Tourism, mining, agriculture and the military are the major industries. The topography is characterized by plains in the east and mountains and high desert in the west. Elevations range from 2,842 to 13,161 feet above sea level. The northwest portion of the state contains vast reservoirs of gas and oil. The state is bounded by Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas and the Republic of Mexico.
Transportation is mainly by private automobile or bus.
Distances between population areas vary from 50 to over 300 miles. Settled in 1601, New Mexico has a long history of settlement by diverse cultural groups. New Mexico is economically one of the poorer states, with the nation's highest rate of persons living below the poverty level. There were 28 dialysis facilities in New Mexico and two transplant facilities at the end of 2000. There were 67 renal transplants performed during 2000.