25 Interesting & Fun Facts About Mexico You Want to Read

Mexico is so much more than beachside resorts and all-you-can-drink margaritas. The country is full of history and is as culturally diverse as anywhere in the world. 

The entire country is full of interesting archeological sites dating back to Mesoamerica, and natural wonders that are as beautiful as they are fascinating. 

These 25 fun facts about Mexico are sure to show you a whole other side of this fascinating country. These interesting facts about Mexico might even propel you to book that next trip south of the border to discover even more about this amazing country.

25 Fun Facts about Mexico

1. The 3rd, 7th, and 10th highest elevation cities over a million population in the world are in Mexico

You might only visualize Mexico for its sun-drenched beaches, but the country’s highest city (Toluca) of over a million population sits at 8687 feet or 2648 meters. Mexico also has a total of 8 in the 50 highest elevations. 

2. There are 68 national languages

Spanish is not the only language spoken in Mexico. There are 68 recognized languages with 63 that are native. The ancient Aztec language of Nahuatl comes in second to Spanish and is still spoken by over a million people today. 

3. Several states in the US was once part of Mexico

An interesting fact about Mexico is that after the end of the Mexican-American war, negotiations of the Treaty of Guadalupe gave control of vast parts of Mexico to the United States.

This territory included the land that would later become California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, and Texas.

4. Mexico City is the 5th most populous city in the world

Mexico may be a small country compared to its neighbor to the north, but Mexico City is absolutely massive when it comes to the number of people living in one place.

The current population is sitting at just over 21 million and that makes Mexico City the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world.

5. 82.7% of the population identifies with the Roman Catholic Religion

Mexico has the second largest population of Roman Catholics after only Brazil.

Although the region was dominated in prehispanic times by ancient mythology, the predominant religion is now Roman Catholic. In fact, Mexico is number two on the list of countries with the most Catholic parishioners.

6. Same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption is legal in Mexico

There are endless fun facts on Mexico but some like this one can be controversial in some circles.

Although the country remains fairly conservative, one of the interesting facts of Mexico is that it has opened its arms to the legalization of these two laws since 2010.

They were not the first country in North America but they beat the USA which still has several states where same-sex marriage is still illegal. 

7. Day of the dead is one of the biggest celebrations in the country

Unlike most Catholic countries, Christmas is not the number one holiday of the year. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Dia de Muertos is a traditional celebration that connects the living with the dead that takes place from November 1st to the 2nd. In many regions, the day of the dead can actually last from the 31st and carry on all the way to the 6th of November.

8. The world’s longest underwater cave is in Mexico

In 2018, underwater cave explorers in the Yucatan discovered a connection between Sac Actun and Dos Ojos cenotes.

This massive cave system is 215 miles long and contains over 100 important archeological sites. Divers continue the search and suspect that they will find more connections to other cenotes in the region surrounding Tulum.

If you’re visiting Tulum, make sure not to miss this spot!

9. The biggest exporter of beer

One of the interesting Mexico facts is that the country dominated the annual list of the biggest beer exporter per year list with 768,000,000 gallons or 3.2 million tonnes.

This is an estimated value of 4.2 billion dollars! The Netherlands came in a distant second but ultimately the global demand for light Mexican beer with lime won out.

Related: Popular Drinks in Mexico

10. Mexico produces a type of liquor made with raw chicken breast, and it’s delicious!

Some of the most interesting facts from Mexico stem from its long history of alcohol production. Pechuga de Mezcal is made at palenques the same way they make regular mezcal except in the final distillation.

For Pechuga de Mezcal the mezcalero adds in some local fruits, nuts, and some raw chicken breast into the liquor as it boils and evaporates through the still.

This process adds a silky mouthfeel and a fruitiness to the mezcal that is beloved and commands a higher price point.

READ MORE: Types of tacos in Mexico

Interesting Facts about Mexico

11. Mexico City was built on an ancient lake bed. Modern Mexico city is built over the ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. The city is sinking every year!

Of all of the Mexico fun facts, the most interesting is that the center of the Aztec Empire was built on a man-made island in the center of Lake Texcoco before the Spanish built the new city over the top. It’s no surprise that Mexico City is sinking back into the sandy lake bed at a rate of 20 inches per year.

12. Mexico is the 7th most visited country in the world – receiving over 45 million tourists annually

With just under 6000 miles of shoreline, ancient ruins dating back to Mesoamerica, and some of the best food in the world, it’s a surprise that Mexico isn’t higher on the list. The vast majority of visitors come from the neighboring U.S.A., followed by Canada and Columbia.

With the diversity of things to do in the country, there is something for everybody. You can go on a thrill-seeking adventure in the Mayan jungles or have a relaxing vacation by taking a yoga retreat.

13. Mexico was under Spanish rule for over 300 years

The Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés first arrived in Mexico on the shores of now Veracruz in 1519.

The Spanish then set up shop after defeating the Aztec empire but not before spreading deadly smallpox that killed millions including one-third of the native populous within six months.

The Spanish rule continued for 300 years before the people of Mexico rose up and fought for 11 years to gain their independence.

14. Mexican Independence Day is not Cinco de Mayo

Although Americans head to their favorite Mexican restaurant and drink copious amounts of Mexican beer on the 5th of May, this doesn’t make it Mexico’s Independence Day.

September 16th is the official day that commemorates the day that the Mexican people led by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla began the fight for the country’s independence from Spain.

15. One of the seven wonders of the world is in Mexico

When asked to name the seven wonders of the world, most people can name the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, and the Great Wall of China, but they seldomly remember the Mayan city of Chichen Itza in the Yucatan in Mexico.

These ancient ruins have been resurrected from the jungle and are incredibly well preserved. This is a must-stop when you visit Tulum or any of the other beach towns in the Riviera Maya.

16. Mexico has 34 UNESCO world sites

This country is as historic as it is geographically diverse. Every corner of the country is rich in the history of its ancient past.

This is easily visible in places like the archeological site of Monte Alban in Oaxaca to the historic center of Mexico City, which is built on top of the ruins of the old Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan.

Mexican Food also has received UNESCO status as one of only three traditional cuisines to get this honor.

17. The world’s smallest volcano is in Mexico – Cuexcomate Volcano

There are many fun Mexico facts, but not all of them are entirely accurate. The small mound located just 15 minutes from the center of the town of Puebla, draws tourists to this so-called volcano with the opportunity to ascend into its supposed fiery core.

The truth is, it’s not actually a volcano but an inactive geyser. They are still related and the fact that you can go inside is pretty cool.

18. The largest pyramid in the world is in Mexico

The Quetzalcóatl Pyramid at Cholula de Rivadavia is not only the biggest pyramid, it is the largest monument ever constructed. It is 177 feet tall and has a footprint of over 45 acres.

If you want to see this massive structure, you will have a tough time as it is buried under a mountain and mostly invisible to the human eye.

19. Children in Mexico receive Christmas presents on January 6th, the Epiphany, or Dia de Los Reyes, which celebrates the Three Wise Men.

Three kings day is a celebration of the gifts given by the three wise men to baby Jesus. This story is now celebrated on the eve of Dia de Los Reyes by the children putting out an old pair of shoes with a wish list on top for the Three Kings.

A fun fact about Mexico is that instead of Santa Claus leaving presents, the three wise men provide the gifts.

20. Mexico is home to 10–12% of the world’s biodiversity

A fun fact in Mexico is that it actually ranked 6th in biodiversity amongst all of the countries on earth. This is mostly due to the diversity of the climates and ecosystems that include the southern rain forests, the cool climates of the Sierra Madre mountains, the broadleaf dry forest, and its arid desserts. 

21. The biggest Mobula ray migration is in Baja California

From April to July and November to January, massive migrations of devil rays make their way up and down the sea of Cortez.

These rays are easy to spot as they move in large groups as big as a thousand deep called a fever. Look out for the rays as they leap out of the water to heights of up to 10 feet in the air.

22. The largest Monarch butterfly migration happens in Mexico

The North-Eastern population of Monarch butterflies head south for the winter and can travel up to 3000 miles where they end up in the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico.

The climate in these Oyamel fir forests is the perfect condition for the Monarchs to rest and not use up their stores of energy during the long winter months.

23. The world’s smallest porpoise and most endangered marine mammal called Vaquita is found in Mexico

With an estimated number of less than 10 left in the wild, these mini cetacean mammals might not be around much longer if they are not properly protected.

They are mostly spotted in the northernmost part of the Gulf of California. They look like a super cute mini dolphin with a stub nose and have a dark ring around their eyes.

24. Mariachi music is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

Mariachi is a big part of Mexican culture. It is more about tradition and heritage than it is about a specific genre of music.

This is best illustrated by the songs about folk heroes to the unique clothing only worn by the Mariachi performers.

The music ranges in style from Mexican waltzes to Ranchera songs varying in diversity as big as the different styles of music heard in the U.S.A.

25. Mexico is located on the Ring of Fire

The ring of fire is where 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur, and is home to 75% of the world’s volcanoes.

Mexico lies right on this seismic zone and averages over 30,000 earthquakes a year. It is susceptible to large earthquakes with the biggest ever recorded being an 8.0 that hit in 1985 in the state of Michoacan.

Mexico is also the home of 48 active volcanoes with the last major eruption taking place in 1982.

Quick Mexico Facts

Official Name: United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos)

Population: 126 million (2021)

Capital City: Mexico City

Government: Federal Presidential Republic

Mexican Flag: Red, White, and Green

Currency: Mexican Peso

Language: Spanish

Religion: Roman Catholic 78%, Protestant/evangelical Christian 11.2%, other 0.002%, unaffiliated (includes atheism) 10.6% (2020 est.)

Geographical Area: 1,964,375 sq km, just under 3 times the size of Texas

Time Zone: Mexico has 4 time zones

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