyramid is located underneath the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Cholula church.
The Great Pyramid of Cholula is said to have been constructed in honor of one of the central Aztec gods, Quetzalcoatl (pronounced ketz-al-coe-uh).
At 4.5 million cubic meters, it’s massive! Visitors can tour many of its underground passageways when visiting the ancient city of Cholula.
Fun facts about Mexico
2. Mexico has more than 30 pyramids
Besides the Great Pyramid of Cholula, Mexico has many others! Built in 900 BC, the Great Pyramid of La Venta in the state of Tabasco, is the oldest.
Located at the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, you’ll find the famous Kukulkan Pyramid.
While I won’t list all the best Mexico pyramids here, one of the most interesting facts about Mexico is that it’s home to most of the world’s Mayan and Aztec Ruins.
These include the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan Ruins, Monte Alban Pyramids in Oaxaca, Tepozteco Pyramid in Tepoztlan, Templo Mayor Aztec Pyramid in Mexico City, and The Great Pyramid at Calakmul Ruins in Yucatan.
Fun facts about Mexico
3. U.S. Citizens Make Up the Largest Mexico Expat Group
Our number 3 interesting facts about Mexico might shock you! For all the negative press about Mexico in the mainstream U.S. news, the largest foreign-born population in Mexico are U.S. citizens.
In a twist to the decades-long trend of Mexican immigrants journeying to the United States, data indicates that in recent years, more people have done the opposite, moving from the US to its southern neighbor in droves.
Source: Business Insider
According to a Business Insider magazine report, more Americans are immigrating to Mexico than the other way around.
In fact, the U.S. State Department says that 1.6 million U.S. citizens live in Mexico as of 2025 — and that number only continues to grow year after year.
Fun facts about Mexico
4. Mexico Has No Official Language
More so than not having one single official language, Mexico actually has 68 official languages. This places Mexico as one of the most linguistically-diverse countries in the world.
Though Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world, and most Mexicans do speak Spanish, there are 68 other recognized languages.
The Maya language and Aztec Nahuatl language (pronounced nah-wah-tull) are among the most prominent indigenous languages in Mexico.
An important part of Mexican culture that many work to preserve, you might hear people speaking these native languages on your visit. However, there are more Spanish speakers than anything.
Fun facts about Mexico
5. Mexico is the Top Latin America Travel Destination
Here’s one of the more amazing facts about Mexico for you: According to World Tourism Organization reports, Mexico sees the highest number of international visitors of any Latin American country.
This travel trend only seems to increase year after year, and now Mexico ranks as the third most-visited country in the world.
In 2019, 45 million visitors came to Mexico — the highest amount of any year on record.
Despite near-halted travel in much of the world in 2020 (thanks to the “you know what), Mexico still saw about 25 million international visitors that year.
According to the Mexican Tourism Secretary, in 2022, an estimated 66 million international visitors arrived in Mexico — which was up 19.3% from 2021.
Did our number 5 interesting facts about Mexico shock you?
As a Mexico blogger, I get asked A LOT about safety — and I get told A LOT that people don’t want to visit Mexico because it’s so unsafe. Needless to say, this was one of the Mexico interesting facts that shocked me.
Fun facts about Mexico
6. The Meteor that Killed the Dinosaurs Hit Mexico
The huge asteroid that wiped out dinosaurs some 65 million years ago, hit Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
More specifically, the direct hit was in the town now known as Chicxulub (pronounced chee-chee-lube), a Yucatan beach town on the Gulf of Mexico.
Employees from Mexico’s state oil company, PEMEX, discovered the large crater in 1981 while they were drilling an oil well.
This massive crater is 1,950-square-feet wide (180 m²), though located underground, so visitors can’t tour it.
Fun facts about Mexico
7. Mexico Has Some of the Friendliest and Happiest People
Here’s one of the most fun facts about Mexico culture: According to the Happy Planet Index, Mexicans are the second happiest people in the world, after Costa Ricans.
Their findings show “wellbeing in Mexico is higher than in neighboring USA,” thanks to things like universal health care and an emphasis on family and community.
Similar findings from Blue Zones place Mexicans among the happiest people on Earth.
A 2020 Condé Nast Traveler magazine reader’s poll of Friendliest Cities in the World saw two Mexico cities crack the Top 10 — Merida, Mexico took third, and San Miguel de Allende, fourth.
Did our number 7 interesting facts about Mexico surprise you? Until I moved to Mexico in 2018, it would have shocked me. However, I see everyday that Mexicans really are generally quite jovial.
Fun facts about Mexico
8. A Mexican Invented Color TV
The inventor of color television, Guillermo González Camarena, was born in Mexico’s second largest city, Guadalajara.
In 1940, when he was just 23, he requested a patent for the first color image transmission system. It was eventually used in the Voyager 1 Spacecraft.
💊 Random Facts About Mexico
Birth control pills were invented by a Mexican, and invented in Mexico!
Luis Ernesto Miramontes Cardenas, a 25-year-old chemist from Nayarit state, combined progestin norethisterone in one of the first three oral birth control pills ever made.
Fun facts about Mexico
9. Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day
As we close in on the Top 10 surprising facts about Mexico list, let’s clear up this popular misconception about Cinco de Mayo in Mexico vs Independence Day in Mexico.
One of the biggest holidays in Mexico, the annual Mexican Independence Day celebration takes place at midnight on September 16 — not May 5th, which translates to Cinco de Mayo.
It usually starts earlier in the day with partying and cultural celebrations, but officially begins with El Grito de Dolores, and is often followed by fireworks.
The Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) was the rallying call given to Mexican troops before going into battle against the Spanish.
Proclaimed by Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in the city of Dolores Hidalgo, this cry is said to have triggered the Mexican War of Independence.
Fun facts about Mexico
10. Mexicans Don’t Really Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Here’s one of the most fun facts about Puebla Mexico: Outside of the city of Puebla, most Mexicans don’t celebrate 5 de Mayo.
While outside of Mexico, particularly in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is a celebrated holiday, in Mexico, it’s really not.
For those who make the trip to Cinco de Mayo in Puebla, it’s a festive time with parades, music in the streets, battle reenactments, special foods like chile en nogada, and more.
The holiday, which commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla, is much more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico.
It also is often incorrectly labeled as Mexican Independence Day — however, that holiday takes place on September 16th.
Fun facts about Mexico
11. Mexico has One of the Seven Wonders of the World
Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and among the best ruins in Mexico.
Both having about two million visitors each year, Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan Ruins near Mexico City are the country’s most visited sites.
The Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins are located about 3.5 hours west of Cancun, in Yucatan State.
This state is one of three that make up the Yucatan Peninsula, where you’ll find hundreds of Mayan Ruins in Mexico, including Coba, Uxmal, Tulum Ruins and more.
Fun facts about Mexico
12. Yucatan was Named in Confusion
Here’s one of the more fun facts about Mexico culture: The name, Yucatan Peninsula, is said to have resulted from a miscommunication when a Spaniard asked a local Mayan the name of the area.
He replied: Ma’anaatik ka t’ann, which sounds like yucatan — and means “I don’t understand you” in the Maya language.
Chichen Itza is considered the most archaeologically-important because of the number of buildings there, and architectural styles used.
When at Chichen Itza, you’ll see about 15 structures, including the central pyramid, El Castillo AKA the Temple of Kukulkan.
Fun facts about Mexico
13. Mexico has 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mexico has the seventh most UNESCO World Heritage sites of any country in the world (Italy actually has the most). Here are just some of these natural and manmade landmarks in Mexico:
- The ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, Palenque, Teotihuacan and Uxmal
- The historic mines of Guanajuato
- Canals of Xochimilco Mexico City
- Downtown areas of Mexican cities including Puebla City, Oaxaca City, Querétaro City, Morelia and Zacatecas City
- Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve near Tulum
Fun facts about Mexico
14. Mexico has 177 Magic Towns (Pueblos Magicos)
Mexico pueblos magicos, or magic towns, are similar to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, this designation is exclusive to Mexico.
There are currently 177 pueblos (smaller towns as opposed to large cities) recognized for special qualities including unique history, stunning natural beauty, cultural festivals, and more.
However, the list can (and likely will) change in the future as more towns are added, or removed. Maintained by the Mexican Tourism Secretary, they can both award and revoke the title of pueblo magico.
Fun facts about Mexico
15. Mexico is the Birthplace of North American Printing
Rounding out the Top 15 facts about Mexico, let’s talk printing. Long before Kindles and audiobooks, Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico City) was the place to get your literature in North America.
In fact, the first printing press in the New World was actually used in Mexico long before making its way to the U.S.
In 1539, the Casa de la Primera Imprenta de América, or House of the First Printing Press, was opened to publish books.
Located in Centro Historico (Historic Downtown), visitors to Mexico City can still tour this house/printing press today.
🇲🇽 Bonus Fun Mexico City Facts: Mexico City is the highest city in Mexico at 7,350-feet (2,240 m). It is the eighth highest capital city on Earth — the highest is La Paz, Bolivia, at 11,950-feet high (3,640 m).
Fun facts about Mexico
16. Cholula Mexico is the Oldest City in North America
Cholula is the oldest city on the Americas Continent, according to World Atlas. Sources date its founding to about 2000 BC.
They place Mexico City’s founding at more than 1,000 years later, in 1325. However, some sources mistakenly call Mexico City the oldest city in North America.
Cholula, located in Puebla state, and Mexico City are only about 78 miles (126 km) from one another. As such, the general area has been inhabited for thousands of years.
In fact, the Tlapacoya archeological site near Mexico City shows evidence of humans 22,000 years ago. That’s right: American cultures existed in Mexico for several thousands of years.
Fun facts about Mexico
17. Mexico has the Largest University in the World
The National University of Mexico was founded by Charles V of Spain in 1551, making it the oldest university in North America. It was founded a full 85 years before Harvard University.
The National University was run by the Catholic church until it came under State control in 1910.
In the 1920s, it became autonomous from the church, and its name changed to the National Autonomous University of Mexico — better known as UNAM Mexico.
Today, UNAM is considered one of the best universities in the world. When you visit Mexico City, you can also visit the campus.
In Mexico, public universities are free for citizens to attend, but UNAM is among the most competitive to get into. With more than 300,000 students, it is also the largest university in the world.
The UNAM Central University City Campus in Mexico City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with buildings made by some of Mexico’s top architects and artists.
The Central Library, designed by architect and painter Juan O’Gorman, has one of the largest murals in the world.
There are also buildings, murals and artwork by other famous Mexican artists at UNAM, like Diego Reivera and David Alfaro Siquieros.
Fun facts about Mexico
18. Mexican Kids Don’t Get Presents on Christmas
Here’s one of the most fun facts about Christmas in Mexico: Some people and children don’t open presents on December 25th or even December 24th. This is actually when most Mexican Christmas festivities take place.
This is one of the most interesting facts about Mexico culture, and something unique to this country and other Latin countries.
Rather than giving gifts on Christmas in Mexico, essentially the birthday of Jesus, Mexicans instead exchange presents on Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day).
According to Biblical texts, this is the day the Three Wise Men arrived to give gifts to the Baby Jesus — so some children in Mexico get their holiday season gifts on January 6; not December 25.
Fun facts about Mexico
19. Mexico’s Christmas season lasts for almost two months
Need more fun facts about Mexico Christmas? Beginning in December, you’ll find Posadas or nightly holiday celebrations throughout the country.
These can be everywhere from in people’s private homes to rented halls, and as citywide public celebrations.
The Posadas symbolize the Biblical story in which Joseph and Mary made a month-long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, in search of a place to give birth to their baby.
For many, the Mexican Christmas begins on December 12 with Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, and the Mexican Christmas season ends after Three Kings Day on January 6. This is jokingly called the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon.
However, some say it ends in February, not January. These people also include the Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas) holiday on February 2, and say the Mexico Christmas season ends on that day.
As this is not one of the major Christmas holidays in Mexico, the majority put the official ending date as January 6th, on the Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day).
Fun facts about Mexico
20. Mexico Has Been Inhabited for About 22,000 Years
For years, archeologists could only date Mexico’s inhabitants back to the Olmec civilization, about 3,700 years ago.
Among the first Mesoamericans to create complex societies, the Olmec’s unique cultural practices influenced later civilizations, like the Maya and Aztecs.
However, in recent years the Tlapacoya archeological site near Mexico City shows evidence of humans an astounding 22,000 years ago.
At this site, they have uncovered the bones of black bear, two species of deer and a curved obsidian blade that date back thousands of years.
Fun facts about Mexico
21. The World’s Smallest Dog Comes from Mexico
The Chihuahua is the smallest known dog breed. It was first bred in the Northern Mexican state of Chihuahua — for which the dog is named.
⛰️ Bonus Mexico Fun Fact: The state of Chihuahua is located in the Sierra Madre Occidental. This is Mexico’s largest mountain range, which covers about 121,485 square miles (314,645 square kilometers) in area.
Chihuahuas are said to be descendants of the techichi, an ancient and barkless companion from the Toltec civilization.
Fun facts about Mexico
22. The national dog of Mexico is the Xoloitzcuintli
Speaking of bark-less dogs, Mexico’s national dog is the xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-squink-lay). They are called xolo (pronounced show-low) for short.
This ancient breed of Mexican animals are also hairless, and come in small, medium and large sizes — meaning Mexico is home to one of the only hairless dog breeds in the world.
They’re sacred to the Aztecs, and said to deliver souls to the underworld. In fact, xolos are even considered a Day of the Dead symbol for this reason, and said to have a connection to Xolotl, the Aztec god of lightning.
Fun facts about Mexico
23. Day of the Dead is a National Holiday
Though about 85% of Mexicans identify as Catholic — the world’s second-largest Catholic population after Brazil — one of its biggest national holidays comes directly from the ancient religions.
The origins of Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, date back to the Aztec celebration of the goddess Mictecacihuatl. This was their Queen of the Underworld.
Much like the current Day of the Dead holiday, the Aztec festival was a celebratory affair. This means that for centuries, there have been Mexico Day of the Dead celebrations.
After Mexican colonization by the Spanish, who brought with them Catholicism, the festival was moved from early-summer to fall.
The new holidays dates, November 1 and November 2, coincided with Allhallowtide, a Catholic multi-day holiday commemorating the deceased.
⚠️ Note: The holiday officially begins at midnight on Nov. 1. For this reason, some say it begins on Oct. 31, and not Nov. 1 (but it’s really the same thing).
In Mexico today, Day of the Dead is a national holiday. It is among the most important holidays in Mexico, and celebrated across the country.
Some celebrations are larger than others, like the Mexico City Day of the Dead parade, the elaborate Oaxaca Day of the Dead festival, and the Hanal Pixan Festival in Merida (AKA Mayan Day of the Dead).
Fun facts about Mexico
24. Day of the Dead is NOT Mexican Halloween
Aside from costumes and face painting, Day of the Dead in Mexico City and the rest of Mexico is not the same as Halloween in the U.S.
The holiday is all about reuniting and partying with our departed loved ones, who’s spirits return Earth-side for just a few hours each year.
Mexico is also home to the world’s largest celebrations of Día de Muertos. There are celebrations in Guatemala (Kite Festival) and Bolivia (Day of the Skulls), but nothing tops Mexico’s grandeur.
Fun facts about Mexico
25. Mexico has the Most Taxi Cabs in the World
In Mexico City alone, with its massive population of nearly nine million, there are more than 140,000 taxi cabs on the roads.
This is said to be the world’s largest fleet of cabs. However, nowadays there’s also Mexico ride sharing apps like Uber, DiDi and BlaBlaCar.
🇲🇽 Bonus Fun Facts About Mexico City: Mexico has 32 states, including Mexico City, which is both the capital city and a state. Much like in the U.S., each state has its own unique identity, customs and culture.
Fun facts about Mexico
26. Mexico is the 4th Most Biodiverse Country
If you were to ask me to name 5 interesting things about Mexico off the top of my head, biodiversity would be one of them.
Located between the Arctic Circle and Equator, Mexico has a large variety of plant and animal life. In fact, Mexico has about 12% of the world’s biodiversity.
It’s the fourth most biodiverse country in the world, behind Brazil, China and Ecuador, respectively — which I find to be one of the most interesting facts of Mexico.
In the waters off the Baja California Peninsula on Mexico’s West Coast, you’ll find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Vizcaino, popular for Mexico whale watching.
There’s also the world’s second largest reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, just off the coast of Cozumel Island. It is second only to the Great Barrier Reef near Australia.
Mexico has seven different climatic zones, giving it a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from cloud forests and tropical rainforests (jungles), to large lakes and lagoons, and even waterfalls and coral reefs.
In the north, you’ll find deserts, and the second largest canyon in North America, the Copper Canyon. ❄️ It also snows in northern Mexico in the winter, particularly the state of Chihuahua, Mexico.
Fun facts about Mexico
27. There are Jaguars in Mexico
North America’s largest wildcat, the jaguar, can be found in the Yucatán Peninsula. This area is located in the southern parts of the country.
A sacred animal of the Maya, be the lookout for this rarely-spotted feline while headed into the jungles for an innocent swim in one of the best Tulum cenotes.
The rainforests and wetlands in the south are also teeming with other exotic animals and tropical plant species like coatimundis, quetzalcoatl birds, pumas, iguanas and more.
There are also more than 700 reptile species found in Mexico — the most found in any one country around the world. As you can see there are a lot of cool animals from Mexico.
Fun facts about Mexico
28. Mexico has Almost 7,000 Miles of Coastline
If you ask most people What is Mexico known for? — they will likely say tacos, tequila and beaches.
While there’s more to the country than those things, Mexico is one of the few countries on Earth that has more coastline than it has land borders.
🗺️ Mexico’s Neighboring Countries: Mexico shares a border with Guatemala, Belize, and of course, the U.S. The U.S.-Mexico border is about 1,950-miles-long (3,145 km).
Depending on where you are in Mexico, you can swim in the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Sea of Cortez (AKA Gulf of California), Bay of Campeche, and more.
There are also several large lakes, like Lake Chapala near Guadalajara, and Bacalar Lagoon. Lake Bacalar Lagoon is also known as the Lake of Seven Color and the Maldives of Mexico.
Side Note: Did you know Mexico has its own version of the Maldives? Mexico is a land with many surprises, and there’s a lot to know about Mexico — so let’s keep going!
Fun facts about Mexico
29. Mexico has one of the only Blowholes on Earth, La Bufadora
This is one of the Top 5 things about Mexico that shocked me when I learned about it! Located just outside of Ensenada, Mexico lies La Bufadora, which means “the blowhole.”
This natural wonder in the Punta Banda Peninsula of Baja California state (not Baja California Sur state), is a must-visit and among the most fun places in Mexico.
La Bufadora, located on a rocky cliff, has a hole that shoots water into the air up to 100-feet (30 m) above the ocean.
It is one of only a handful of blowholes in the world that reach this height; others include Halona Blowhole in Hawaii, Kiama Blowhole in Australia and Hummanaya Blowhole in Sri Lanka.
Fun facts about Mexico
30. Mexico has the World’s Smallest Volcano
Mexico is home to the smallest volcano on Earth, Cuexcomate Volcano, located outside Puebla City, Mexico. It stands at an adorable 43-feet-tall (13 m).
When compared to the tallest volcano on Earth, Mauna Loa in Hawaii, at 13,678-feet-tall (4,169 m), Cuexcomate is barely a hill.
Fun facts about Mexico
31. Mexico has 42 volcanoes
There are 42 active volcanoes in Mexico, as well as thousands of inactive volcanoes.
The country is located on the Ring of Fire — the most seismically-active region on Earth. This is where you’ll find 75% of Earth’s volcanoes, and where 90% of all earthquakes happen.
The highest peak in Mexico is actually an inactive stratovolcano, the Pico de Orizaba (or, Volcan Citlaltepetl), located in Puebla state.
It stands at about 18,500-feet (5,650 m) above sea level. Pico de Orizaba is the third largest volcano in North America, and very popular for climbers.
🐰 Weird Facts About Mexico: Mexico is home to a very rare rabbit called the volcano rabbit, which lives around the volcanoes in the country.
Fun facts about Mexico
32. Millions of Butterflies Migrate to and from Mexico Each Year
Every November, millions (possibly billions) of monarch butterflies 🦋 make their annual 3,000-mile migration from Canada to Mexico. They remain here from about November to March.
Located not far from Mexico City, the Mexico Monarch Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you visit Central Mexico during their migration season, this is one of the most fun things to do in Mexico.
One of the best places to see the butterflies in Mexico is the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Biosphere. It is located two hours from Mexico City near the lakefront town of Valle de Bravo.
Fun facts about Mexico
33. Mexico has the Most Cenotes on Earth
Mexico is known for its beautiful cenotes (pronounced sen-no-tays) — which are basically natural freshwater pools.
There are about 6,000 cenotes in Mexico, with most in the Yucatan Peninsula and near the Yucatan coast. They’re all connected as part of the largest underwater cave system on Earth.
You can learn more about the best cenotes in Mexico, and the best things to do in Yucatan, in this article: 25 Best Places in Yucatan Mexico: Ruins, Beaches, Cenotes.
🤔 What are cenotes?
The actual definition you might see for cenotes is a “sinkhole.”
This describes the process of how the cenotes came to be — as all cenotes were once enclosed in the native limestone rock, but over time some of the rock eroded, to expose the cenote water beneath.
Nowadays, thanks to YouTube, TikTok and social media, the photogenic cenotes have become popular for swimming and photography.
However, cenotes are sacred for the Mayan people, who used them as a freshwater source, places of worship, and more. In fact, so much of the Mayan world is in Mexico, and well-preserved.
Fun facts about Mexico
34. Mexico City has the Second Most Museums of Any City
While this is one of those fun facts about Mexico City that’s hotly debated, know that Mexico City has a lot of museums.
For many years, it was widely considered that London had the most museums, followed by Mexico City.
In recent years, Moscow and Paris now claim they have the most — but this is hard to really know as it depends on how to properly define what constitutes a “museum.”
According to TripAdvisor, there are about 145 museums in Mexico City — some of which you’ll find on this list of the 51 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Mexico City.
Among the most fun things to do in Mexico City, head to the National Anthropology Museum, Frida Kahlo Museum, Palacio Bellas Artes, Templo Mayor, and the off the beaten path Mexico City Museum of Antique Toys.
🇲🇽 Mexico Travel Tips: Nearly all museums in Mexico City are closed Mondays. On Sundays, Mexican nationals get in free to all Mexico museums, so expect big crowds that day.
Fun facts about Mexico
35. Mexico City was Built on a Lake – And it’s sinking
One of the most bizarre and interesting facts about Mexico City is that it’s sinking.
In fact, Mexico City has sunk so much that it was once the seventh highest capital city on Earth, but has since been overtaken by Sana’a, Yemen, which is about 30-feet (9 m) higher now.
Tenochtitlan, now known as Mexico City, was once the grand Aztec Empire capital of the world. It was torn down during the Spanish Conquest led by Hernán Cortés, which began in 1521.
You can tour the ruins of their Templo Mayor (Main Temple) in Centro Historico. Located in the heart of Mexico City, this is one of three Mexico City UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Fun facts about Mexico
36. The Aztecs Discovered Mexico City By Prophecy
When searching for a place to establish their capital city, Aztec priests prophesied they would see an eagle on a cactus eating a snake — and know that’s where they must set up their city.
The Aztecs ultimately found the eagle, perched on a cactus in Lake Texcoco. Since they couldn’t ignore the prophecy, they built their city on top of the lake.
As a result of unstable ground, Mexico City is sinking by about 4.75-inches (12 cm) each year.
Fun facts about Mexico
37. Mexico’s National Symbol is the Golden Eagle
This image of the eagle remained an enduring symbol, and is pictured in the center of Mexico’s flag.
In the Mexican Coat of Arms, located in the white stripe on the Mexican flag, you’ll see an eagle on a nopal (cactus), with a snake in its mouth and talons.
Fun facts about Mexico
38. Mexico Only has One Gun Store, Located in Mexico City
Though its sinister reputation may lead you to think otherwise, Mexico has some of the world’s strictest firearm laws and regulations.
In fact, Mexico has only one gun store in the entire country. It is located in Mexico City, and operated by the Mexican military.
To purchase a gun in Mexico, citizens have to subject themselves to background checks, fingerprinting, submitting references, being photographed, and other steps.
After satisfying all these requirements, they may buy just one gun and one box of bullets — which is one of the most fun facts of Mexico City that many aren’t expecting.
Fun facts about Mexico
39. There are Women-Only Cars in the Mexico City Subway
Like any large city, Mexico City has higher crime rates than small cities, and higher incidents of pickpocketing and petty theft.
To compare cities, Mexico City is about as safe as New York City — and much like NYC, you must exercise caution on the subway, especially during rush hour.
In an effort to make the Mexico City Metro safer for women, the front subway carriages are for women and children only.
Also, most public buses are large with two or three cars for each one, and similarly, the front part of Mexico City buses are women only.
⚠️ For tips on Mexico City safety, check out this Ultimate Mexico City Solo Travel Guide for Female Travelers, which even non-solo travelers will learn a lot from.
Fun facts about Mexico
40. Chocolate Originated in Mexico
Here’s one of the most delicious and interesting facts Mexico has: The ancient Mexican civilizations, including the Olmec, Aztec peoples, Toltec, and Maya, have been cultivating cacao trees more than 3,000 years ago.
In fact, the English word “chocolate” is derived from the Aztec word, xocolatl. This word comes from Nahuatl, the Aztec language.
It has long been consumed in drink form, but the cacao beans were also used as a form of currency, often valued at more than gold.
In different parts of Mexico, you can still enjoy ancient drinking chocolates, like atole, champurrado, and tascalate.
There’s also tejate, which is lovingly called “the drink of the gods.” This is one of the best Oaxaca food and drinks you need to try when you visit.
Fun facts about Mexico
41. Mexico is the World’s Largest Beer Exporter
In 2019, Mexico exported $4.2 billion worth of beer. The Netherlands, which produces Heineken, is the world’s second biggest beer exporter with sales of $2.1 billion — only about half as much as Mexico.
🍺 What’s the best selling beer in Mexico? According to Wiki, it’s Corona, which is one of the five most-consumed beers in the world, and available in more than 150 countries.
While Corona is the most known and most consumed of all Mexican beers, there are plenty more to try, both
Next time you’re in the market, check out some of these other best Mexican beers: Dos Equis, Negra Modelo, Sol, Pacifico, Indio, Tecate, Victoria, Bohemia and Carta Blanca.
Fun facts about Mexico
42. Mexico is the World’s Top Coca-Cola Consumer
On average in Mexico, there’s an astounding 163 liters consumed annually by each person! This translates to half a liter every day, and of course, high rates of diabetes, obesity and more.
🥤 Fun Facts of Mexico: Coca-Cola is so popular that it’s even part of the unique religious ceremony at Iglesia San Juan church in San Juan Chamula, Chiapas.
In fact, Mexico is considered the second most overweight country on Earth, behind the U.S. Many point the finger right at soda over-consumption, and the government is starting to take measures.
In the state of Oaxaca, children can no longer legally purchase soda on their own. Hopefully soon, this will help change the fact that Mexico is the largest consumer of soda.
Fun facts about Mexico
43. Traditional Mexican Food is UNESCO Approved
In 2010, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — better known as UNESCO — declared Mexican food an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind and Immaterial World Cultural Heritage.
Mexican cuisine is elaborate and symbol-laden, with everyday tortillas and tamales, both made of corn, forming an integral part of Day of the Dead offerings.
Source: UNESCO
In short, this is a fancy way of saying traditional Mexican food is important, amazing, and a gift to mankind!
This prestigious culinary designation, which has only been bestowed to Mexico and France, highlights Mexican ingredients as well as cooking preparations.
While corn is a staple food in Mexico, it was the nixtamalization process that allowed for the creation of tortillas (as well as tamales).
🌮 Fun Facts of Mexico: Tacos are eaten all over the country, but burritos are only common in Northern Mexico cities like Monterrey and Ciudad Juarez, considered the birthplace of the burrito.
Fun facts about Mexico
44. Mexico has 59 Varieties of Corn
For centuries, Mexican farmers have been growing corn 🌽 In fact, there’s no country in the world as socially, economically and culturally linked to corn as Mexico.
It has been one of the top staple foods, and cooking ingredients in traditional Mexican cuisine, for thousands of years.
There are 59 varieties of indigenous corn, in colors ranging from red and blue, to green and white, which all come from the same wild species, called teosinte.
With so many varieties, there are multiple words for corn, though maíz is the most commonly-used.
Fun facts about Mexico
45. Tomatoes Come from Mexico
Tomatoes are actually a berry, and most associated with Italian cuisine — however, they first grew in Mexico.
Spanish explorer Hernan Cortez is said to have brought the first tomato plant to Europe from Mexico in 1519.
Besides tomatoes, Mexico also gave us many of our most beloved foods including: cacao (chocolate), avocados, zucchini, vanilla, various beans and numerous types of chili peppers.
Some claim coffee also comes from Mexico, but other sources say it’s from Ethiopia.
Fun facts about Mexico
BONUS: 10 Short Fun Facts About Mexico
Looking for 10 interesting facts about Mexico? Here’s a list of 10 short, fun facts for Mexico. Ideal for those teaching their children about Mexico, these make perfect and easily-digestible tidbits.
If you’re visiting with younger ones, these make the perfect fun facts about Mexico for kids to get them excited for the trip.
1. Mexico has the only castle in North America: Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City is the only true castle on the continent, because it’s the only place where royalty once lived — Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota.
2. Mexico is BIG: In fact, Mexico is the 13th largest country in the world.
3. It’s the 7th Most Visited Country on Earth: Mexico received 45 million international tourists in 2019.
4. It’s the 10th Most Populous Country on Earth: Mexico has a population of more than 129 million.
5. 🇲🇽 Mexican Flag Facts: The country’s flag is red, white and green, and located in the center, there’s an eagle holding a snake in it’s claws and mouth.
6. You can’t shave and drive in Mexico: A 2008 law made this illegal, as well as putting on make-up while driving.
7. Mexicans Eat Bugs: Insects are a big part of the Mexicans diet, especially chapulines (grasshoppers), gusanos (maguey worms), and chicatanas (winged ants).
Chapulines (pronounced cha-pu-leen-es) are popular throughout Mexico, and eaten like popcorn 🍿 They’re one of the best Oaxaca foods.
8. National Dish of Mexico: Mexico actually has two national dishes, one is mole (produced moe-lay), and the other is chile en nogada.
9. Mexican children don’t get presents on Christmas: Instead, they receive their gifts on Three Kings Day, January 26. 🎁 Find out why here and discover more about one of the most fun facts about Mexico during Christmas.
10. There’s No Official Language: Mexico has the highest population of Spanish-speakers of any country, but it has 69 official languages recognized by the government.
Final Thoughts: Fun Facts About Mexico
This just scratched the surface of all the amazing and interesting facts about Mexico — but you now have a better idea of how amazing this often underrated country is.
So, just what is Mexico known for? Though most know it simply as one big tropical Spring Break party town, I hope you’ve discovered a plethora of interesting tidbits about Mexico in this article.
In reality, there definitely are many amazing Mexico beaches — but it’s not all beaches, tacos and tequila.
For more Mexico fun facts and information, and to discover Mexico further, check out the Mexican movies and Mexico books below. These just might be your doorway to even more Mexico facts.
Best Books about Mexico
1. Frida: The Biography Of Frida Kahlo
Mexico is the country that produced one of the most famous artists of all time — Frida Kahlo. She’s also one of the most famous Mexican people of all time.
In this definitive biography on Mexico’s most famous female artist, Frida Kahlo, author Hayden Herrera examines the life and death of this Mexican icon in Frida: The Biography.
2. Like Water for Chocolate
Eventually made into a movie, Mexican author Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate tells the tale of Tita. Her lover marries her sister, though Tita hopes to win him back using her cooking skills.
Each chapter begins with a Mexican recipe explaining how to make one of the best traditional Mexican foods, like champandongo and chile en nogada.
3. Living in Mexico
A Taschen art book, Living in Mexico is a beautiful photographic journey to homes in the country — from Luis Barragan’s contemporary designs to traditional thatched-roof Mayan dwellings.
Movies about Mexico
If you prefer watching Mexico movies to reading books on Mexico, here are some of the most famous Mexican films you’ll want to check out, all featuring many famous Mexican actors.
- Roma
- Y Tu Mama Tambien
- Frida: A biopic about Mexico’s most famous artist, Frida Kahlo
- Amores Perros
- The Mexican
- Robert Rodriguez’s Mariachi Trilogy: Desperado, El Mariachi, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico