New Mexico

This state in the southwestern region of the United States spreads across roughly 315,000 square kilometers that include mountains, deserts, forests and valleys. The terrain shifts from highlands in the north to flat plains and desert basins in the south.

Spanish settlers founded the first permanent colonies in the region in 1598. The transition from territory to the 47th state took place in 1912.

Residents today express their Native American, Hispanic and Anglo backgrounds through galleries, local festivals and dishes built around red or green chile. Visitors encounter this cultural mix firsthand in restaurants, markets and public celebrations.

Visitors find more than 35 state parks and protected areas that remain open year-round and can be explored in different weather conditions. The best time depends on the chosen region, as higher elevations are more comfortable in summer while desert areas are easier to visit in spring or fall.

The Four Corners Monument marks the only point in the country where four states meet at one geographic location. Travelers can stand in Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico at the same time.

Location: United States

Inception: January 6, 1912

Capital city: Santa Fe

Elevation above the sea: 1,735 m

Part of: contiguous United States, Four Corners, Western United States, Southwestern United States, Mountain States

Shares border with: Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Chihuahua, Sonora, Utah

Website: https://newmexico.gov

GPS coordinates: 34.00000,-106.00000

Latest update: December 2, 2025 20:48