By Emily Brown King
Fast Facts About Mexico
is a nation rich in history and culture. From the ancient Mayans and Aztecs to the current technology and booming cities, the country is multi-faceted, complex, and features a myriad of fun finds and facts.
Butterflies
Mexico is the home of swarms of millions of monarch butterflies every winter. Their migration patterns have unfortunately been hurt by the logging industry.
A Sinking City
Mexico City is actually built over an ancient lake. Water is pumped from the ground for the city's residents, and therefore the city sinks 6 to 8 inches each year.
Colossal Heads
The famous Colossal Heads were sculpted by the Olmecs, who were the first great civilization in Mexico. They sculptures were built to honor their mysterious god who resembled a human and a jaguar.
Diversity of Dialects
Mexico is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world. Over 50 dialects and native languages are spoken in Mexico.
Chichen Itza
An ancient Mayan temple that is visited by hordes of tourists each year is Chichen Itza. The ancient ruins are so impressive that they were named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Human Sacrifice
An ancient civilization of Mexico, the Aztecs practiced ritual human sacrifice. They believed that the sun was powered by human blood, and that one day the universe would end if they didn't supply it with human blood.
About the Author:
Emily King holds a dual Bachelor's degree in English writing and business, along with a minor in studio arts from the University of Pittsburgh. She has written for a printed monthly magazine, has experience in the financial and health care industries and has published numerous online articles.
Photo Credits:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:El_Castillo_Stitch_2008_Edit_1.jpg
