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On the state flag,
adopted in 1925, the ancient sun symbol of the Zia Pueblo Indians
appears in crimson on a gold field. These were the colors of Queen
Isabella of Castile that the Spanish Conquistadors brought to the
New World. On the state seal, commissioned in 1912, a large eagle
shielding a smaller eagle represents the annexation of New Mexico
by the United States.
New Mexico, a Southwestern state of the United States, is called
the Land of Enchantment because of its scenic beauty and rich
history. Every year, thousands of tourists go to this state for
hunting, fishing, skiing, or sightseeing. New Mexico is the fifth
largest state in area. Only Alaska, Texas, California, and Montana
have a greater area. But the state is thinly populated. Mountain
ranges, rugged canyons, and rocky deserts cover much of New
Mexico. |
