Mexico City became one of the most important Spaniard cities in the Americas by 1530, and had renowned architecture by the eighteenth century. In 1821, Mexico finally gained its freedom from Spain, and the new republic declared Mexico City the nation's capital in 1824. Today, it is the largest city in Mexico, and also its capital.
Founding Date
Mexico City was founded on June 8, 1325, and was initially named Mexico-Tenochtitlan.
Built on Ruins
Mexico City is built on the ruins of an old Aztec city named Tenochtitlan.
Canal
The central canal was built in 1900 and runs to the Panuco River.
Sinking
The city's heaviest buildings are sinking at a rate of 4 to 12 inches per year due to the artisan wells and drainage lowering the water tables, making the ground too weak to hold them.
Earthquakes
Mexico City is built in an area of great seismic activity, with extensive earthquake damage caused in 1957 and 1985. Over 30,000 people were left homeless from the earthquake in 1985.
Population Growth
Mexico City's population more than doubled between 1930 and 1950.
World's Longest Avenue
Mexico City houses one of the world's longest avenues, Avenida Insurgents.
