Wikijunior:North America/United States/New Mexico

New Mexico is a U. S. State located in the southwestern region. It has been inhabited by American Indian populations and has been part of Mexico, and a U.S. territory. Among U.S. States, New Mexico has the highest percentage of Hispanics at 43%, made up of both recent immigrants and descendants of Spanish colonists. It also has the third-highest percentage of American Indians after Alaska and Oklahoma, and the fifth-highest total number of American Indians after California, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Texas. The tribes represented in the state consist of mostly Navajo and Pueblo peoples. As a result, the demographics and culture of the state are unique for their strong Spanish, Mexican, and American Indian cultural influences. The climate of the state is highly arid and its territory is mostly covered by mountains and desert.