Mexico Seeking to Change Name

It's a fact, though an uncommonly known one, Mexico's name isn't officially Mexico.

Since gaining independence in 1821, Mexico has actually been the Estados Unidos Mexicanos, or Mexican United States, which was then confirmed as the official name in 1824.

Only government officials use the full name, and most of the world, including the Mexican population is not even aware of the actual name.

To change this, and to put his name further into the history books, Mexican President Felipe Calderon, who leaves office December 1, has put forth a piece of legislation. The legislation would change the name of Mexico, to Mexico.

On Thursday, when he announced the legislation, Calderon said, "the name Mexican United States was originally taken because back in 1824 the United States of America was an example of democracy and liberty for the new independent nations in the Americas. It's time that we Mexicans retake the beauty and simplicity of our motherland's name, Mexico. A name that we use when chanting or singing, a name that identifies us throughout the world and that makes us proud,"