New Mexico

The state of New Mexico is located in the southwestern United States and is known as the Land of Enchantment for its scenic beauty and intriguing history. While New Mexico is rich in culture and landscape, it is one of the most impoverished states in the United States. It is important to [Page 1140]understand New Mexico’s unique multicultural heritage when analyzing poverty at the state and national levels.

As of 2014, New Mexico is the 36th most populous state, the fifth-largest by land mass, and the sixth least densely populated state in the United States, with a population of around 2 million people. Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in North America, was established in 1610. The state is approximately 68 percent white, 10 percent Native ...