Facts in the Short
- Population: 1,521,779
- State Flower: Yucca Flower
- Area: 121,593 square miles
- State Tree: Nut Pine
- State Birth: January 6, 1812
- State Nicknames: Sunshine State, Cactus State, Land of Enchantment
- State Bird: Roadrunner
- Capital City: Santa Fe
- Largest City: Albuquerque
Geography and Climate
New Mexico has long mountain ranges. One of these mountain ranges runs all up the western border. The Rio Grande and the Pecos rivers run through the middle of the state. The North-Eastern corner joins with three other states to create the “4 corners”. This is the only point in the United States where four states come together.
New Mexican weather varies widely. Contributing to New Mexico’s weather are the deserts, the mountains, the plains, and the canyons. Rapid temperature changes happen in New Mexico. A freezing cold thunderstorm can cool the air temperature on a hot day. Although it gets quite hot in the summer, winter in the mountains may be below zero.
Historical Facts
Paleo-Indians came to New Mexico about 23,000 years ago, following herds of bison, mastodon, and other animals. After the glaciers receded, the land dried off and people began to use plants. Corn was first grown in New Mexico around 100 A.D.