New Mexico Cultural Information
WELCOME TO
New Mexico
Whether you’re hiking through the Gila wilderness, flying by in an air balloon, exploring ancient Native American ruins, or indulging in some world-famous green chile, you’re sure to be enchanted by everything New Mexico has to offer.
New Mexico Motto
“Crescit eundo“ which translates as “It grows as it goes.” was adopted as the New Mexico state motto in 1887. The motto refers to the increasing strength a thunderbolt gradually gains when going across the sky. This dynamic message of growing stronger and ‘being in motion’ was the intention by those who selected the New Mexico motto.
- Spoken Languages: English: 63.96% • Spanish: 28% • Others: 8.04%
- New Mexico is a state in the Southwestern Region of the United States. At 121,589 square miles (315,194 km2), and with more than 2.59 million residents in 2020, New Mexico ranks as the nation’s 5th largest state and the 15th least populous.
- New Mexico is situated directly south of Colorado and shares a border with Texas, Oklahoma, Utah, and Arizona.
- The state capital is Santa Fe, which is the oldest capital in the U.S., founded in 1610 as the government seat.
- The largest cities of New Mexico are Albuquerque (hosts the hot air balloon festival every year in October), Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe and Roswell.
- One of the natural landmarks that New Mexico is famous for is the Rio Grande. This iconic river runs through the entire state and forms a boundary between Mexico and the United States. The Rio Grande is one of the longest rivers in North America and also serves as an important source of water for both countries.
Things
TO DO
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What is New Mexico famous for?
Mexico is well know for their caves and caverns. Located in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to over 100 natural caves and caverns. The main chamber of the caverns is known as “the Big Room” and at 4,000 feet (1,220 m) long, 625 feet (191 m) wide, and 255 feet (78 m) high, it is the third-largest chamber in all of North America, and seventh-largest in the world!
Most Popular Sports in New Mexico.
New Mexico’s topography is conducive to many recreational opportunities, of which skiing, snowboarding, biking, hiking, and horseback riding are favourites. White-water rafting is popular on the Rio Grande, and during the winter the state’s ski runs attract enthusiasts from far and wide.
What is cool about New Mexico
New Mexico is also known for its UFO sightings. One of the most well-known cases is the Roswell Incident. In 1947, a farmer, Mac Brazel discovered strange debris in his field after a severe thunderstorm. He reported his findings to the local sheriff, who then contacted the Roswell Army Air Field.
