What is Mexico Known For? 30 Mexican Facts That Will Surprise You

Are you ready to discover Mexico’s heart and soul? If you want to know What is Mexico Known for? — you’re about to find out.

But, let’s be honest, how much do you know about Mexico beyond the typical things we know?

To help you discover the hidden gems of this beautiful country, I’ve compiled a list of Mexican facts you’ve likely never heard before.

Get ready to explore what Mexico is known for and discover the secrets that make it so extraordinary!

1. Mexico’s name is not Mexico

Mexico’s official name is not simply “Mexico”; it is the United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos).

The country is divided into 32 states, along with the Federal District. Each state in Mexico operates autonomously, with its own set of laws, regulations, and police forces, similar to the system in the United States of America.

When traveling between different states within Mexico, it’s common for cell phones to experience roaming charges due to the different jurisdictions.

2. Mexico has over 100 islands

Mexico has over 100 islands along its 9,330-kilometer coastline! Among the most famous are Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Isla Holbox, known for whale shark encounters.

Guadalupe Island and Espíritu Santo Island, located on the Pacific Coast of the Pacific Ocean off the Baja California Peninsula, offer remote exploration and killer whale and shark viewings, making it another exciting destination for scuba diving enthusiasts.

3. Mexico has 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Mexico is home to 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting its cultural and historical importance, and it’s one of the best things about Mexico.

From the historical town centers of Guanajuato, Mexico City, and Puebla to ancient wonders like Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza, these sites provide glimpses into Mexico’s diverse heritage. Besides, the agave fields of Tequila symbolize the country’s distinct character and culture.

4. All beaches in Mexico are open to the public

In Mexico, all beaches, including those in popular destinations like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Los Cabos, and the Gulf of Mexico are open to the public!

This policy is mandated by federal ownership, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Mexico’s most beautiful beaches.  

5. Mexican Burritos are only eaten in the northern states

Mexican cuisine is celebrated worldwide as a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure. Yet, what many people outside Mexico know as “Mexican food” is Tex-Mex.

Surprisingly, real Mexican burritos are popular in the northern regions of the country.

Unlike the burritos found in American fast-food chains, what food is Mexico known for is their traditional burritos which have their particular style. They’re often filled with savory meats, beans, and fresh ingredients, wrapped in warm tortillas and enjoyed with gusto.

6. Mexico’s National Dog Is The Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless Dog, is Mexico’s national dog, and its name represents its rich cultural legacy.

“Xoloitzcuintli” comes from two Nahuatl words:

• “Xolotl,” the Aztec god of lightning and death, and
• “itzcuīntli,” which means dog.

Despite its fearsome look, this ancient dog plays an important role in Mexican culture and history. It’s valued not just for its unique appearance, but also as a sign of loyalty and protection.

7. Mexico celebrates Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Mexico celebrates Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) every year on November 1st and 2nd.

It’s a Mexican holiday honoring deceased loved ones with altars covered with vibrant colors, marigold flowers, and sugar skulls. Families welcome back the souls of their relatives for a short reunion, sharing food, drink, and celebration. 

If you’ve never traveled to Mexico at this time of the year, I truly recommend it, because it’s a very special celebration.

8. Mexico is home to famous artists

Frida Kahlo and her partner Diego Rivera left a memorable imprint on the art world.

Frida, Mexico’s most famous artist, became famous for her unique style and self-portraits, as well as her bold fashion choices that combined traditional Mexican clothes with indigenous elements in detail.

Painters such as Rufino Tamayo and Jose Clemente Orozco have made major contributions to Mexican art.

Tamayo’s abstract style and color choices reflected Mexican culture while adding modern elements, whereas Orozco’s dramatic murals portray the complexities of Mexican life.

9. Mexico is home to 68 Indigenous Languages

While Spanish is the dominant language in Mexico, the country is also home to several indigenous languages spoken by indigenous people.

These languages are from 11 different linguistic groups, and the Mexican government officially recognizes 68 national languages, 63 of which are native.

Nahuatl, which belongs to the Uto-Aztecan language family, is Mexico’s most commonly spoken indigenous language, with 1,376,026 speakers.

10. Mexico has a professional wrestling

Mexico has professional wrestling known as Lucha libre.

It started in the early 20th century and has since grown into a popular cultural phenomenon with matches hosted around the country.

Wrestlers, known as luchadores, perform gravity-defying moves and take on larger-than-life personalities inspired by Mexican culture. Lucha libre events attract large crowds, and many wrestlers have become celebrities, making it an important part of Mexican culture.

I was lucky enough to attend several Lucha Libre nights in Mexico City, and I have to confess that I loved the experience!

11. Mexico City is one of the Largest Metropolises in America

Mexico City, originally known as The Federal District, is one of the largest metropolises in the Americas.

The metropolitan area of the capital city is home to a population of around 22 million people, making it one of the most populated cities in the world. Incredible, right?

12. Mexico is home to North America’s oldest university

Mexico is known for many things, but what is Mexico famous for is being home to North America’s oldest university, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). 

UNAM, founded in 1551 by a Royal Decree signed by Charles I of Spain (Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire), is consistently ranked as one of Latin America’s best universities and has one of the continent’s largest student populations.

13. Mexico City is America’s oldest city

Mexico City is the oldest city in North America, with the highest elevation of any major city on the continent.

Founded by the Aztecs in the early 14th century as Tenochtitlan, not only it became one of the largest cities, but also, one of the most advanced cities globally.

After the Spanish conquest, it was rebuilt as Mexico City, serving as the capital of New Spain. Today, Mexico City remains a lively city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

14. Mexico’s most important National Holiday is Dia de la Independencia

Dia de la Independencia, or Independence Day, is Mexico’s most important national holiday, celebrated on September 16th. This holiday marks the country’s declaration of independence from Spanish rule in 1810.

This occasion allows Mexicans to gather together to celebrate their rich history, culture, and shared identity as a sovereign nation. 

In honor of Mexican Independence Day, one popular dish served is Chile en Nogada. It has a symbolic importance since its colors represent the Mexican flag. This dish has stuffed green chiles in a creamy white walnut sauce, topped with red pomegranate seeds.

Independence Day is celebrated across Mexico with parades, concerts, fireworks, and traditional dances.

The iconic “El Grito de Dolores” (Cry of Dolores), a reenactment of Miguel Hidalgo’s call to arms for independence, is performed by both government officials and individuals, inspiring a sense of nationalism across the country.

15. Mexico is filled with religious sites

At the center of Mexico City stands the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, an iconic symbol of the Roman Catholic faith and a center for religious purposes.

Nearby, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe attracts visitors with its sacred aura, drawing millions of Roman Catholics to pay respect to the Virgin of Guadalupe.

These sites serve as sanctuaries for spiritual reflection, embodying the devotion of believers and the significance of faith in Mexican history and identity.

16. Mexico City is Sinking!

Mexico City is facing a sinking crisis due to its risky location on land reclaimed from a lake over 500 years ago.

As demand for water increases, authorities have resorted to pumping more water out of the lake, worsening the instability of the land.

As a result, the Mexican capital is sinking at an alarming rate of approximately 6 to 8 inches per year.  The rapid sinking presents huge problems for the city’s infrastructure and residents, pointing out the urgent need for long-term water management strategies to reduce the sinking issues.

17. Mexico is home to over 200 Ancient Mayan Ruins

Mexico is home to over 200 ancient ruins, Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the United Mexican States famous places.

Translating to “at the brim of the well where the wise men of the water live” in Maya, Chichen Itza dates back to the 8th to 10th centuries AD. This archaeological masterpiece attracts over 2.6 million visitors every year!

Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Interestingly, the ground beneath this historic landmark was privately owned until 2010, when the Yucatan government purchased it, ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy.

18. Mexico is known for its World-Class Cuisine

Who doesn’t know Mexican food? It is one of the most famous and varied in the world!

I traveled to Mexico dozens of times and every time I come back I try a new dish. There are so many types of tacos that it’s hard to choose (and they’re all delicious! – tacos al pastor are my favorite).

One of the most famous Mexican dishes is mole poblano, a flavorful sauce prepared from a combination of chili peppers, tomatoes, and spices. Mole originated in Mexico’s Oaxaca and Puebla areas, and it comes in numerous variations.

Aside from mole, Mexican food offers a variety of delicacies like refried beans, corn tortillas, and chilaquiles.

19. Copper Canyon is one of the most remote places on earth

Located in the state of Chihuahua is Urique, one of the most remote places on earth! I’m sure you haven’t heard of this place, have you?

It’s accessible only by passing a challenging 15-kilometer journey down a rocky canyon road.

Visitors can experience the local way of life, learn about traditional customs, and experience one of the many positive things about Mexico which is the warmth of the hospitality of Mexican people.

20. Mexico produces more than 60 types of chili

What is Mexico best known for is its love for chili peppers, producing more than 60 different types!

This broad selection of chilies adds flavor to authentic Mexican cuisine. From the mild poblano to the fiery habanero, these chilies are essential in many traditional recipes and are considered to be one of the things associated with Mexico. 

21. Mexico is home to 47,539 mountains

The Central Valley of Mexico, located in the middle of the country, is characterized by high plateaus and valleys with an average elevation of 2,000 to 2,500 meters.

Despite its low surface, the valley is surrounded by mountain ranges, which add to Mexico’s total of 47,539 mountains.

The Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltépetl, is Mexico’s highest mountain, rising 5,636 meters (18,491 ft) above sea level. It’s also known as the third-highest mountain in North America, after Denali in Alaska and Mount Logan in Canada.

22. The First Public Park in America was built in Mexico

The first public park in America, Alameda Central, was built in Mexico City in 1592.

It was named for the popular trees that were placed there, and served as a green spot for locals to relax. The park is designed in a beautiful European style.

23. Mexico Ranks Among the World’s 17 Megadiverse Countries

Mexico is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, with an impressive range of biodiversity.

Did you know that it’s estimated to host over 200,000 different species, spanning diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to deserts and mountains?

Mexico’s outstanding biodiversity includes several endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, like the vaquita, the blue-capped motmot, or the axolotl.

24. Mexico City is home to the largest number of museums in the world

Mexico City, also known as Ciudad de México, is home to the largest number of museums in the world, with over 180 scattered over its busy streets.

The capital city was called the “city of palaces” by renowned German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt because of its number of majestic palaces, including the iconic National Palace, and grand mansions.

Among its notable museums is the National Museum of Anthropology, displaying Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and pre-Columbian civilizations through interesting things like extensive collections of artifacts and exhibits.

25. Mexico City Established the First Printing Press in America

Mexico City established the first printing press in America in 1539. King Charles V of Spain permitted Juan Zumárraga, the Archbishop of Mexico City, to import the press from Europe.

This historic press is now housed in the Casa de la Primer Imprenta de América.

The introduction of the printing press revolutionized communication and literacy in the New World, allowing for the dissemination of knowledge and ideas on a mass scale.

26. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day

Cinco de Mayo is commonly mistaken with Mexico’s Independence Day, but it honors the Mexican army’s victory over French soldiers in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

While it is celebrated with parades, music, and festivities across Mexico and the United States, it’s most significant in the Puebla region, where the historic battle happened.

Mariachi bands performing mariachi music often accompany these celebrations, adding to the festive ambiance and cultural significance of the holiday. Even women paint their nails with Cinco de Mayo designs!

27. Mexico has a lot of unique treasures

There are a lot of famous things from Mexico that you’ll feel overwhelmed by the selection.

But if you’re thinking about Mexico’s famous things to buy, consider tequila from Taxco’s silver or bring color into your home with Puebla Talavera pottery.

Don’t forget to buy iconic Mexican things like Lucha Libre masks and Mexican fabrics. And of course, you have to purchase one of Mexico’s famous things like some spices and chili sauces. On my last trip, I bought my father habanero chili sauce and it was a great gift!

28. The Oldest Known Ballgame Using a Rubber Ball Was Played by the Aztecs

The Aztecs played a game called tlachtli, which is considered the oldest known ballgame using a rubber ball.

This historic sport involved players using their hips, forearms, or a stick to propel a solid rubber ball, weighing around four kilograms, through a stone hoop at either end of a sunken court.

In significant matches, the losing team faced the cruel fate of sacrifice. Today, a modern version of the game, called ulama, is still played in the state of Sinaloa, however without the ancient practice of human sacrifice.

29. Mexico’s jungles are home to around 4,800 jaguars

If you’re wondering what animal is Mexico known for, it has to be jaguars. These are the largest big cat species in North America, with approximately 4,800 species inhabiting Mexico’s jungles.

Over the last decade, the wild jaguar population has grown as a result of ongoing conservation initiatives.

Jaguars are known for their secretive nature, and they are often spotted around Mayan ruins in Mexico’s jungles. On my last trip to Mexico, a local told me that he saw one crossing the road very close to Suytun, one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico.

30. Octavio Paz is Mexico’s Nobel Prize-winning poet and literary icon

Octavio Paz from Mexico City, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990, establishing his legacy as a literary icon. Paz is known as one of the greatest Latin American poets of the 20th century.

His poetry is well-known for its exploration of topics like love and the human condition. His major works explore the mysteries of existence, offering deep thoughts on life and destiny.

Besides, Paz’s essay “El Laberinto de la Soledad” (The Labyrinth of Solitude) has been recognized as an important piece of Mexican literature.

Final Thoughts: What is Mexico Known for?

If you started this article not sure what you needed to know about Mexico, I hope you have a much greater understanding of this fantastic country.

I’m sure that after reading all these interesting facts about Mexico, there are many things you didn’t know.

Which one surprised you the most? Tell me in the comments!

Sharing is caring!