9781422286944

The States of Mexico

atmosphere is gentler. Taxco is famous for its silver artisans, descendents of the original settlers who came to this city centuries ago seeking to make their fortunes in the silver mines. Along Guerrero’s coastline, the weather is often hot and steamy, but in the higher inland areas, the weather is better suited for farming. However, the tropical climate throughout much of the state means that the area’s economy depends more on tourism than any other industry. Oaxaca As you travel further along the Pacific coast you come next to the state of Oaxaca, a tropical land that suffers from economic poverty despite its cultural

37

riches. Until recently, this state has been ignored by tourists, and its steamy weather made farming impossible. Now, the government is working to develop resort areas that will put Oaxaca on the map, and stimulate the faltering economy. Historically, many different groups of people— the Zapotecs, the Mixtecs, the Aztecs, and Spaniards—have fought over this land. Over the past 2,000 years, more than 200 different tribes have inhabited this region. Today, over a million of the state’s inhabitants still speak some form of

This ancient carving, which represents a dancer, was found at Monte Alban, Oaxaca.

Made with