Mexico City, or Ciudad de México, a sprawling metropolis officially known as México D.F., stands as the vibrant heart of Mexico. More than just the nation’s capital, it’s the epicenter of Mexican federal power and a unique federal entity distinct from the 31 states. As a colossal urban landscape, understanding the population of Mexico City is key to grasping its significance on both a national and global scale.
Delving into Mexico City’s Current Population
Recent figures paint a picture of a megacity teeming with life. As of 2016, government statistics placed the population of Mexico City proper at a staggering 8,918,653 residents. This figure underscores its position as one of the most populous urban centers globally. Furthermore, Mexico City proudly holds the title of the largest Spanish-speaking city on Earth and a major financial hub for the entire continent, making its population a crucial element of its identity and influence.
This impressive figure marks an increase from the 8.851 million inhabitants recorded in 2010, highlighting a continuous growth trajectory. However, to truly grasp the scale of Mexico City’s population, one must consider the encompassing metropolitan area.
Greater Mexico City: A Megalopolis Unveiled
The boundaries of Mexico City extend far beyond its official limits, forming what is known as Greater Mexico City. This vast metropolitan area encompasses the Federal District, alongside 60 municipalities from the State of Mexico and one from the state of Hidalgo. This expansion creates a colossal urban sprawl that, as of 2016, housed an estimated 21.2 million people. This immense population solidifies Greater Mexico City’s rank as the most populous metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere, a testament to its magnetic pull and continuous urban development.
The sheer size of Mexico City proper, covering 1,485 square kilometers (573 square miles), combined with its burgeoning population, results in a dense urban environment. Population density measurements reveal approximately 6,000 people per square kilometer (16,000 residents per square mile), illustrating the concentrated nature of urban living in this megacity.
Within Greater Mexico City, excluding Mexico City proper, several municipalities contribute significantly to the overall population. In 2010, the most populous municipalities were: Ecatepec (1.6 million), Nezahualcóyotl (1.1 million), Naucalpan (833,000), Tlalnepantla de Baz (664,000), Chimalhuacán (602,000), Ixtapaluca (467,000), Cuautitlán Izcalli (533,000), and Atizapan de Zaragoza (490,000). By 2016, a remarkable 75% of the State of Mexico’s population, roughly 10 million individuals, resided within municipalities integrated into Greater Mexico City, further highlighting the region’s concentrated population.
A Mosaic of Demographics: The People of Mexico City
Historically, the Valley of Anáhuac, where Mexico City is situated, has been a densely populated region. Early demographic data from 1921 reveals a diverse population composition, with over 54% Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European ancestry), 23% European, and almost 19% Indigenous. It’s important to note that Mexico City’s population at that time was less than 1 million, illustrating the dramatic population growth over the past century.
Modern Mexico City is a melting pot, attracting immigrants and expatriates from across the globe. Significant communities hail from Canada, the United States, South America (particularly Colombia and Argentina), Central America (especially Guatemala and El Salvador), the Caribbean (mainly Cuba and Haiti), Europe (notably Spain and Germany), and the Middle East (especially Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon). More recently, an increasing influx of immigrants from Asia-Pacific countries, such as South Korea and China, adds to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
While official immigrant population figures are unavailable in Mexico, estimates suggest substantial numbers. Notably, Mexico City is believed to host the largest population of US citizens living outside the United States, estimated at around 700,000 within the city and one million throughout the entire country. Data from Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) indicates a 95% increase in the number of foreigners in the country over the last decade, with the majority originating from the US.
Population Growth and Urban Challenges
Despite its continuous population growth, the annual growth rate of the Mexico City metropolitan area is actually lower compared to many other urban agglomerations in Mexico. Interestingly, the Federal District experienced a negative net migration rate between 1995 and 2000, suggesting internal population shifts within the country.
Mexico City’s rapid expansion during the 20th century has presented significant urban challenges. The city has struggled to keep pace with the demand for essential services and housing, leading to the proliferation of large shantytowns on the city outskirts lacking basic infrastructure. Neza-Chalco-Itza, one of the world’s largest shantytowns, with an estimated population of 4 million, serves as a stark example. A 2004 World Bank study revealed that 11% of Mexico’s urban population lived in extreme poverty, while 42% were classified as moderately poor. Adding to these challenges, Mexico City’s location between two major mountain ranges contributes to air pollution issues by trapping pollutants within the valley.
Today, Mexico City stands as one of the world’s largest cities, home to approximately 20% of Mexico’s total population. While urban migration has slowed, natural population growth remains the primary driver of Mexico City’s expanding population. Projections estimate that the city’s population will reach nearly 22 million by 2020, underscoring the continuous need for sustainable urban planning and resource management in this dynamic megacity.
