Albuquerque is one of the vibrant cities in the Southwestern US. The city has grown exponentially over time and stays true to its roots. The city is cosmopolitan with stunning attractions, and beautiful art and culture. Despite its old age, Albuquerque celebrated tricentennial in 2006. Did you know that the world’s largest hot-air balloon fiesta is held in Albuquerque? Read on some more interesting facts about Albuquerque.
Image by Eric Ward via Wikimedia Commons
Albuquerque's Geographic and Demographic Fast Facts
- Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico.
- It is the most populous city in New Mexico.
- The city is settled on the banks of the Rio Grande River, approx 62 miles of Santa Fe (southwest).
- The city is the geographical center of New Mexico.
- It is situated at the intersection of two highways, I-40 from east to west and I-25 from north to south. The intersection of Interstate-25 and Interstate-40 is locally called as “The Big I”.
- It is the 32nd largest city in the United States and is the fifty-ninth largest US metropolitan area.
- It experiences about 310 days of sunshine every year.
- It is the highest metropolitan city in the US with the average elevation of 5,312 feet.
- Sandia Mountains are at the eastern periphery of Albuquerque and the peak of the mountain offers a panoramic view of over 11,000 sq. miles.
- The world's highest television towers are at the Sandia Mountains.
- The ethnic composition of Albuquerque includes: 69.7% White, 42.1% Non-Hispanic, 3.3% African American or Black, 46.7% Latino or Hispanic, and 2.6% Asian.
Albuquerque's History Fast Facts
- In 1706, Albuquerque was founded by Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdez, the Spanish provincial governor.
- It is the country’s oldest inland communities.
- Until 1870, it was the American military outpost.
- Railroad was established in Albuquerque in 1880 and it transformed the geographic and cultural structure of the city.
- It came to be the county seat in 1883.
- In 1885, it was formed as a town.
- It was formed as a city in 1891.
- In the nineteenth century, Santa Fe Trail was opened that lead to a great influx of settlers.
- In 1889, the University of Mexico was founded.
- Route 66 was commissioned in 1926.
- The airport was opened in 1928 in Albuquerque and in 1960s it was renamed as the Albuquerque International Sunport.
- The Sandia Peak Tramway was opened in 1966, and the Interstate-40 and Interstate-25, called as “The Big I” was built.
- The Balloon Fiesta was founded in 1972.
- In 2006, Albuquerque celebrated tricentennial.
Albuquerque's Government and Economy Fast Facts
- Albuquerque has a mayor-council form of government.
- It is one of the most educated cities in the country.
- It falls at the core of the New Mexico Technology Corridor, a collection of government institutions and high-tech private companies along the Rio Grande.
- According to the Forbes Magazine 2014, it was ranked seventh among the America’s Engineering Capitals.
- It is the nuclear capital of the US.
- The economy of the city is based on the nuclear research, tourism, medical and health services.
- Many high-tech centers are established in the city, and Intel Corporation’s largest manufacturing unit is situated in Albuquerque.
Albuquerque's Important and Interesting Fast Facts
- Albuquerque is nicknamed as “The Duke City”, “ABQ”, and “Burque”.
- It is also referred as the “Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World” as it hosts the biggest hot-air balloon fiesta every year.
- The longest tram in the North America is the 2.7miles aerial tramway situated 5 miles of Albuquerque (northeast). The tram takes the visitors to the Peak of Sandia Mountain, i.e. approx 10, 378 foot in about 20 minutes. It is the third longest stretch over in the world.
- It is one of the greenest and fittest cities in the country.
- The only word in the English language that repeats the letter order “que” two times is “Albuquerque".
- The largest collection of live rattlesnakes in the world is at the American International Rattlesnake Museum in Albuquerque Old Town.
- Green Chile is grown in Rio Grande Valley.
- The popular series “Breaking Bad” was shot in Albuquerque.
- The “Albuquerque Journal” is the major newspaper of Albuquerque.
