Meet every Mexican state (and the not-a-state capital) in a fun, simple guide.

Picture a big taco map. From deserts up north to beaches down south, Mexico is full of color, food, and music. But what are the states called? Let’s make it easy, fast, and a little fun—so you can name them like a pro at your next taco night.

Quick answer

Mexico has 31 states and Mexico City (CDMX). Mexico City is not a state. It is its own special area, like Washington, D.C. in the U.S.

A fast map in your mind

• North = big and wide: deserts, mountains, and long drives.
• Center = hearts of history: old towns, plazas, and art.
• South & East = jungle and sea: ruins, rain, and warm water.

Full list of the Mexican states (A–Z)

• Aguascalientes
• Baja California
• Baja California Sur
• Campeche
• Chiapas
• Chihuahua
• Coahuila
• Colima
• Durango
• Guanajuato
• Guerrero
• Hidalgo
• Jalisco
• Estado de México (Mexico State)
• Michoacán
• Morelos
• Nayarit
• Nuevo León
• Oaxaca
• Puebla
• Querétaro
• Quintana Roo
• San Luis Potosí
• Sinaloa
• Sonora
• Tabasco
• Tamaulipas
• Tlaxcala
• Veracruz
• Yucatán
• Zacatecas

Mexico City (CDMX): special note

Mexico City is the capital. It is not a state. It is a federal entity with its own rules and leaders. Think “city-sized state,” but not a state.

Coast-to-coast cheat sheets

Pacific Coast: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas.

Gulf & Caribbean: Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo.

Quick facts you can trust

• Most people: Estado de México (Mexico State).
• Biggest by land: Chihuahua.
• Smallest by land: Tlaxcala.
• Yucatán Peninsula trio: Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo.
• Two long peninsulas: Baja California & Baja California Sur.

Easy memory trick

Say it like a road trip: “Baja, Baja Sur, up to Sonora and Chihuahua; swing through Jalisco, Oaxaca, and Yucatán; finish in Quintana Roo.” Repeat, then fill the gaps with the list above.

Tiny FAQ

How many Mexican states are there? There are 31 states, plus Mexico City (not a state).

Is Mexico City a state? No. It is a special federal entity and the capital.

Why this matters

Knowing the states helps with travel plans, school reports, and smart shopping (hello, regional foods!). Now you can read a label, follow a soccer team, or plan a beach day—and know where it all comes from.

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