Mexico is a country in North American continent, whereas New Mexico is a state in the United States of America. Despite this clear cut division, there are many people who remain confused between Mexico and New Mexico and often take one for another. Part of this confusion lies in the history of the American state and its roots that can be traced back to Mexican people. Let us take a closer look at the two proud entities of Mexico and New Mexico.
Mexico
Mexico is a country in North America that lies to the south of United States of America. It is one of the 23 countries in the continent but has a large area to be one of the top three countries in the continent along with Canada and USA. It is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the east and the Gulf of California in the west while it is completely surrounded by USA on its northern side. On the south of the country are the Caribbean countries that make up the rest of the continent. One of the most popular tourist destinations of the world, Mexico was a Spanish colony from 1521 till 1821 when it achieved independence. The country is officially known as United Mexican States, but the world calls it Mexico that is the name of its capital and given to the country after it obtained independence from Spain.
New Mexico
New Mexico is one of the 50 states of the USA. It lies in the southwestern area of the country and has borders with Texas, Colorado, and Arizona. It also has long borders with Mexico. Historically, this is a state that has also been a part of Mexico, and this is the reason why it has a very large percentage of people having Hispanic origins. However, New Mexico is also home to a very large number of indigenous people and the native tribes of Americas. This is the reason why the state has strong Hispanic cultural influences. The name New Mexico for the territory was for the first time used by miners seeking gold and coming over to this area from Mexico. Later, the governor of the New Province officially named it as New Mexico. The Spanish empire abandoned the area for some years following the revolt of Pubelo Indians against Spanish settlers. However, the area once came again under Spanish control after the death of the leader of the revolt.
Mexico vs New Mexico
• New Mexico is one of the states of USA while Mexico is an independent country.
• Mexico is a large country bordering to the south of USA in the North American continent while New Mexico lies in the south of USA having borders with Mexico.
• New Mexico is so named because of explorers seeking gold coming from Mexico naming the territory in this manner. It was officially named New Mexico by the Governor of the Spanish Empire in the last of the 16th century.
• The top most political authority in New Mexico is the Governor of the state, whereas Mexico is ruled by a federal government.