New Mexico ACLS Certification and Recertification

NEW MEXICO ACLS CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION

About New Mexico

New Mexico became the 47th state in 1912. The state capitol of New Mexico is Santa Fe with a population of 70,631 people (2005 Census). Albuquerque is the largest city in the state, with 494,236 people (2005 Census). The total population of New Mexico is 2,059,179 people (2010 Census). New Mexico is comprised of 121,356 square miles of Great Plains in the east, Rocky Mountains in the midsection, and high plateaus in the west. Around 85 percent of New Mexico is 4000 feet or higher in elevation. The state flower is the yucca. The state bird is the roadrunner. The state insect of New Mexico is the tarantula hawk wasp.

Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado first visited the area of New Mexico in 1540-42. The first settlement in the area was not established however until 1598 when Juan de Onate established one on the Rio Grande River. Santa Fe was established in 1610 and became the capital of New Mexico. Most of New Mexico was acquired by the United States in 1848 after the Mexican War and as a result of the Gadsden Purchase in 1853. The Civil War brought about the Union capturing the Confederates in the area.

In 1886 Geronimo surrendered and the Indian conflicts in the area were mostly resolved. The twentieth century brought energy research, development, and experiments to New Mexico. From 1945 to today, New Mexico has remained a leader in such industry, with Los Alamos being the primary area at the Scientific Laboratory, as well as Sandia Laboratories. New Mexico has remained a strong mining state due to the large quantity of natural minerals in the state. Uranium and potassium salts are two of the most heavily produced minerals, and New Mexico is a leader in the United States in production of the two.

New Mexico is a largely agricultural state as well with a high emphasis on both livestock and farming. The rugged hillside and terrain in New Mexico are not only home to an abundance of minerals, but also beautiful natural landmarks. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a popular tourist site, along with Inscription Rock, several National Monuments, Forts, and historical landmarks. Prominent historical figures and famous people from New Mexico include William “Billy the Kid” Bonney, Kit Carson, John Denver, Sid Gutierrez, Conrad Hilton, Dennis Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and others.