CHIAPAS
According to Shoppingpicks, Chiapas is a state in the southeastern part of Mexico. Chiapas borders the Mexican states of Tabasco to the north, Veracruz to the northwest and Oaxaca to the west. To the east, Chiapas borders Guatemala and to the south, the Pacific Ocean.
The state capital is called Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the most economically important city is Tapachula, while tourists know the city of San Cristóbal de Las Casas best. Chiapas also includes the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque, Yaxchilan, Bonampak and Tonina.
In 2003, the population was estimated at 4,224,800. Approximately 1 million people are descendants of the indigenous peoples of Central America and the Caribbean. Many of Chiapas’ residents are poor peasants living in rural areas. About a third of the population is wholly or predominantly of Mayan descent.
Chiapas has one of the highest levels of malnutrition in Mexico, and it is estimated to affect more than 40 percent of the population. In 1994, the state became the name of the whole world after the uprising of the Zapatistas. The Zapatistas, who have united in the EZLN ( Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional ), are fighting for the rights and development of the indigenous people, against the consequences of globalization.
TIMELINE:
229 FVT-799 EVT – Palenque is also the name of the nearby Mayan ruins in the jungle near the city of the same name. One of the buildings – the Temple of Inscription – is a burial monument to King Pacal the Great and contains his sarcophagus. With 600 hieroglyphs, this temple is the second longest Mayan inscription. Palenqueruinerne has been on UNESCO ‘s World Heritage since 1987.
1823 – During colonial rule, Chiapas are ruled by Guatemala. When Guatemala became independent in 1823, Chiapas became part of Mexico.
2005 – In early October, Hurricane Stan caused one of the largest natural disasters not only in Chiapas but also in Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Puebla and Veracruz.
COLIMA
Colima is a state in western Mexico. To the north and east, it shares the border with the state of Jalisco, as well as Michoacan to the south. To the west is the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the capital Colima, the major cities of Manzanillo and Tecomán are also in the state. The land has a real on 5455 km² with an estimated population in 2003 of 571,000.
TIMELINE:
1915 – A train derailed on January 18 between Colima-Guadalajara and 600 passengers were killed.
2003 – The earthquake in Colima occurred on 21 January and a magnitude 7.6 was recorded. The epicenter was in the Pacific Ocean. The quake was felt as far away as Mexico City and the southern United States. Read more here.
DURANGO
Durango is a state in Mexico. The area is 119,648 km² and the estimated population in 2003 was 1,450,000. The capital of the same name, Durango, is also called Victoria de Durango. Other major cities in the state are Gómez Palacio and Lerdo.
The border between Durango, Chihuahua and Coahuila is known as the Zona del Silencio (“Silent Zone”) due to the area’s natural magnetic fields which, according to a hiking history, should prevent the passage of radio waves there. Ironically, communication equipment works fine enough in the zone. But guides who tell about the myth assure that the zone is moving around; the result is that the locals are pretty skeptical about whether there is a hold in the myth at all.
Famous for being home to Pancho Villa, as well as for its beautiful waterfalls, waterfalls and nature reserves. Durango has also served as the setting for at least 110 Mexican and American films. See here.
TIMELINE:
1563 – Durango is founded when the first Spaniards led by Francisco de Ibarra arrive in the state on July 8.
GUERRERO
Guerrero is a state in Mexico. To the west it shares the border with the Mexican state of Michoacán, to the north with the state of Mexico, Morelos and Puebla, to the east Oaxaca and to the south the Pacific Ocean.
The capital is called Chilpancingo de los Bravo. The larger cities of Acapulco, Iguala de la Independencia and Taxco are also located in the state.
TIMELINE:
1591 – On November 1, Chilpancingo is founded by Spanish conquistadors.
1813 – Chilpancingo is elected host to the first major congress of independence fighters.