Mexico City

Mexico City (Ciudad de México or CDMX) is the capital and largest city of Mexico, with a metropolitan population exceeding 21 million—the largest in North America and the Western Hemisphere. Built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, the city blends pre-Columbian history with colonial architecture and modern urbanization. Mexico City is Latin America's cultural capital and a UNESCO Creative City.

Mexico City was founded in 1325 as Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire, on an island in Lake Texcoco. Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés conquered it in 1521, building colonial Mexico City atop Aztec ruins. The city was capital of New Spain and later independent Mexico. A massive 1985 earthquake killed 10,000+ and prompted building code reforms. The ancient lake bed causes continuing subsidence.

Mexico City generates about 17% of Mexico's GDP. Key sectors include services, manufacturing, technology, tourism, and media. The city hosts headquarters of major Mexican and multinational companies. Reforma Avenue is the financial corridor. The informal economy employs millions. Despite challenges, the city is increasingly a startup hub. Manufacturing in the metro area includes automotive and aerospace.

Mexico City's cultural richness is extraordinary. Pre-Columbian heritage, colonial architecture, and modern art coexist. Museums are world-class—the National Anthropology Museum is unparalleled. Muralism (Diego Rivera, Orozco, Siqueiros) adorns public buildings. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cuisine blends indigenous and Spanish traditions. Day of the Dead celebrations are spectacular. Music spans mariachi to modern genres.

Mexico City Metro is one of the busiest in the world with 12 lines. Metrobús (BRT) supplements the metro. Ecobici bike-sharing is popular. Traffic congestion is legendary—some of the worst globally. Two airports serve the city: the existing one and new Felipe Ángeles International. Uber is widely used. The historic center is increasingly pedestrian-friendly.

Mexico City faces severe challenges: sinking (up to 50cm annually) due to groundwater extraction, air pollution, traffic congestion, water scarcity (importing water over mountains), crime and security concerns, earthquake risk (seismic zone), and inequality between wealthy areas and informal settlements. Subsidence damages buildings and infrastructure constantly.