Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Mexico DF (Distrito Federal) was the former administrative designation for what is now officially Ciudad de México (Mexico City).
For most of Mexico's modern history, the Federal District (D.F.) functioned similarly to Washington, D.C.—a federal entity separate from the 31 states, containing the capital city and surrounding municipalities. It was governed directly by the federal government.
On January 29, 2016, the Mexican Constitution was amended to transform the Federal District into a fully autonomous entity: Ciudad de México (CDMX), the country's 32nd federal entity (equivalent to a state).
The reform granted Mexico City residents full political rights—including a local constitution, congress, and control over budget and security—previously denied under the Federal District status. "DF" remains in common usage but is no longer the legal designation.