Name one state that borders Mexico.

Why This Matters

Four U.S. states share a border with Mexico: California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. You only need to name one to answer this question correctly. The U.S.-Mexico border stretches about 1,954 miles from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Gulf of Mexico in the east. This border is one of the most crossed international boundaries in the world.

The relationship between the United States and Mexico has shaped the history, culture, and economy of the entire southwestern region. Before the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), much of this area was part of Mexico. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo transferred a huge amount of land to the United States, including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of other states. This history is why so many cities and geographic features in the Southwest have Spanish names.

Today, the border region is home to millions of people on both sides. Cities like San Diego and Tijuana, El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, and Laredo and Nuevo Laredo function almost as twin cities with deep economic and cultural connections. Mexico is one of the largest trading partners of the United States, and hundreds of billions of dollars in goods cross the border each year. Many American families have roots that connect to Mexico, and Mexican culture has influenced food, music, language, and traditions across the entire country.

Key Facts

• Four states border Mexico: California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas
• You only need to name one state to answer correctly
• The U.S.-Mexico border is about 1,954 miles long
• Texas has the longest section of the border, with the Rio Grande forming a natural boundary
• Mexico is one of the top three trading partners of the United States

Common Mistakes

• Saying "Nevada," "Colorado," or "Louisiana", these states are in the general region but do not directly border Mexico
• Confusing states that border Mexico with states that border Canada
• Naming more states than necessary, while it does not hurt to know all four, you only need one

Study Tip

Remember the phrase "CANT border Canada", California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas. These four states all border Mexico, not Canada. The word CANT uses the first letter of each state. Pick the one you know best and say it with confidence during your interview.