Jalisco

Jalisco is a state in Mexico, located in the western part of the country. It is bordered by the states of Nayarit to the northwest, Zacatecas and Aguascalientes to the north, San Luis Potosi and Guanajuato to the east, and Michoacán and Colima to the south. To the west, Jalisco has a significant coastline on the Pacific Ocean.

History

The area now known as Jalisco was inhabited by several indigenous groups before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The most significant of these were the Caxcanes, the Coca, and the Tecuexes. The region was conquered by Nuño de Guzmán in 1530, and it became part of the Spanish colony of New Spain.

Geography

Jalisco is characterized by a diverse geography that includes beaches, plains, and highlands. The state is home to two significant mountain ranges, the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Neovolcanic Axis, which includes the Tequila Volcano and the Nevado de Colima. Jalisco also includes a portion of the Balsas River basin and the entirety of the Ameca River basin.

Economy

The economy of Jalisco is one of the most dynamic in Mexico, with strong sectors in agriculture, industry, and services. The state is a major producer of tequila, a spirit made from the blue agave plant, which is grown extensively in the region. Other important agricultural products include corn, sorghum, and livestock.

Culture

Jalisco is known for its rich culture, which includes the traditional Mariachi music and dance, the charreada (a form of rodeo), and the popular dish birria. The state is also home to the University of Guadalajara, one of the most important educational institutions in Mexico.

See also

• List of municipalities in Jalisco
• Guadalajara
• Puerto Vallarta