Here in New Mexico, we love our pets and we love our state.
New Mexico is in the Southwestern United States. The capital, Santa Fe, is situated toward the northern region of the state, centrally between the borders of Arizona and Texas. Santa Fe is not far from the state’s biggest city, Albuquerque. New Mexico is known for its diverse climates. In the northern and eastern portions of the state, you will find a cooler, alpine climate, with the western and southern regions of the state being more arid. Throughout the state, you will find areas of desert, mountains, and plains.
New Mexico has a huge art community and attracts creative types from all over the country. Art museums showcase works by local artists, including Georgia O’Keeffe. Other major attractions include Smokey Bear Historical Park, the War Eagles Museum, and the National Atomic Museum. The Aztec Ruins National Monument is also a must-see.
New Mexico was colonized by Spain, but it became part of the United States in 1853 as part of the Gadsden Purchase. In 1912, the territory became a state. New Mexico became the site of the Manhattan Project in World War II. In the 1900s, immigrants and migrants moved to New Mexico with the hope of using their skills and culture to settle the region. Those moving in were farmers, oilers, artists, soldiers, scientists, and those in search of a warmer climate, often to recover from tuberculosis.
New Mexico’s economy is based on oil production, gas production, tourism, and the federal government. In this state, the government offers tax incentives in the hopes of attracting new businesses and industries. Right now, New Mexico is the third-largest crude oil producer in the United States, so natural resources are essential for the state’s economy. The military also plays a crucial role in the state’s economy, which also includes thousands of federal jobs related to the military.
While many people might associate New Mexico with the popular television show Breaking Bad, the state has been home to many real famous people. They include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, actor Neil Patrick Harris, singer Demi Lovato, and artist Georgia O’Keeffe.
Nicknamed the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico has several state symbols, including:
- State Aircraft: Hot air balloon
- State Animal: Black Bear
- State Motto: Crescit Eundo (“It Grows as it Goes”)
- State Tree: Piñon Pine
- State Flower: Yucca
- State Bird: Greater Roadrunner
- State Colors: Red and yellow
- State Gem: Turquoise
As the 47th state to enter the United States, New Mexico now has an estimated 2,095,428 residents as of 2018. Since 2010, the state grew an estimated 1.76%. This growth is represented in the population, of which just over 51% of residents were born in New Mexico. With such a diverse population and a strong economy, it is no wonder that New Mexico continues to grow.