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New Mexico, the "Land of Enchantment"

Abbreviation: NM

New Mexico was the Spanish name for the territory north and west of the Rio Grande. New Mexico was admitted to the Union as the 47th state in 1912. New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment because of its scenic beauty and rich history. In 1540, the Spanish conquistador Coronado trekked through the area known today as New Mexico in search of the fabled seven cities of gold. The state has a large Hispanic population, as New Mexico was under Spanish control from the 16th century until about 1846. The influence of the Apache Indians who live there is evident in the artwork and culture. The Pueblo Indian presence is also very apparent, most visibly in the tribe's buildings. Part of the "Old West", New Mexico was a place known for cowboys and cattle drives. The landscape ranges from rose-colored deserts to snow-capped mountains. Lovers of history can visit Indian ruins, frontier forts and Spanish missions. Indian ceremonies, Spanish fiestas and local rodeos are among the most interesting events for tourists.

GOVERNMENT

Capital: Santa Fe
Governor: Bill Richardson, D (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: Jeff Bingaman, D (to Jan. 2007); Pete Domenici, R (to Jan. 2009)
House of Representatives: 3 districts | Search by zip code

STATISTICS

Population (April 2000): 1,819,046; National Rank: 36; Percent change since 1990: 20.1%; State Rank based on Percent Change: 12
Land Area: 121,365 sq mi. (314,334 sq km); National Rank: 5
10 largest cities (2000): Albuquerque, 448,607; Las Cruces, 74,267; Santa Fe, 62,203; Rio Rancho, 51,765; Roswell, 45,293; Farmington, 37,844; Alamogordo, 35,582; Clovis, 32,667; Hobbs, 28,657; Carlsbad, 25,625

ECONOMY

Total Gross State Product 2001 (millions of dollars): 55,426; National rank: 38; Percent change since 1990: 51%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 8 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $22,081; National Rank: 47 (76% of the national average)
State Exports 2002 (millions of dollars): 1,196; National Rank: 43
Agriculture: Cattle, dairy products, hay, nursery stock, chilies.
Industry: Electric equipment, petroleum and coal products, food processing, printing and publishing, stone, glass, and clay products, tourism.

 

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