Diverse culturesIndian, Spanish, and Mexicanhave shaped New Mexico, which ranks fifth in area but 36th in population. Most New Mexicans, nearly half of whom are Hispanic, live along the Rio Grande, many in the Albuquerque area. Income from copper and potash supplements earnings from crude oil and natural gas. The boom in weapons and energy-related research brought scientists to Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories. Santa Fe, seat of government since 1610 when it was a dusty Spanish outpost, beckons artists, writers, and tourists.
ECONOMYIndustry: electronic equipment, state and local government, real estate, business services, federal government, oil and gas extraction, health services.
Agriculture: cattle, dairy products, hay, chilies, onions.Text source:
National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition, 2004