Black Swan Watch: Mexico's Super Volcano

Mexico's Popocatépetl could be the unseen force capable of toppling world markets.

One of the world's largest volcanoes, reaching over three miles high at 17,887 feet, "Popo" is only overshadowed by its dormant (but not extinct) neighbor volcano Pico de Orizaba, which is the third highest peak in North America at 18,491 feet. The majesty of these two geological wonders cradle Mexico City and its neighboring boroughs, namely Puebla, a major agricultural center. A 2012 census determined that the area was home to more than 19 million people, but estimates as high as 22 million have also been cited. The official number makes this area the 10th most heavily populated region in the world; the higher estimate would qualify it as the fifth most populated region, behind Tokyo, Jakarta, Seoul, and Delhi respectively.