Fact 1: The Birthplace of Chocolate
Unbeknownst to many, Mexico is actually the birthplace of chocolate. The ancient civilizations of Mexico; the Mayans and Aztecs, were the first to cultivate cacao plants - the plant from which cocoa beans are derived. They believed that these beans were gifts from the god of wisdom, and they often used them as currency and in religious ceremonies. So, next time you bite into a chocolate bar, remember to thank Mexico for this delicious treat!
Fact 2: Mexico's Hails the World's Smallest Volcano
Mexico is home to the world’s smallest volcano. Situated in the city of Puebla, the Cuexcomate volcano stands at a tiny 43 feet tall. This little inactive volcano is a big tourist attraction and features a long spiral staircase that visitors can climb to peek into the volcanic crater.
Fact 3: Mexico has the Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Americas
Mexico boasts an impressive number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As of today, there are 35 sites, which are places of outstanding cultural or natural importance, that are located in Mexico. This is the highest number of any country in the Americas and the seventh-highest in the world.
Fact 4: It’s Illegal to Shout Offensive Words in Public in Mexico
Many people are unaware that in Mexico, it's illegal to shout offensive words in public. The law dictates that anyone who uses loud, offensive, or insulting language in public places or gatherings can be fined or even face imprisonment.
Fact 5: Mexico City is Sinking
Built on a lake bed, Mexico City is slowly sinking at a rate of up to 9 inches per year due to the groundwater extraction beneath the city. This continuous sinking has led to uneven pavements, crooked buildings, and significant infrastructure damage throughout the city.
Fact 6: Mexico Hosts the World’s Largest Pyramid
Contrary to popular belief, the world's largest pyramid is not in Egypt but in Mexico. The Great Pyramid of Cholula, also known as Tlachihualtepetl, in Puebla, Mexico, is larger in volume than Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza, making it the largest pyramid (and monument) by volume in the world.
Fact 7: Mexico has the World's Largest Population of Spanish Speakers
While the Spanish language originated in Spain, Mexico has the world's largest population of Spanish speakers, surpassing even Spain itself. Approximately 98% of Mexicans speak Spanish as their first language, while the other 2% speak indigenous languages.
Fact 8: Mexico City is Built on a Lake
Many people don't know that Mexico City was initially built as the city of Tenochtitlan on Lake Texcoco by the Aztecs in 1325. The growing city eventually filled the entire lake. Today, remnants of this can be seen in the canals and 'floating gardens' of Xochimilco, a borough of Mexico City.
Fact 9: Mexico has Produced Famous Artists
Mexico has produced some of the world's most renowned artists, including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Their works have played a significant role in the history of modern art and continue to inspire artists worldwide.
Fact 10: Mexico is the Third Largest Country in Latin America
Mexico is the third-largest country in Latin America, after Brazil and Argentina. Covering almost 2 million square kilometers, it spans four time zones from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
Fact 11: Mexico Hosts One of the World's Largest Bullfighting Rings
The Plaza de Toros Mexico in Mexico City is one of the largest bullfighting rings in the world. With a seating capacity of 41,262, it has hosted some of the world's most famous bullfighters.
Fact 12: Mexico's Incredible Biodiversity
Mexico ranks fourth globally for its biodiversity behind Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia. It is home to 10-12% of the world's biodiversity and 200,000 different species.
Fact 13: Mexico's Day of the Dead
Mexico's Day of the Dead, or Dia de Los Muertos, is a world-famous celebration that combines indigenous Aztec rituals with Catholicism. It is characterized by colourful altars, marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and an overall joyous celebration of life and death.
Fact 14: Mexico's Unique Christmas Celebrations
Christmas in Mexico is a unique experience, featuring a 9-day celebration known as Las Posadas. This involves a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for a lodging in Bethlehem. The celebration concludes at midnight on Christmas Eve with a mass service, followed by a festive family meal.
Fact 15: Mexico's Coat of Arms
Mexico's coat of arms, featured on its flag, is derived from an Aztec legend about their gods instructing them to find an eagle devouring a serpent, perched on a prickly pear cactus, and to build their city there. This city later became Mexico City.
Fact 16: Mexico's Extensive Cave System
Mexico has an extensive cave system, filled with stunning crystal formations. The Cave of Crystals or (Sistine Chapel of Crystals) in Naica is a hidden underground marvel, housing some of the world's largest natural crystals.
Fact 17: Mexico's Popocatepetl Volcano
The Popocatepetl Volcano, located in central Mexico, is one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico and the second highest peak in the country. Its constant activity and plume of steam that rises from its crater are visible from Mexico City and Puebla.
Fact 18: The Mexican Hairless Dog
The Mexican Hairless Dog, known as the Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo for short), is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in the world. The Aztecs considered it a sacred animal, believed to guide the souls of the dead through the underworld.
Fact 19: Mexico is Home to Thousands of Cenotes
Mexico is home to many cenotes - natural sinkholes filled with freshwater. These natural wonders were formed thousands of years ago when limestone bedrock collapsed, exposing groundwater beneath. They were considered sacred by the Mayans and are popular spots for swimming, snorkeling, and diving today.
Fact 20: Tequila is Exclusively Mexican
Everyone knows about tequila, but not everyone knows that it can only truly be called 'tequila' if it is produced in the region of Tequila, Jalisco. Like Champagne in France, the name and production of Tequila are protected by law to preserve its quality and unique flavor profile.