Mexico City

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and is ranked as the third largest and most populated city (as of 2008) in the world.http://www.mexicocity.com/v/city_info It has the distinction of being the oldest (founded in 1325) and the highest (7,350 feet) city in North America.http://www.fodors.com/world/mexico-and-central-america/mexico/mexico-city/feature_30007.html It is located in the Valley of Mexico, also known as the Valley of the Damned.http://www.mexicocity.com/v/city_info

The climate and geography of Mexico City provide the backdrop for various indoor and outdoor activities for people visiting the area. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/city_info The 17,000 seat Arena de Mexico and the smaller Arena de Coliseo are home to Mexican free wrestling, known there as Lucha Libre. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/city_info The Plaza de Toros is the largest bullfighting ring in the world and houses a Mexican traditional event that takes place every Sunday to more than 50,000 people at a time. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/city_info Other outdoor venues in Mexico City include Palacio de Bellas Artes and Alameda Park, which contain various fountains, monuments and murals that are native to the city. http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/mexico-city-must-dos/ In the southern part of the city are the floating gardens of Xochimilco, a venue dating back to Aztec times where tourists ride painted boats through various waterways and flower gardens. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/city_info

Mexico City was founded in 1325 by the Nahua Aztec or Mexica tribe. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/history/ Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes took over the city in 1521 and it remained under Spanish rule until a war of independence and the establishment of the nation as a republic in 1823. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/history/ Mexico City experienced the majority of its population growth in the post-revolutionary period, especially during the late 20th century. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/history/ The city was host to the Olympic Games in 1968 and FIFA World Cup in 1970 and 1986. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/history/

Mexico City lies at latitude 19°25′57.85″N and longitude 99°07′59.71″W. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/geography/ It has an elevation of 7,350 feet and an area of 571 square miles. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/geography/The high altitude of the city determines the climate, with an annual temperature of 64.0F and hot summers and mild winters. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/geography/ The Federal District of the city is located in central-south Mexico and it is surrounded by the state of Morelos on the south and the state of Mexico on the west, north and east. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/geography/

• Catedral Metropolitana - The oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America.http://www.mexicocity.com/v/attractions/
• Alameda Central - The oldest and largest attraction in the city, which contains a concert hall, museum and a theatre.http://www.mexicocity.com/v/attractions/
• La Feria de Chapultepec - A children's amusement park which houses the first roller coaster in the country. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/attractions/
• Zocalo - A city square used for rallies, ceremonies and celebrations such as "independence day" on the 16th of every September. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/attractions/
• Plaza de las Tres Culturas - A plaza that merges Aztec, Spanish and contemporary Mexican architecture. http://www.mexicocity.com/v/attractions/

• Octavio Paz - Writerhttp://www.city-data.com/world-cities/Mexico-City-Famous-Citizens.html
• Frida Kahlo - Painter
• Diego Rivera - Artist
• David Alfaro Siqueiros - Muralist
• Jose Clemente Orozco - Muralist

For more information please see: Mexico City Vacation, Mexico City Tour, Mexico City Restaurants, and Mexico City Hotels.