New Mexico - The Land of Enchantment

New Mexico

New Mexico

Introduction to New Mexico

New Mexico, often called the “Land of Enchantment,” is a state known for its stunning desert landscapes, vibrant culture, and layered history. Located in the American Southwest, it borders Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Mexico. The state’s scenery ranges from high mountain peaks and deep canyons to wide deserts and colorful mesas, offering an incredible variety of natural beauty.

History and Culture

New Mexico has one of the deepest historical roots in the United States. Long before European contact, the region was home to Native American tribes such as the Navajo, Apache, and Pueblo peoples, whose traditions remain strong today. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, leaving a lasting influence on the area’s language, architecture, and religion. This blending of cultures gives New Mexico its unique character.

Modern Identity

Today, New Mexico is celebrated for its thriving art communities, historic towns, and scientific contributions, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Its capital, Santa Fe, is the oldest state capital in the country, famous for adobe buildings and artistic heritage. Whether exploring Carlsbad Caverns, hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, or enjoying traditional cuisine, visitors discover a state that continues to inspire awe and wonder.

Colorado Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Region Southwest
  1. New Mexico has the highest percentage of Hispanic and Latino residents of any U.S. state, and a strong Native American presence with 23 federally recognized tribes.
  2. Santa Fe, the state capital, is the oldest capital city in the U.S., founded in 1610.
  3. The official state question is “Red or Green?” referring to chile peppers, a staple of New Mexican cuisine.
  4. The White Sands National Park is home to the world’s largest gypsum sand dune field.
  5. New Mexico was the site of the first atomic bomb test, the Trinity Test, in 1945.
  6. Carlsbad Caverns contains more than 100 caves, including one of the largest underground chambers in North America.
  7. New Mexico has more PhDs per capita than any other state, due in part to Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories.
  8. Taos Pueblo, continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  9. The Zia sun symbol, central to the state flag, comes from a sacred Native American design.
  10. Roswell is famous for the alleged 1947 UFO incident, making it a hub for extraterrestrial enthusiasts.
Population ≈ 2.1 million (2020 Census)
Area 121,590 sq mi (5th largest)
Statehood January 6, 1912 (47th state)
Capital City Santa Fe
Largest City Albuquerque
Abbreviation NM
Nickname "Land of Enchantment"
Geography High deserts, mountains, mesas, and Rio Grande Valley
Bordering States Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah (at Four Corners)
Economy Energy (oil, natural gas, uranium), federal research labs, tourism, agriculture
State Tree Piñon Pine
State Bird Greater Roadrunner
 

Our Content
Colorado Interactive Map

Interactive and Printable New Mexico Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable New Mexico maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own New Mexico map.

Santa Fe Trail

History of New Mexico

New Mexico was originally home to many Native American peoples, including the Pueblo, Apache, and Navajo, before Spanish explorers established settlements in the 16th century. It later became part of Mexico, then the United States in 1848, and achieved statehood in 1912.
Kit Carson

Famous People from New Mexico

New Mexico has been home to many famous figures, including Geronimo, the Apache leader who resisted U.S. and Mexican forces, and Kit Carson, the frontiersman and scout known for his role in western exploration. Their stories reflect the state’s deep ties to Native American history and the Old West.
Comprehension

New Mexico Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
New Mexico Symbols Coloring

Fun New Mexico Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational New Mexico-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to New Mexico' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Fun New Mexico and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as New Mexico or Not New Mexico, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.