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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
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
The States of Mexico
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This ancient carving, which represents a dancer, was found
at Monte Alban, Oaxaca.