Mexico City

Mexico City (Spanish: Ciudad de México), is the capital city of Mexico, and the most populous city in North America. It is one of the most important cultural and financial centres in the world. It is located in the Valley of Mexico, a large valley in the high plateaus in the center of Mexico, at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 ft).

History

Mexico City was originally built on an island of Lake Texcoco by the Aztecs in 1325 as Tenochtitlan, which was almost completely destroyed in the 1521 Siege of Tenochtitlan during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. It was subsequently rebuilt by the Spanish Empire and renamed Mexico City.

Geography

Mexico City is located in the Valley of Mexico, sometimes called the Basin of Mexico. This valley is located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in the high plateaus of south-central Mexico. It has a minimum altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes that reach elevations of over 5,000 meters (16,000 ft).

Economy

Mexico City is one of the most important economic hubs in Latin America. The city proper (Federal District) produces 15.8% of the country's gross domestic product. According to a study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mexico City had a GDP of $390 billion, ranking it as the eighth richest city in the world and the richest in Latin America.

Culture

Mexico City is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to several important archaeological sites, numerous museums, galleries, and theaters, and a vibrant arts scene. The city's historic center, known as the Zocalo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Transportation

Mexico City has a comprehensive transportation network, which includes the largest airport in Latin America, the Mexico City International Airport, and the Mexico City Metro, one of the largest and busiest in the world.

See also

• History of Mexico City
• Geography of Mexico City
• Economy of Mexico City
• Culture of Mexico City
• Transportation in Mexico City