Guadalajara

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Guadalajara (municipio de Jalisco)

La amazona del Teatro Degollado (cropped)

Nebel Voyage 42 Guadalajara

Spomenik u Guadalajari

Guadalajara, c. 1905

Guadalajara is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and the seat of the municipality of Guadalajara. The city is in the central region of Jalisco in the Western-Pacific area of Mexico. With a population of 1,460,148 as of 2020, Guadalajara is the second most populous city in Mexico, after Mexico City. The Guadalajara metropolitan area has a reported population of 5,002,466, making it the second most populous metropolitan area in Mexico, behind Mexico City. The municipality has an area of 151 square kilometers (58 sq mi). Guadalajara is considered a cultural center of Mexico, known for its traditions, such as mariachi music, and large-scale events like the Guadalajara International Book Fair.

History

The city was founded on February 14, 1542, by Spanish conquistador Cristóbal de Oñate as Guadalajara de Nueva Galicia, named after the Spanish city of Guadalajara. It was established to secure the recently conquered region of western Mexico and to facilitate colonizing the northern areas. The city's economy and culture have been significantly influenced by waves of internal migrations, especially during the 20th century, which have helped shape its modern identity.

Geography

Guadalajara is located in the Atemajac Valley, near the center of Jalisco, in the western part of Mexico. The region has a varied topography, with surrounding forests, lakes, and agricultural land. The city itself is mostly flat, but is surrounded by prominent hills. Its climate is classified as subtropical highland, due to its elevation of 1,566 meters (5,138 ft) above sea level, leading to mild temperatures year-round.

Economy

The economy of Guadalajara is one of the most dynamic in Mexico, driven by its strong information technology and electronics sectors. The city is often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Mexico because of its massive electronics industry. Other significant sectors include manufacturing, particularly of footwear and textiles, and services. Guadalajara has also been a traditional center for the production of tequila.

Culture

Guadalajara is known for its contributions to Mexican culture, particularly in music and folk dances. The city is considered the birthplace of mariachi music, and hosts several important cultural festivals, including the Guadalajara International Film Festival and the Guadalajara International Book Fair, the latter being one of the largest book fairs in the world. The city's historic center is home to numerous colonial-era buildings, including the Guadalajara Cathedral and the Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Education

The city is a major educational center in Mexico, home to several of the country's most prestigious universities, including the University of Guadalajara (Universidad de Guadalajara), which is one of the oldest and largest universities in Mexico.

Transportation

Guadalajara boasts an extensive public transportation network, including the Guadalajara light rail system (SITEUR), buses, and bike-sharing programs. The city is also served by the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport, which is the third busiest airport in Mexico.

Sports

Football is the most popular sport in Guadalajara, with the city being home to two of the most successful teams in Mexican football history: Chivas and Atlas. The city has also hosted several major international sporting events, including the 2011 Pan American Games.