New Mexico is a beautiful state filled with a colorful history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. However, the rest of the country has quite a few interesting ideas about the Land of Enchantment. Here are six of the most common misconceptions about the state:

1. New Mexico Is A Different Country

While part of the state's name is shared with that of our neighbors to the south, New Mexico was the 48th state to be admitted to the union in 1912. This usually does provide some entertaining, and sometimes aggravating, situations for New Mexicans as we are usually thought to be foreigners when in other states.

2. English Is Not The Common Language

Although Spanish is widely spoken throughout New Mexico, English is still the official language, and those who do speak Spanish usually know English as well. New Mexicans visiting other parts of the United States are usually complimented on their English skills once it becomes known that they hail from the Land of Enchantment.

3. New Mexico Is A Desert

It's true, parts of New Mexico are covered in desert-like terrain. However, the state's landscapes are incredibly diverse ranging from mesas and plains to large forests and majestic mountains. Snow is not uncommon in most parts of the state during the winter months. New Mexico actually offers some of the best skiing locations in the country.

4. New Mexico Is Not The Only Place With Chile

Okay, this one is actually true. But New Mexico is the only place with good chile. Much like Idaho is known for potatoes, New Mexico is known for its red and green chile. Chile is one of the most important aspects of New Mexican cuisine even making it into our state motto, "red or green?" We put it on everything. There is even a chile flavored ice cream. As a result, we are pretty picky about what can be considered good chile and we will insist that ours is the only one worth trying.

5. Our Food And Culture Are Mexican

While we do draw heavily from Mexican culture, New Mexico has its own distinct culture and food drawing from Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences. As mentioned earlier, chile plays an important role in New Mexican cuisine as well as Native American staples such as fry-bread, beans, corn, and squash.

6. There Is Nothing Here

New Mexico is actually a hotbed of activity in science, nature, art, and popular culture. Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories are at the forefront of scientific development, while the natural beauty of the state draws visitors from all over the world. Santa Fe and Taos have produced many important artists and art schools, and the film industry has taken off throughout the state with major film and television projects taking place here. The aerospace industry is also being developed here with Spaceport America's construction occurring north of White Sands.

So there you have it: some of the most common misconceptions about the land of enchantment. What else do you think should be on the list?