After nearly 200 years, Mexico may make the name official
updated 3:01 PM EST, Mon November 26, 2012 - In 1821, the
country was officially dubbed the "United Mexican States" - Its
leaders were inspired by the American independence movement -
Outgoing Mexican President Felipe Calderon has proposed making
it just "Mexico" Read a version of this story in Arabic. (CNN)
-- It's the one fact about Mexico that you probably didn't know.
The country's name is not really Mexico, at least not
officially. After gaining independence from Spain in 1821,
Mexico officially became the "United Mexican States." The
American independence movement had inspired Mexican leaders of
that era and since Mexico, in fact, also was a territory
composed of states, the name stuck and became official in 1824.
But the reality is the official name is used only by Mexican
officials who deal with diplomatic protocol and official
documents pertaining to international relations. For the rest of
Mexicans -- and the world -- the country is simply kn