Mexico City

Mexico City
Name	Mexico City
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	19, 26, N, 99...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Mexico
Established title	Founded
Established date	13 March 1325 (as Tenochtitlan)
Founder	Mexica
Seat type	Seat of government
Seat	Palacio del Ayuntamiento
Government type	Capital city
Leader title	Head of Government
Leader name	Claudia Sheinbaum
Area total km2	1,485
Elevation m	2,240
Population total	9,209,944
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Population metro	21,804,515
Timezone	CST
Utc offset	−6
Timezone DST	CDT
Utc offset DST	−5
Postal code type	Postal codes
Postal code	00–16
Area code	55
Website	https://www.cdmx.gob.mx/

Mexico City. It is the capital and largest city of Mexico, as well as the most populous city in North America. Founded by the Mexica as Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco, it was the capital of the Aztec Empire before becoming the core of the Viceroyalty of New Spain following the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. Today, it is a sprawling global alpha city and one of the world's most important financial and cultural centers, renowned for its vast history, architectural landmarks like the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and its profound influence on Mexican cuisine, art, and music.

History

The city's origins trace back to 1325 with the founding of Tenochtitlan by the Mexica, which became the dominant power of the Aztec Triple Alliance. It was conquered in 1521 by Hernán Cortés and his indigenous allies during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, leading to its redesign as the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Key colonial institutions like the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico and the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral were established. The city was central to events like the Mexican War of Independence, the Pastry War, and the Mexican Revolution. Major 20th-century events include the 1968 Summer Olympics, the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, and significant political changes like the 2006 election and the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Geography and climate

Located in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude of 2,240 meters, the city rests on the dry bed of Lake Texcoco, surrounded by mountains like Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. This highland basin contributes to its subtropical highland climate, characterized by mild temperatures, a pronounced rainy season from June to October, and occasional air quality challenges. The area is seismically active, lying within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and affected by faults like the Acambay Graben, making it vulnerable to events such as the 1985 Mexico City earthquake.

Demographics

With a population exceeding 9 million in the city proper and over 21 million in the Greater Mexico City metropolitan area, it is one of the world's largest megacities. The population is predominantly Mestizo, with communities of indigenous peoples like the Nahua and Otomi, as well as significant populations of Lebanese, Spanish, and Korean descent. The primary language is Spanish, though several indigenous languages are spoken. The city is the seat of the Archdiocese of Mexico and is predominantly Roman Catholic.

Government and politics

As the capital of Mexico, it houses the federal powers, including the President of Mexico, the Congress of the Union in the Palacio del Senado, and the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation. Since 2016, it has functioned as a federal entity with autonomy similar to a state, led by a Head of Government. The city is divided into 16 boroughs, such as Cuauhtémoc and Miguel Hidalgo. It is a stronghold for the MORENA party, with former mayors including Claudia Sheinbaum and Marcelo Ebrard.

Economy

It produces a significant portion of the country's GDP and is a leading financial hub, hosting the Mexican Stock Exchange and headquarters of major corporations like Grupo Televisa, Grupo Bimbo, and Cemex. Key sectors include finance, media, telecommunications, and tourism. The city is a major industrial center, with important manufacturing zones, and is a critical node in national infrastructure, served by the Benito Juárez International Airport and the Mexico City Metro.

Culture

A global cultural capital, it is home to world-class institutions like the National Museum of Anthropology, the Museo Frida Kahlo, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, which hosts the Ballet Folklórico de México. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the Templo Mayor and the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. The city's cultural landscape is defined by its muralist movement with artists like Diego Rivera, vibrant music scenes from Mariachi to Rock en español, renowned literary figures like Octavio Paz, and a celebrated culinary tradition featuring tacos, mole sauce, and pulque. Major events include the Day of the Dead and the Festival de México.

Category:Mexico City Category:Capitals in North America Category:Populated places established in the 14th century