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Mexico City

Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico and one of the most populous urban areas in North America.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico and one of the most populous urban areas in North America. It is a major political, cultural, educational, and financial centre, and its modern city is the continuation of the historic Aztec capital Tenochtitlán.

History

Mexico City developed on the site of Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital founded in 1325. After the Spanish conquest, it became the political centre of New Spain and later the capital of independent Mexico.

Government and status

Mexico City is Mexico’s capital and functions as a federal entity. It is closely associated with the country’s federal government and has also been referred to historically as the Federal District.

Population and geography

The city proper had 9,209,944 residents in the 2020 census and covers 1,495 square kilometres. It sits in the Valley of Mexico at an elevation of about 2,240 metres.

Economy and culture

Mexico City is a leading centre for politics, education, culture, and finance in Mexico and North America. It is widely known for its museums, historic sites, and large urban economy.

Key facts

  • Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and the country’s largest city.
  • The city proper had a population of 9,209,944 in the 2020 census.
  • It is one of the most populous cities in North America and a major global centre for culture and finance.
  • The city traces its origin to Tenochtitlán, founded by the Mexica in 1325.
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Canadian context

Mexico City is relevant to Canadian readers as a major North American capital, a frequent destination for travel, business, diplomacy, and cultural exchange, and one of the continent’s largest metropolitan centres.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mexico City?
Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico, and one of the most populous cities in North America.
What is the official name of Mexico City?
The official Spanish name is Ciudad de México.
When was Mexico City founded?
Its origin is usually dated to 1325, when the Mexica founded Tenochtitlán on the site.
How many people live in Mexico City?
The city proper had 9,209,944 inhabitants in the 2020 census.
Where is Mexico City located?
It is in the Valley of Mexico in central Mexico, at an elevation of about 2,240 metres.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Mexico-City
    Supports: Capital status, official naming, metropolitan context, and general importance.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_City
    Supports: Population, area, world-city classification, and city overview.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Mexico-City
    Supports: Elevation, relationship to the Federal District, and broad historical/economic context.
  4. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciudad_de_M%C3%A9xico
    Supports: Territorial area, 2020 population, and metropolitan context.
  5. Government of Mexico City — https://mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx/e/about/about-mexico-city/
    Supports: Official name and capital-city status.