NMNew Mexico
Land of Enchantment · Capital: Santa Fe · West (Southwest)
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Bordering states: Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas.
4 fun facts about New Mexico
- Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the US (founded 1610) and the highest in elevation (7,199 ft).
- The Manhattan Project (which built the first atomic bomb) was based in Los Alamos.
- Roswell is famous for the 1947 UFO incident — still debated today.
- New Mexico's official state question is "red or green?" — referring to chile pepper sauce.
Frequently asked questions about New Mexico
Is New Mexico a US state?
Yes, New Mexico is one of the 50 US states. It was admitted to the Union in 1912, making it the 48th state. Its capital is Santa Fe and its largest city is Albuquerque.
What is the capital of New Mexico?
The capital of New Mexico is Santa Fe. Note that the largest city in New Mexico is Albuquerque, not the capital — a common point of confusion.
When did New Mexico become a state?
New Mexico became a US state in 1912. It is the 48th state admitted to the Union.
What is the abbreviation for New Mexico?
The 2-letter USPS abbreviation for New Mexico is NM.
How big is New Mexico?
New Mexico ranks #5 of 50 US states by area — one of the largest US states.
What is the population of New Mexico?
New Mexico has a population of 1 to 5 million.
What region is New Mexico in?
New Mexico is in the West region of the United States, per the US Census Bureau.
What time zone is New Mexico in?
New Mexico observes Mountain Time.
Learn more
→ How to learn the 50 states (full guide)