New Mexico Facts -- National Geographic

Fast Facts

Population:: 1,874,614
Capital:: Santa Fe; 65,127
Area:: 121,590 square miles (314,915 square kilometers)
Per Capita Income:: U.S. $23,908
Date Statehood Achieved:: January 6, 1912

Diverse cultures—Indian, Spanish, and Mexican—have 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.

ECONOMY

Industry: 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 From National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition

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