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What Does DF Mean in Mexico City?

Published in Mexico City Governance 2 mins read

In Mexico City, DF is an abbreviation that historically stood for Distrito Federal, which translates to Federal District. For many decades, this term was the official designation for the capital region of Mexico.

Historical Significance of Distrito Federal

The Distrito Federal was established in 1824, serving as the seat of the federal government. At its inception, it encompassed not only Mexico City itself but also several surrounding municipalities. Over time, as Mexico City experienced significant urban growth, these separate areas merged, transforming the entire Distrito Federal into one vast, interconnected urban area. For nearly two centuries, people commonly referred to Mexico City as "Mexico D.F." or simply "D.F."

From DF to CDMX: A Modern Transformation

In a significant administrative and political reform, the Distrito Federal (DF) officially ceased to exist as such in January 2016. It was transformed into a new federal entity known as Ciudad de México, which translates to Mexico City. This change elevated the capital's status, granting it greater autonomy and powers akin to those of a state, while retaining its unique position as the seat of federal government.

The new official abbreviation for Mexico City is now CDMX. While many residents and visitors may still use "DF" out of habit, "CDMX" is the current and official designation.

Here's a quick comparison:

Old Term New Term Meaning
D.F. (Distrito Federal) CDMX (Ciudad de México) Mexico City / Federal District

This transformation from DF to CDMX reflected a nationwide effort to modernize governance and provide the capital with more self-governing capabilities, aligning its administrative structure more closely with the rest of the country's states. For more details on this transition, you can refer to reports from reputable news sources like BBC News on Mexico City's transformation.