New Mexico became the 47th state on Jan 6th 1912. New Mexico is affectionately known as the "enchanted state" in reference to the magic of this great state.
Origin of state's name: New Mexico was given to the state by the Spaniards for land north of the Rio Grande.
Population: The population of New Mexico is in excess of 1.8millin people based on the last census in 2000.
Capital: The capital city of New Mexico is Sante Fe which is known as "the city of different" in reference to the way the city embraces its natural environment by keeping its beauty and blending in with the surrounding desert. Santa Fe is the highest capital city in the United States at approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. The state is surrounded by several other states including Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Oklahoma, Utah and the country of Mexico to the south.
Driving
Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, Driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the State of New Mexico's Department of Taxation and Revenue website under the Motor Vehicle Division.
http://www.state.nm.us/tax/mvd/mvd_home.htm
Economy: New Mexico is a state rich in natural deposits such as uranium, potassium, potash, copper, zinc, gold and silver and coal. Other industries include farming especially sheep and cows, food processing, chemical production, lumbar and transport equipment manufacture. Peanuts, pecans, lettuce, onions, corn and sorghums are grown widely throughout the state and help drive the economy of the state.
Flower: The state flower is the Yucca glauca which has beautiful whitish yellowish flowers and I a member of the Lily family. The leaves of the Yucca can be used to make rope and baskets.
Bird: The state bird is the Roadrunner or Geococcyx californianus who is more comfortable on the ground than in flight. The roadrunner can be seen running at very quick speeds and is primarily a carnivore.
Song: The state song is "O Fair New Mexico" by E Garrett which is a beautiful song in praise of this enchanted state.