Albuquerque

Albuquerque

General Information
Name	City of Albuquerque
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates
Map	250px
Population
Total	564559
Density	auto per km²
Area
Total	491.5 km²
Land	487.4 km²
Water	4.1 km²
Government
Type	Mayor-Council
Leader	Tim Keller
Time Zone
Standard	UTC-7
DST	UTC-6

Albuquerque is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Mexico and serves as the county seat of Bernalillo County. Located in the central part of the state, Albuquerque is a principal city of the Albuquerque metropolitan area, which has over 900,000 residents. The city's rich history dates back to its founding as a Spanish colony in 1706. Today, Albuquerque is noted for its unique cultural heritage, including its annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the world.

History

Albuquerque was founded in 1706 as the Spanish colonial outpost of Ranchos de Albuquerque. Originally a small farming community and military outpost, the town was built in the traditional Spanish village pattern with a central plaza surrounded by homes and a church. This layout can still be seen in the Old Town Albuquerque area. The city was named in honor of Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, 10th Duke of Alburquerque, who was a viceroy of New Spain. Over the centuries, Albuquerque expanded on both sides of the Rio Grande, which bisects the city.

Geography

Albuquerque is located at the crossroads of Interstate 25 and Interstate 40, making it a significant hub for transportation and commerce in the Southwest. The city covers an area of 491.5 square kilometers and has a varied landscape ranging from the high desert to the bosque along the river. Albuquerque's elevation is one of the highest among U.S. cities, at approximately 5,000 feet above sea level, which contributes to its semi-arid climate.

Economy

The economy of Albuquerque centers on technology, research, and medicine, with the University of New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories, and Kirtland Air Force Base being major employers. The city is also a growing center for the film and television production industry, spurred by state tax incentives.

Culture

Albuquerque boasts a vibrant cultural scene, influenced by its Native American and Hispanic heritage. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and festivals that celebrate its diverse history and population. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held every October, draws visitors from around the world.

Education

Albuquerque is served by Albuquerque Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the nation, and hosts several institutions of higher education, including the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, and the National American University.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Albuquerque had a population of 564,559. The city has a diverse ethnic composition, with a significant Hispanic population.

Infrastructure

Albuquerque is served by the Albuquerque International Sunport, the largest airport in New Mexico. The city also has an extensive bus system, and a rail service, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express, connects Albuquerque with Santa Fe.

See also

• List of people from Albuquerque
• Albuquerque Police Department
• Albuquerque City Council