Fear not. You are by no means required to know the official name of Mexico. It isn’t a history or government question the Nacional Guard officers ask when you enter the country from the United States. They just want to know where you are going and if you are in possession of any illegal drugs or weapons. Or, to a much lesser degree they make sure you aren’t bringing prohibited food items into the country.
However, this item of Mexican trivia is fun as well as interesting. Chances are, you will also find it quite surprising. Are you ready? Here goes.
Official Name of Mexico: United Mexican States
This formal name does have a nice ring to it. The United Mexican States official name might even remind you of the name of its neighbor to the north, The United States of America. Don’t you think? However, get a load of this. It sounds even more alike when you use the official name of Mexico in Spanish: Estados Unidos Mexicanos.
Etymology studies the study of the origin of words and how their meanings evolve throughout history. The etymology of the word, “Mexico” shows it dates to the 1500s.
Official Name of Mexico History
The United Mexican States or Estados Unidos Mexicanos was formally introduced in the country’s Constitution of 1824. Since that time, the name, “Mexican Republic” or “República Mexicana” has also been used. Both are relevant because Mexico is a nation made up of 32 federal entities.
Most people say the country has 32 states. However, the reality is it has 31 states, including one named, “Mexico.” In addition, there is Mexico City. It is a separate entity as the nation’s capital. Furthermore, another similarity to the United States of America, and its capital of Washington, D.C.
Informal Mexican Culture
In 2012, Mexican President Felipe Calderón tried to boldly make history a week before he left office. He proposed making “Mexico” the country’s official name. Nonetheless, the Mexican Congress put down the lame duck president or his lame symbolic gesture faster than a shot of tequila at the Sonoran Sun pool bar.
Of course, that part should not come as much of a surprise if you go to fun Mexico destinations like Puerto Peñasco. You know many Mexicans and Americans prefer to use informal names such as Rocky Point. The exact same is true with the United Mexican States name. The world prefers to call it “Mexico.”
Now that you’ve finished this knowledge drop and know the official name of Mexico, perhaps you can quiz others at Manny’s Beach Club or Wrecked at the Reef. Chances are the person won’t know the answer and you could be the winner of a delicious taco or margarita.
You’re welcome.