2. New Mexico the Land of Enchantment Capital City: Santa Fe Admission to Statehood: January 6, 1912 Area:314,460 km2 Area Code: 505 Official Languages: English(82%) Spanish(29%) Governor: Susana Martinez
3. The Flag of New Mexico The yellow field and red symbol colors are the colors of Spain. First brought to New Mexico by Spanish explorers in 1540. This is an ancient sun symbol of Native American people called the Zia. The Zia believed thatthe giver of all good gave them gifts in groups of four. These gifts are: The four directions - north, east, south and west. The four seasons - spring, summer, fall and winter. The day - sunrise, noon, evening and night. Life itself - childhood, youth, middle years and old age.
4. State Flower State Bird Yucca flower. Roadrunner State Symbols Leaves can be used to make rope, sandals and baskets.
6. New Mexican cuisine New Mexican cuisine is a regional cuisine found in New Mexico, mixing the Native American,Mexican, Spanish and United Statescultures. New Mexican Cuisine is also very different than the preferred Tex-Mex style of Mexican-American. One of its most defining characteristics is the dominance of the New Mexican chile - in red and green varieties, depending on the stage of ripeness when picked.
7. Chiles Green Chile-In the past few years, green chile has grown increasingly more common outside of New Mexico, and it is a popular ingredient in everything from enchiladas and burritos to cheeseburgers, bagels, and pizzas within the state's borders. Red Chile-The plant produces green fruit, which turns red if the pods are left on the plant. The red fruit is usually dried and ground into Chile powder.