Mexico City

Quick facts

• Founded in 1521 by the Spanish as Mexico CIty.
• Mexico City proper has a population of over 9.2 million in a land area of 1,495 square kilometers (577 square miles).

• It lies at a high altitude of about 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level.

• It is home to Chapultepec Castle, the only royal castle in North America.
• Its subway is the largest in Latin America, with 12 lines along 226 km, 195 stations, and around 7 million people using it every day.

History

Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico. It is also the oldest capital city in the Americas and, along with Quito, Ecuador, one of only two founded by indigenous peoples. Mexico City was originally built on an island in Lake Texcoco by the Aztecs in 1325 under the name of Tenochtitlan. In 1524, under Spanish rule, the municipality of Mexico City was established, known then as México Tenochtitlán. As of 1585, it was officially known as Ciudad de México (Mexico City). It has been the political, administrative, and financial center of a major part of the Spanish-speaking world since then. After independence from Spain, it became known as the Federal District in 1824 and remained so until 2016, when it was renamed Ciudad de México (CDMX). Mexico City's location and rich history make it one of the most important cultural and financial centers in Latin America.

Image source: Mexico City's Official Tourism WebsiteLink opens in a new window