Mexico City was founded in the early 1300s by an Aztec tribe, and became a center of culture and trade. Early Mexico city was built on an island in Lake Texcoco. The Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes succeeded in conquering Mexico City in 1521 only after a long siege. The city was reconstructed as the capital of New Spain, a viceroyalty of Spain, in 1524. The city survived the Mexican War of Independence, and an invasion by United States forces in 1847. After the Mexican Revolution in 1910, Mexico City grew as an increasingly powerful center of government.
Today, Mexico City is the center of government, commerce, and culture in Mexico. It hosted the 1968 Summer Olympic Games, and the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cups. It is among the fastest-growing cities in the world. Despite its status, Mexico City continues to be fraught with crime and violence due to gangs and drug trafficking.
Mexico City offers a host of historic and cultural attractions. The Centro Historico and the Xochimilco are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Historic Center is home to several landmarks: the Plaza del la Constitucion, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Aztec Templo Mayor. The Angel of Independence is a famous Mexico City icon, and the Chapultepec park is a popular tourist destination.
With a population of nearly nine million people in 2008, Mexico City is the largest in the country. Greater Mexico City, which includes 60 neighboring municipalities, had a population of more than 20 million during the last census.
Travelers to Mexico City should exercise caution. The U.S. State Department urges tourists to travel during daylight hours and to stay in well-known tourist areas. The most common crimes against tourists include taxi robbery, pickpocketing, and purse snatching. To avoid being targeted, visitors to Mexico City should not wear expensive-looking jewelry or bring valuable items. Travelers should be wary of demonstrations or violence related to drug trafficking, and should avoid driving or walking anywhere alone during night time hours.
