New Mexico measures 121,598-square-miles leaving much choice in deciding where to move. The fifth-largest state by landmass, New Mexico's population is a diverse blend of predominately Hispanic, Anglo, and Native American populations and cultures, with a healthy integration of many other races and communities as well.
Origin of State's Name: New Mexico was named by the Spanish for lands north of the Rio Grande River The name was anglicized and applied to the land ceded to the U.S. by Mexico after the Mexican American War. Mexico is an Aztec word meaning "place of Mexitli" (an Aztec god).
Capital City: With a population of nearly 74,000,
Santa Fe, New Mexico's stat capital is one of America's greatest treasures, teeming with history, culture and character. This renowned travel destination is surrounded by natural beauty, nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at the foothills of the Rockies with 325 days of sunshine and some of the bluest skies on the planet.
Population: New Mexico is approximately home to two million residents.
Driving: Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, driver's manuals and testing locations can be found on the
New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
Agriculture and Industry: Major agriculture includes cattle, dairy products, hay, nursery stock and chilies. Electric equipment, petroleum and coal products, food processing, printing and publishing, stone, glass, and clay products and tourism are the state's leading industries.
State Bird: In 1949, the roadrunner was designated the official state bird of New Mexico.
State Tree: A small tree with an irregular rounded crown, the nut pine or pinyon tree is the official state tree of New Mexico.
State Flower: New Mexico designated the blossom of the desert yucca plant as the state flower in 1927.
State Song: Written by Elizabeth Garrett, "O, Fair New Mexico" is the official state song.