Veracruz

Veracruz,formallyVeracruz de Ignacio de la Llave,officially theFree and Sovereign State of Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave,is one of the 31 states which, along withMexico City, comprise the 32Federal EntitiesofMexico. Located in eastern Mexico, Veracruz is bordered by seven states, which areTamaulipas,San Luis Potosí,Hidalgo,Puebla,Oaxaca,Chiapas, andTabasco. Veracruz is divided into212 municipalities, and its capital city isXalapa-Enríquez.
Veracruz has a significant share of the coastline of theGulf of Mexicoon the east of the state. The state is noted for its mixed ethnic and indigenous populations.Its cuisinereflects the many cultural influences that have come through the state because of the importance of the port ofVeracruz. In addition to the capital city, the state's largest cities include Veracruz,Coatzacoalcos,Córdoba,Minatitlán,Poza Rica,Boca Del RíoandOrizaba.
The full name of the state is Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave. Veracruz was named after the city ofVeracruz(FromLatinVera Crux, "True Cross"), which was originally called theVilla Rica de la Vera Cruz. The suffix is in honor ofIgnacio de la Llave y Segura Zevallos(1818–1863), who was the governor of Veracruz from 1861 to 1862. The state's seal was authorized by the state legislature in 1954, adapting the one used for the port of Veracruz and created by the Spanish in the early colonial days of the 16th century.
The history of the native peoples of the state of Veracruz is complex. In the pre-Columbian period, the modern-day state of Veracruz was inhabited primarily by four indigenous cultures. TheHuastecsandOtomisoccupied the north, while theTotonacsresided in the north-center. TheOlmecs, one of the oldest cultures in the Americas, became dominant in the southern part of Veracruz.Remains of these past civilizations can be found in archeological sites such as Pánuco,Castillo de Teayo, El Zapotal, Las Higueras, Quiahuiztlán,El Tajín,Cempoala,Tres ZapotesandSan Lorenzo Tenochtitlán.
The first major civilization in the territory of the current state was that of the Olmecs. The Olmecs lived in theCoatzacoalcos Riverregion and it became the center of Olmec culture. The main ceremonial center here was San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán. Other major centers in the state include Tres Zapotes in the city of Veracruz andLa Ventain Tabasco. The culture reached its height about 2600 years ago, with its best-known artistic expression being thecolossal stone heads.These ceremonial sites were the most complex of that early time period. For this reason, many anthropologists consider the Olmec civilization to be the mother culture of the many Mesoamerican cultures that followed it. By 300 BCE, this culture was eclipsed by other emerging civilizations in Mesoamerica.
Another major group was the Totonacs, who have survived to the present day. Their region, calledTotonacapan, is centered between the Cazones River and the Papaloapan River in the north of the state. Pre-Columbian Totonacs lived from hunting, fishing and agriculture, mostly of corn, beans, chili peppers and squash. This is also the native region of thevanilla bean. Clay sculptures with smiling faces are indicative of this culture. The major site isEl Tajín, located nearPapantla, but the culture reached its apogee in Cempoala (about five miles (8.0 km) inland from the current port of Veracruz), when it was conquered by the Aztecs.When the Spaniards arrived in 1519, the territory was still home to a population of about 250,000 people living in fifty population centers and speaking four Totonac dialects. 25,000 were living in Cempoala alone.
TheHuastecsare in the far north of the Veracruz and extend into parts of Tamaulipas, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí,Querétaroand Puebla. The language and agricultural techniques of these people and theMayaare similar; however, only a few buildings and ceramics remain from the early Huastec culture. This culture also reached its peak between 1200 and 1519, when it was conquered by the Spanish.
During the 15th and very early 16th century, theAztecscame to dominate much of the state and dividing it into tributary provinces, of Tochtepec, Cuetlaxtlan, Cempoallan, Quauhtochco, Jalapa, Misantla, and Tlatlauhquitepec. The Aztecs were interested in the area's vegetation and crops such as cedars, fruit, cotton, cacao, corn, beans and vanilla. However, the Totonacs chafed under Aztec rule, with Aztec rulers fromAxayacatltoMoctezuma IIhaving to send soldiers to quell rebellions. The Huastecs were subjugated more successfully by the Aztecs and relegated to the provinces of Atlan and Tochpan.
Veracruz played an important part in theSpanish conquest of the Aztec EmpirebyHernán Cortésand his expedition members. They founded Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz on May 18, 1519, as the first Spanish town in what is now Mexico. By doing so, Cortés threw off the authority of the Governor of Cuba,Diego Velázquez, claiming authority directly from the Spanish crown. A small contingent of the expedition remained at Veracruz, while the main body of conquerors moved inland.
TheTotonacswere some of the first people with whom the Spanish had contact on the American mainland.The very first contact was with CaptainJuan de Grijalvaon the coastline north of the present-day city of Veracruz.Still chafing under Aztec rule, Totonac rulerTlacochcalcatlwelcomedHernán Cortésand promised 50,000 warriors to help defeatTenochtitlan. The Spanish helped the Totonacs expel Aztec tribute collectors and seize control of some Aztec outposts.The Spanish founded the port city of Veracruz on the coast, as the first municipality under the direct control of the king of Spain. Cortés then began his march inland to Tenochtitlan.During theConquest, the rest of the Totonac peoples allied themselves with the Spanish, but the Huastecs, despite also being under Aztec rule, fought against them. After the fall of Tenochtitlan, Cortés sent a regiment to subdue the Huastecs.
During the early conquest era, Cortés distributed the labor of indigenous settlements to particular conquerors in an institution known asencomienda. The indigenous ruler of the settlement was charged with mobilization labor and tribute that was due to the holder of theencomienda. Veracruz had a number of encomiendas that changed hands a number of times, but early on came under the direct control of the Spanish crown rather than individualencomenderos.
During the colonial era, Veracruz was the main port of entry for immigrants from Spain,African slaves, and all types of luxury goods for import and export. The first group of Franciscans arrived in Veracruz in 1524, walking barefoot to the capital of the Spanish colony ofNew Spain.The route between Veracruz and the Spanish capital of Mexico City, built on the site of the Aztec capitalTenochtitlan, was the key trade route during the colonial era. Much of the history of the state is involved with the port city that Cortés founded in 1519. Veracruz became the principal and often only port to export and import goods between the colony ofNew Spainand Spain itself.To ensure the port's monopoly, it came to have control over almost all of New Spain's Gulf coastline.New Spain's silver andcochinealred dye, were the two most important exports from the port, along with chocolate, vanilla, chili peppers, and much more were exported. Imported were livestock (sheep, cows, goats, horses), wheat and other cultivars. From the Caribbean, slaves, pineapple, and sugar cane were introduced. This made the port a highly prized target for pirates during the colonial period, with attacks and sackings frequent.This led to the building of the fort ofSan Juan de Ulúa, a site Juan de Grijalva visited in 1518,and the fortification of the city overall.
Much of Totonac and Huastec culture have survived the colonial period into the present day. Much of the reason for this is that the north of Veracruz is rugged with thick vegetation and relatively little of the resources the Spanish were looking for.Veracruz is considered to be where the "mestizo" or mixed European/indigenous ethnicities began, which is a large part of Mexican cultural identity.
Arriving with the Spanish conquerors, new diseases made their first appearance in the continent.European diseasesdecimated the native population of the province, prompting the importation of African slaves during the colonial period, starting in the 16th century. The Spanish imported between 500,000 and 1,000,000 West African slaves into Mexico between 1535 and 1767 (miscegenationbetween indigenous and African populations began almost immediately). New Spain did not have any laws prohibiting interracial marriage, hence the correct term is Afro-Mestizo, which includes all 3 ethnicities: Indigenous, African, and Spanish.
Runaway slaves (cimarrones) became problematic to public order since they frequently formed robber bands that attacked travelers on highways. Crown efforts against these groups began in earnest in the late sixteenth century, but a major rebellion broke out in 1606 in the areas of Villa Rica, Nueva Veracruz, Antón Lizardo, and the Rio Blanco area. However, the gravest of these occurred in the Orizaba area, where there were about 500 fugitive slaves. In 1609, a leader namedGaspar Yangaled an insurrection against the Spanish but was defeated in battle. Unrest continued, eventually forcing the government to sign an amnesty pact and giving the Africans the right to form their own community, exacting as a condition that bandits be suppressed. This was called San Lorenzo de Zerral but today it is known as themunicipality of Yanga. This was the first time slavery was abolished in the Americas.
In the first half of the seventeenth century, cities such asCórdoba,Orizaba, andXalapawere formed or expanded to protect the trade route between Mexico City and the port of Veracruz. During this time, the Spanish and mixed-ethnicities population increased as the purely indigenous population continued to fall to a fraction of pre-Conquest levels (due now to mixing, rather than disease). Almost all trade in and out of New Spain had to be with Spain except for some limited trade authorized with England and other Spanish colonies. This would stay in place until 1778, whenthe Decreto de Libre Comercio, allowing a limited free trade within Spanish-held realms, lifted many of these restrictions on trade with Europe. This would make the port more important than it had been, and led to increased prosperity for the inhabitants.
Outside of the port, in other areas of the province, the economy was based on agriculture, livestock, and commerce. In 1720, Xalapa organized the first trade fair, making it the center for trade between inland Mexican goods and those from abroad. This would lead to its eventual status as the capital of the state.
In 1746, the state was divided into the civil jurisdictions of Pánuco, Tampico, Huayacocotla, Huauchinango, Papantla, Misantla, Xalapa, Jalacingo, Veracruz, Córdoba, Orizaba, Cosamaloapan, Tuxtla, and Cotaxtla.
The port city of Veracruz, and the fort of San Juan de Ulúa, where Cortés landed three hundred years earlier, was where the loyalist soldiers of the Spanish Crown made their last stand against the independence movement in 1824.
During theMexican War of Independence, there was support for the insurgents in many parts of the state, with skirmishes erupting in various parts as early as 1811. A major conspiracy against the colonial government was discovered in the port in 1812, with rebels takingAyahualulcoandIxhuacánduring the same year. This forced royalist troops to withdraw to Xalapa. Eventually, this city along with the port were cut off from Mexico City. Most of the state remained in rebel hands during the rest of the war although the commercial class of the port did not support the effort. In 1821,Juan de O'Donojú, the lastviceroyof New Spain, came to the port to leave for Spain. However, until 1823, Spanish troops continued to occupy San Juan de Ulúa Fort. In 1826, the city would receive the first of its four titles of "heroic city" for confronting these remaining Spanish troops.
While the last of the Spanish held on in San Juan de Ulúa,Agustín de Iturbidehad been declared the emperor of Mexico in 1822. However, his reign quickly encountered resistance from those favoring a republican form of government, including fromAntonio López de Santa Annafrom his stronghold in Veracruz state. Months later, Iturbide would go into exile and Santa Anna would eventually hold nine terms as president.
The French intervened in Mexico through Veracruz for the first time in the 1838, in what became thePastry War. The port was blockaded. Efforts to defend the country were coordinated from Xalapa. The port was bombarded, but eventually a settlement was reached.
During theMexican–American War, the port was blockaded again, this time by the Americans. Initial American attempts in 1847 to land inAlvaradowere checked, but the Americans then made a plan to land a few miles south of Veracruz, which surrendered aftera 20-day siege, defeated GeneralSanta Anna's forces at theBattle of Cerro Gordo, and marched inland throughXalapatowards Mexico City, led by GeneralWinfield Scott.Mexico surrendered shortly after.
The municipalities ofTuxpanandChicontepecbelonged to Puebla until 1853, when they were annexed to Veracruz to give the state its final form. In 1855, the State Government Palace was constructed. During theReform War, the major player was Ignacio de la Llave whose name is part of the state's official designation. In 1858, the port became the site for the liberal government underBenito Juárezafter he was forced out of Mexico City during the Reform War. Their control of this port and its customs duties allowed liberal forces to gather resources. Conservative forces attacked the state but were repelled from both the port and Xalapa.
The Reform War wrecked Mexico's economy and it found itself unable to pay debts it owed to Europe. As a result, Juárez cancelled Mexico's foreign debt. Spain, Britain and France, all outraged by this action, decided in October 1861 to force repayment of their loans by the occupation of the Mexican Gulf Coast. Normally, this move would have been blocked by the United States under theMonroe Doctrine, however, that nation was occupied with a Civil War at the time, and the European powers believed that the Americans could not act. In December, Spanish troops commanded by general Manuel Gasset occupied the port of Veracruz, without any local resistance,followed a month later by French and British forces. The Spanish and the British withdrew after making deals with Juárez, butthe French pushed onto establish the reign ofMaximilian I of Mexico. However, this was short-lived and the French were expelled through Veracruz in 1866/67.
In 1863, the state was officially named Veracruz-Llave. After the French were expelled, the state government was in the port of Veracruz. In 1878, the capital was transferred to Orizaba. It was later moved to Xalapa in 1885.
By the end of the century, many infrastructure improvements, such as roads and railways (especially theFerrocarril Interoceánico) had been completed with the major cities being Veracruz, Orizaba, Xalapa, Córdoba,Jalacingo, Chicontepec andTantoyuca. The discovery of oil in the north of the state attracted foreign firms, which brought machinery needed for its extraction. These companies included Huasteca Company Petroleum and El Aguila along with American and English firms. During the same time period, uprisings against the government underPorfirio Díazin the agricultural south of the state were brutally repressed.
Unrest against the Díaz regime continued until the outbreak of theMexican Revolutionousted him from power. The major event leading up to this war in Veracruz was the cigar-makers strike of 1905, when more than 5,000 workers of the "El Valle Nacional" company walked off the job. The governor, Teodora A. Dehesa, unsuccessfully tried to negotiate a settlement. The strike went on for months until the strikers won. This victory encouraged more actions, until strikes at the factories in Rio Blanco, Nogales, Santa Rosa and Contón de Orizaba resulted indramatic violence in January 1907.No major battles of the Mexican Revolution were fought in the state, though there were skirmishes and attacks on the port. By 1914 rebel Cándido Agular occupied a number of municipalities in the state and in 1917,Venustiano Carranzatransferred the federal government here temporarily.
On April 21, 1914, anincident involving U.S. sailors in Tampicoled PresidentWoodrow Wilsonto land American troops in Veracruz, where they remained for six months. Mexico later responded by severing diplomatic relations.
After the Revolution, agrarian reform, including the redistribution of land and the creation of ejidos took place here. The oil companies in the north of the state were nationalized and consolidated intoPEMEXin the 1930s byLázaro Cárdenas. In the 1950s, more road construction, such as the Mexico City- Poza Rica, Veracruz-Alvarado- Coatzacoalco and Tinajas-Ciudad Aleman-Tlacoatalpan highways were constructed. TheUniversidad Veracruzanawas expanded as well. In 1960, theXalapa Museum of Anthropologywas inaugurated as well as the Coatzacoalco-Salina Cruzhighway. TheVeracruz city international airportwas opened in the 1970s.
In the ten years after 2006, at least 3,600 people have disappeared within the state.Multiple mass graves have been found within the state.This is seen as part of the over 28,000 missing individuals related to theMexican Drug War.Within the state theGulf CartelandLos Zetashave battled for control.Additionally, this has led to journalists beingtargeted and killedwithin the state.
The state is a crescent-shaped strip of land wedged between theSierra Madre Orientalto the west and theGulf of Mexicoto the east.Its total area is 78,815 km(30,431 sq mi), accounting for about 3.7% of Mexico's total territory.It stretches about 650 km (403.9 mi) north to south, but its width varies from between 212 and 36 km (132 and 22 mi), with an average of about 100 km (62 mi) in width.Veracruz shares common borders with the states ofTamaulipas(to the north),OaxacaandChiapas(to the south),Tabasco(to the southeast), andPuebla,Hidalgo, andSan Luis Potosí(on the west). Veracruz has 690 km (429 mi) of coastline with the Gulf of Mexico.
The natural geography can be categorized into nine regions: TheSierra de Zongolica, the Tecolutla Region, the Huayacocotla Region, the Metlac River area, theTuxtlasRegion, the Central Region, the Laguna del Castillo Region, the Pueblo Viejo-Tamiahua Region and theLaguna de AlvaradoRegion.The topography changes drastically, rising from the narrow coastal plains to the highlands of the eastern Sierra Madre. Elevation varies from sea level to thePico de Orizaba, Mexico's highest peak at 5,636 m (18,491 ft) above sea level.The coast consists of low sandy strips interspersed with tidewater streams and lagoons.Most of the long coastline is narrow and sandy with unstable dunes, small shifting lagoons, and points.
The mountains are of the Sierra Madre Oriental and theTrans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Mountain ranges include the Sierra de Topila, Sierra de Otontepec, Sierra de Huayacocotla, Sierra de Coxquihui,Sierra de Chiconquiaco, Sierra de Jalacingo, Sierra de Axocuapan, Sierra de Huatusco,Sierra de Zongolica, and theSierra de Los Tuxtlas. Major peaks include Pico de Orizaba (5,636 m; 18,491 ft),Cofre de Perote(4,282 m; 14,048.6 ft), Cerro de Tecomates (3,227 m; 10,587 ft), Cerro del Vigía Alta (3,055 m; 10,023 ft) and Cerro de 3 Tortas (2,997 m; 9,833 ft). The Pico de Orizaba is covered in snow year round; the Cofre de Perote is covered in winter. Major valleys include the Acultzingo, Córdoba, Maltrata, Orizaba and San Andrés.
More than 40 rivers and tributaries provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric power; they also carry rich silt down from the eroding highlands, which is deposited in the valleys and coastal areas.All of the rivers and streams that cross the state begin in the Sierra Madre Oriental or in the Central Mesa, flowing east to the Gulf of Mexico. The important ones include:Actopan River, Acuatempan river,Río Blanco,Cazones River,Coatzacoalcos River, Río de La Antigua, Ayyappan River,Jamapa River, Nautla River,Pánuco River,Papaloapan River,Tecolutla River,Tonalá River,Tuxpan RiverandXoloapa River. The largest in terms of water discharge are the Pánuco, Tuxpan, Papaloapan, Coazocoalcos andUxpanapa. The Panuco, Tuxpan, Papaloapan and Coatzacoalcos are navigable.Two of Mexico's most polluted rivers, the Coatzacoalcos and the Río Blanco are located in the state. Much of the pollution comes from industrial sources, but the discharge of sewerage and uncontrolled garbage disposal are also major contributors. The state has very few sewage treatment plants, with only 10% of sewage being treated before discharge.
The state also has ten major waterfalls and ten major coastal lagoons. There is only one significant lake, calledLake Catemaco. Off the coast are the islands of Isla de Lobos, Isla de los Burros,Isla de Sacrificios, Isla de Salmendina, Isla del Idolo, Isladel Toro, Isla Frijoles, Isla Juan A Ramirez, Isla Pajaros and Isla Terrón and the ocean reefs called Blanquilla, Medio, Tangüillo, Tuxpan, Gualleguilla, Gallega, Anegada de Adento Anegada de Afuera and Cabezo.
The large variation of altitude results in a large mixture of climates, from cold, snow-topped mountain peaks to hot, humid tropical areas on the coast.32% of the state is classified as hot and humid, 52% as hot and semi humid, 9% is warm and humid, 6% as temperate and humid and 1% is classified as cold.Hot and humid and hot and semi-humid climates dominate from sea level to about 1,000 m (3,281 ft) above sea level. Average annual temperature ranges from 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F) with precipitation varying from 2,000 mm (79 in) to just over 3,500 mm (138 in) per year. Cooler and humid climates are found at elevations between 1,000 and 1,600 m (3,281 and 5,249 ft). These have an average temperature of between 18 and 22 °C (64 and 72 °F) with precipitation varying between 2,000 and 2,500 mm (79 and 98 in). Temperate climates are found at higher altitudes, between 1,600 and 2,800 m (5,249 and 9,186 ft). Temperatures here vary from 12 to 18 °C (54 to 64 °F) with precipitation varying more, between 500 and 2,500 mm (20 and 98 in). Cold climates are found at the highest elevations, reaching up to the Cofre de Perote and the Pico de Orizaba. There is a small semiarid region around the city of Perote and the west of the Huasteca area. This is due to arain shadowcaused by theTrans-Mexican Volcanic Beltand theSierra Madre Oriental, which do not permit the flow of moist Gulf air to this region.
Various types of forest cover the state, but evergreentropical forestdominate.The state's ecology is of great importance for many plant and animal species. It is a center of plant endemism and has two separate endemic bird areas.
The northern part of the state as well as the higher mountain areas, are convergence zones between lowland evergreen tropical forests and more temperate flora and fauna. It is also the northernmost occurrence of subhumid tropical forest in Mexico, although little of this remains, mostly on steep slopes. The tropical forests of theVeracruz moist forestsecoregion are situated in the northeastern coastal plain and extend into southern Tamaulipas state, on the east side of theSierra Madre Oriental. The soils here are volcanic and shallow, but with rich organic matter. Species that predominate include Mayan breadnut (Brosimum alicastrum), sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), rosadillo (Celtis monoica),Bursera simaruba,Dendropanax arboreus, andSideroxylon capiri. This ecoregion extends into the central part of the state, with vegetation changing to include mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), sapodilla (Manilkara zapota),Bernoullia flammea, andAstronium graveolens.In the central part of the state, theVeracruz dry forestsextend from the Sierra to the coast, south of theSierra de Chiconquiaco. ThePetén–Veracruz moist forestsoccupy the southern part of the state, and extend eastwards through neighboring Chiapas and Tabasco states into Guatemala.
Veracruz has been described as having one of the richest varieties of wildlife in the western hemisphere. There is an especially diverse array of endemic insects like the conspicuousArsenura armida. As well as insects, the state is known for its many arachnids, and features over 25 species oftarantula(Theraphosidae), of which many are endemic. The state is part ofBirdlife International's Endemic Bird Area(EBA) project due to the number of endemic birds here. Some of these include green-cheeked amazon (Amazona viridigenalis), Tamaulipas crow (Corvus imparatus), Altamira yellowthroat (Geothlypis flavovelata) and crimson-collared grosbeak (Rhodothraupis celaeno). Despite much of the deterioration of the forest areas, it is still an important stopover for migratory birds as well. Many endangered mammal species can be found here including two endemic rodents (Peromyscus ochraventerandNeotoma angustapalata), thejaguar(Panthera onca),ocelot(Leopardus pardalis),jaguarundi(Herpailurus yaguarondi) andwhite-nosed coati(Nasua narica).The endangeredBaird's tapirmay occasionally be spotted in the state's southern jungle regions, such asBiósfera Los Tuxtlas. This region is also the northernmost extent of the primateAlouatta palliata, ormantled howler.
Most of Veracruz's native forests have been destroyed and replaced by scrub and secondary communities of trees. From 1900 to 1987, over 18,553 km(7,163.4 sq mi) of forest had been logged, resulting in the loss of habitat and biodiversity. Much of the logging is due to commercial timber, search for tropical hardwoods and the clearing of land for local farmers, especially for cattle grazing. Only 20% of Veracruz's original ecosystem remains, with 64% transformed by human exploitation. Despite some efforts at conservation and reclamation, exploitation continues to put pressure on remaining wild areas.
The state has 31 environmentally protected areas in 21 different municipalities. Nine are urban parks, three are national parks (Pico de Orizaba,Cofre de PeroteandSan José de los Molinos).The Cofre de Perote National Park is 11,700 hectares of pine andoyamelforest, which was created in 1937. TheLos TuxtlasBiosphere Reserve covers the municipalities ofÁngel R. Cabada,Santiago Tuxtla,San Andres Tuxtla,Catemaco,Soteapan,Mecayapan,PajapanandTatahuicapanfor a total of 155,122 ha (383,314.8 acres). It contains various volcanos such as San Martín and Santa Marta and rich biodiversity as it stretches from sea level to higher elevations, with 16 climate regions groups into four climate types. Forest types range from evergreen tropical rainforest to pine. 75% of species here are also found inCentral Americaand there is a total of 2,368 plant species. Some, such asCostus dirzoi,Daphnopsis megacarpa,Eugenia sotoesparzae,Inga sinacae,Miconia ibarrae,Mormodes tuxtlensis, andThelypteris rachyflexuosa, are native only to this area. Wildlife includes 102 mammal species, 49 amphibian, 109 reptilian, 561 bird species and more. Species in danger of extinction include the jaguar,spider monkeyandanteater.
The Veracruz Reef Systemis also considered to be a national park and is mostly off the coast of Veracruz city,Boca del RíoandAlvarado. The area includes coral reefs, seaweed beds and other marine vegetation, covering an area of 52,239 ha (129,085.4 acres). There are seventeen reefs in total, some of which jut above the surface to form small islands. This system links with the reef systems ofCampecheandYucatán.
Veracruz has one of Mexico's leading economies, based on agriculture and petroleum.Using relatively recent night light data and electricity consumption in comparison with Gross County Product, the informal sector of the local economy in Veracruz state is shown to have grown during the period of the Fox Administration though the regional government remained PRI. The assumption that the informal economy of Mexico is a constant 30% of total economic activity is not supported at the local level. The small amount of local spatial autocorrelation that was found suggests a few clusters of high and low literacy rates amongst municipios in Veracruz but not enough to warrant including an I-statistic as a regressor. Global spatial autocorrelation is found especially literacy at the macro-regional level which is an area for further research beyond this study. Improved literacy bolsters both the informal and formal economies in Veracruz indicating policies designed to further literacy are vital for growing the regional economy. While indigenous people are relatively poor, little evidence was found that the informal economy is a higher percentage of total economic activity in a municipio with a high share of indigenous people. While the formal economy might have been expanding relative to the informal economy in 2000, by 2006 this process had been reversed with growing informality. While rural municipios have smaller economies, they are not different from urban municipios in the share of the economy that is informal. Programs in the past that might move economic activity from the informal to the formal sector have not succeeded suggesting public finance issues such as tax evasion will continue to plague the state with low government revenues.
The primary sector of the economy (agriculture, forestry and fishing) has been important since pre-Hispanic times and continues to be important both as a source of income as well as culturally. The state has abundant rainfall and extremely fertile soils, as well as a long coastline and forest containing a wide variety of trees and other plants.
There is about 1 million hectares of cultivable land, half of which is in private hands and 43% isejidoor communal land. The rest is occupied by human settlements. There are 3,620 ejidos parceled out to 270,000 ejido members. 52.5% of agricultural land is used for the growing of crops or used as pasture and 43.1% is forest or rainforest. Chief agricultural products include coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, tobacco, bananas, coconuts, and vegetables, but local farmers depend mainly on corn and beans.Two corn crops per year are generally produced, planted on 644,936 hectares with a production of 1,114,325 tons. The state is the leading national producer of coffee, sugarcane, corn, and rice.Coffee is grown on 152,993 hectares producing 400,575 tons. Export earnings from this crop are about US$232 million annually. Most coffee is grown in the mountain areas of Córdoba-Huatusco, Coatepec-Teocelo-Cosautlán and Misantla-Tlapacoyan-Atzalan. Sugarcane is cultivated on 254,000 hectares, producing 16,867,958 tons annually. Veracruz is the largest producer of rice with 24,000 hectares producing 120,000 tons. Much is this crop is protected by import bans from Asia.
The state grows half of the country's citrus fruit and grows the most kinds. This occupies 180,577 hectares and produces 2,575,140 tons annually. Varieties include oranges, tangerines,mandarins, limes and grapefruit. Most citrus is grown in the north of the state, and much of the lime crop is exported, supporting a packing and shipping industry. Veracruz is the largest mango producer in the country, grown on 31,640 hectares producing 287,000 tons. Most of this is the manila variety, which is preferred in Mexico. 95% of this crop is consumed fresh within Mexico although exports to Canada have begun.Vanilla beans are native to the state, which is the primary producer for Mexico. Most of this crop is grown in an area known as Totonacapan in and around Papantla.
Livestock raising is an important activity. There are over 300,000 units of production most of which raise cattle, with Veracruz being the main beef producer for the country at 14% of the total. In addition to beef cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, domestic fowl, and bees are raised.
From the tropical forests of the inland regions comedyewoods, hardwoods, and rubber.About 20% of the state's territory is forested, with 220,000 of temperate forest and 1,200,000 hectares of tropical forests. Logging in the state produces 128,254 m3 of wood products per year. The most exploited species include pine, oyamel, cypress and oak. Some tropical hardwoods are harvested as well.
Veracruz's long coastline supports a large fishing industry, producing one-fifth of Mexico's catch. Most of the country'smojarra, oysters and shrimp come from here. Other major fish catches include crab,sea bassandred snapper.
Agroindustry focuses on the processing of coffee and sugar products, with citrus packers holding an important position as well.
Today, the state of Veracruz, rich in natural resources, is an important component of Mexico's economy. Approximately 35% of Mexico's water supply is found in Veracruz. There are a number of metallic and non-metallic mineral mining but the most important resource is oil.
The mountains contain relatively unexploited deposits of gold, silver, iron, and coal. Although Veracruz is an important source of metals such as iron and copper, a great deal of its mining involves non-metallic minerals as sulfur,silica,feldspar,calcium,kaolinandmarble. The state is ranked fourth in the nation for this kind of mining production.However, mining only accounts for 1.5% of economic activity for the entire state.
Veracruz was a pioneer in both the extraction and refining of petroleum products.The state has about one-fourth of Mexico's petroleum reserves and ranks third in petroleum production.Most of this production is concentrated in the northern part of the state.Approximately 40,000,000 barrels (6,400,000 m) of oil are produced each year and 109,870,000,000 cubic feet (3.111×10m) of natural gas. Petrochemicals represent 28.1% of the state's manufacturing and ranks first nationally. There are 22 petrochemical plants, with the most important beingLa Cangrejera,Jáltipan de Morelos,Poza Rica,Cosoleacaque,PajaritosandMinatitlán.
The "Golden Lane" ("Dos Bocas-Alamo structure" or The Ridge") refers to a series of oil fields aligned in an arc onshore and a symmetrical alignment offshore, forming two sides of aCretaceousatoll180 km long.The structure was discovered in 1908 byWeetman Pearson'sMexican Eagle Petroleum CompanySan diego de la Mar No. 1 well, which flowed 2,500bbl/day.The Golden Lane oil fields penetrate a massive ellipticalreefplatform, identified as the Sierra del Abra limestone (consisting of reef, backreef andlagoonalfacies), which dips southeast.The site for the discovery well was selected due to the presence ofpetroleum seeps, just as wasEdward Laurence Doheny's La Paz No. well in the Ebano-Panuco petroleum district west ofTampico, Tamaulipas, the first Mexican discovery well in 1904.In 1908, the infamousDos Bocas oil fireoccurred after the San Diego de la Mar No. 3blowout.This was followed by the Potrero del Llano No. 4 well, flowing 100,000 bbl per day during the three months it was out of control.Doheny's Cerro Azul No. 4 well, located by Ezequiel Ordonez, became the largest daily production record holder in 1916 at 260,000 bbl.Geophysical studies, in particulargravimetry, starting in 1920 led to the discovery of the Poza Rica Field in 1932 and Moralillo Field in 1948, on the west flank of the Golden Lane in the Tamabra forereef facies.Refractionseismographysurveys started in 1930, augemented in 1948 with reflection seismography, which led to the discovery of the southern extent of the atoll with the Ezequiel Ordonez No. 1 well in 1952 and additional discoveries through 1968.Marine seismic andmagnetometersurveys starting in 1957 showed the extent of the atoll offshore and led to the first offshore well, Isla de Lobos No. 1-B, in 1963.The depths of wells are on the order of 500 m onshore and 2000 m offshore.
Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant(LVNPP) in Alto Lucero, Veracruz, produces about 4.5% of Mexico's electrical energy.
The manufacturing industry in Veracruz accounts for between 21% and one-third of the state's gross domestic product, and approximately 64% of the manufacturing industry GDP is generated by the chemical and petrochemical sectors.Other products produced include metals, processed foods, beverages, printing and publishing, textiles and machinery.Most of the state's industry takes place in the municipalities ofCoatzacoalcos, Minatitlán, Cosoleacaque, Poza Rica, Córdoba, Orizaba, Tuxpan and Veracruz, with over 5,000 establishments. The rest is divided among nearly 11,000 smaller establishments. There are five major industrial parks: Bruno Pagliai, Ixtac, Petroquimico Morelos, Córdoba-Amatlán and Parque 2000. The largest of these is Bruno Pagliai, which covers 300.8 hectares (743 acres).
Transportation and commerce are important factors in the state, mostly linked to importing and exporting through its four deepwater ports. The focus of most of these activities is the port of Veracruz. It has the most favored position on Mexico's Gulf coast and is extensively used for exports to the United States, Latin America and Europe. Seventy-five percent of all port activity in Mexico takes place in Veracruz. The chief exports of this state are coffee, fresh fruits, fertilizer, sugar, fish and crustaceans.Other ports include those in Tuxpan and Coatzacoalcos. Most highway, rail and air connections link to the port of Veracruz and other ports to the south.The state has 73 companies that have been classified as high-volume exporters and it is ranked sixth in the country for exports. The state contains five major food wholesale markets, 146 government sponsored markets, about 75,000 private stores and 201 supermarkets. Wholesale vendors focus on agricultural products such as wood, livestock and food products. The major focal point for international business is the World Trade Center EXPOVER in Boca del Río. Inaugurated in 1989, the center has facilities to accommodate 5,000 people in 7,000 square metres (75,000 sq ft), an exhibition hall of 12,000 square metres (130,000 sq ft), a business center and parking for over 800 vehicles.
In the industrial sector, relatively poor municipios are not catching up to relatively rich ones though the latter are not diverging either. A policy of encouraging much more domestic and/or foreign investment is called
for if poorer areas are to prosper and the outflow of residents is to stop.
In the more rural and indigenous areas of the state, a number of handicrafts are still made and sold both to local buyers and to tourists. Many of these crafts are produced by communities that specialize in one or more types. Wood furniture and other items are made by the Huasteca people, mostly using cedar and palm trees. The best work comes from the towns of Ozulama and Castillo de Teayo. Teocelo and Monte Blanco are known for bamboo furniture and other items. Musical instruments of wood such as a guitar called "jarana" are constructed in the Los Tuxtlas area, especially in Catemaco, with flutes made in Papantla. Wooden masks are made in Teocelo, and items made with the wood of coffee plants are made in Misantla, Coatepec, Huastusco and Xico. Corn husks are used to make decorative figures, often religious, in Nautla and Naranjos de Amatlán. Palm fronds are woven into fans, shoes and baskets in Jalcomulco, Ozulama and Tlalixcoyan.
Ceramics have been made in almost all parts of Veracruz since the Olmecs. One area known for its work is Papantla which also includes life sized representations of folk dancers from the area along with more mundane items of glazed and unglazed pottery. Minatitlán is known for its production of ceramic cooking utensils which are also popular in the neighboring municipalities of Actopan and Naolinco. San Miguel Aguasuelos and Jalcomulco are known for their white clay wares which include water jars, toys, nativity scenes, bells and more.
Traditional clothing and embroidery can be most easily found in the La Huasteca area, where elaborately decorated women's blouses can be seen, especially in the El Higo and Tlalixcoyan area. In Totonacalpan, men are still often seen in white shirts and pants with a bag to hold personal items. This dress dates back to the early colonial period and had not changed much since then. Other areas specialize in wool items such as Naranjos de Amatlán, Minatilán and the city of Veracruz where items such as dresses, skirts and jackets. These and other textiles such as tablecloths and napkins are often decorated with cross-stitch. Leather items include shoes, jackets, bags, wallets, belts and boots and are usually made in the La Huasteca region, Teocolo, Citlaltépetl and Naolinco.
The gastronomy of the state is unique in Mexico and mixed Spanish, indigenous, and Caribbean influences.From the pre-Hispanic period, the cuisine of the state was unique. The staple triumvirate of corn, beans, and squash was supplemented by tropical fruits, vanilla beans, and an herb called acuyo orhoja santa. Another important native contribution is seafood, which is featured in many dishes such as,arroz a la tumbadaand caldo de mariscos (seafood soup).
After the conquest and during the colonial period, many otherspicesand ingredients were brought and have had a greater influence in the cooking here than in other parts of the country. From Europe, the Spanish broughtsaffron,parsley,thyme,marjoram,bay laurel, andcilantroas well Asian spices such ascloves,cinnamon, andblack pepper. The Spaniards also brought wheat, rice, almonds, olives and olive oil, garlic, andcapers. The latter three are essential ingredients in what is perhaps the most famous specialty of the region,huachinango a la veracruzana, red snapper in a spicy tomato sauce. Caribbean imports such assugar caneand pineapple were adapted as well as the peanut, brought from Africa by the Portuguese (although the peanut is originally from South America).
Veracruz cuisine divides into six regions called Sotavento, Centro Norte, Centro Sur, Sierra, Costa Norte, and Los Tuxtlas. The Sotovento area is in the south of the state, and the dishes here are heavily based on rice. Common dishes include arroz a la tumbada, which is rice cooked with seafood or meat and rice with fried bananas. Seafood dishes are also prominent based mostly on fish and shrimp. A common ingredient in dishes is a herb called "hoja santa" or "hierba Santa", which is a plant of the familyPiperaceae. The Centro Norte is centered on Xalapa. Dishes here tend to be more indigenous in nature, heavily flavored with mild chili peppers. Common dishes here include Chilehuates, similar to a tamale, stuffed chile peppers, and enchiladas. Less seafood and more pork and domestic fowl are consumed. The Centro Sur area is mostly indigenous and encompasses the area of, Huatusco, Coscomatepec, Cotaxtla, Orizaba, Amatlán, Huilango y las españolas Córdoba y Fortín de las Flores, la negra Yanga and San Lorenzo de los Negros. Dishes here are similar to Centro Norte, butchayotesappear more often as this region is a major producer of the vegetable. Meats inadobosauce are common as well. The Sierra and Costa Norte encompass the northern part of the state, such as the Pánuco River area and Totonacapan. This area is noted for a number of unique dishes such as frijoles en achuchutl, made with black beans, pork rind, chayotes, squash seeds, andjalapeño peppers.Bocolesare a kind of filled tortilla made with corn dough, stuffed with black beans, chorizo, eggs, or seafood, which then are fried in lard. Tamales are often made with banana leaves. The area is also known for its breads, especiallyanise–flavored rolls. The Los Tuxtlas area is centered on the communities of Santiago, San Andrés and Catemaco, which were the center of the Olmec civilization. The cuisine in this area features yucca, "chocos" (a type of edible flower), fish, especially mojarra, and exotic meats such as monkey, andiguana.
The state capital of Xalapa is also home to a number of important museums. The Museum of Anthropology contains the second most important collection of Mesoamerican artifacts in the country. It was built beginning in 1959 over six hectares. The complex is divided into various halls and galleries by theme, focusing on the Olmec and Totonac cultures. The Patio Olmeca contains the colossal head found in 1945 and known as El Rey (The King). Other important artifacts include giant stelae andSan Martin Pajapan Monument 1(at right).
The Museum of Science and Technology is in Xalapa. It contains more than 400 exhibitions in eight halls: Life, Ecology, Space, Transportation, Sciences, Energy, Water and Earth. The Pinoteca Diega Rivera was established by the state in the former Monastery of San Francisco in Xalapa. Its primary function is to preserve and displayRivera's works owned by the state, but it also contains early works byJosé María Velasco,Jorge CuestaandTeodoro A. Dehesa. Near the city is the Hacienda del Lencero, which was the home and headquarters of President Antonio López de Santa Anna in the 19th century. It has been preserved and turned into a museum.
In Tuxpan is the Regional Museum of Anthropology with more than 400 pieces from pre-Hispanic groups in the region, displayed in four halls. Most of the pieces come from the center of the state and from the Huasteca region.On the edge of the Tuxpan River. The city also has the Mexican-Cuban Museum. It contains a collection of photographs from theCuban Revolutionas well as a statue ofJosé Martí.
Other museums are scattered in other parts of the state. TheSalvador FerrandoMuseum is located inTlacotalpanand contains many everyday items and art from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The Tuxteco Regional Museum in Santiago de Tuxtla contains Olmec and Totonac artifacts including art objects, farming implements, utensils and more. In the garden area, there are giant stone sculptures from the Tres Zapotes site. The Jardín Central (Central Garden) of the municipality ofTierra Blancahas a number of Totonac archeological pieces on display. The Archeological Museum of Córdoba is in the city of the same name with three exhibition halls containing artifacts from the Maya, Olmec, Toltec and Huastec cultures. There is also a collection of historical photographs of the city. The Veracruz State Art Museum (Museo de Arte del Estado de Veracruz) is located in Orizaba in what was the monastery associated with the Concordia Church. Its collection includes works by Diego Rivera,Ignacio RosasandGonzalo Argüelles. It also contains a collection of historical photographs related to Veracruz and art. The Malintzin Archeological Museum is in the municipality ofNogales. It is a small museum with one hall, with photographs and documents. It is located in the church whereMalincheandJuan de Jaramillowere supposedly married.
The state is noted for its quantity and variety of festivals. The most important of these isCarnivalin the city of Veracruz. This city's version of the event begins with the "burning of bad humor", which is represented in effigy. A number of kings and queens are "crowned" including categories for children but the most important is the Rey Feo (Ugly King) and the Reina del Carnaval (Queen of the Carnival). The latter is accompanies by cadets from the Naval Academy during the parade. This celebration is repeated all along the Veracruz coastline with other significant festivities taking place inAlvarado,Coatzacoalcos,San RafaelandVilla José Cardel.Minatitlán's celebration draws people from the nearby states of Oaxaca and Tabasco.Day of the Deadis celebrated in almost all of Mexico from Oct 31 to November 2 but there are local twists in the state. In some places, it is commemorated during the months of August and September. In Papantla, boards or tables are placed on rooftops, which have been adorned with flowers, plant matter and more. In Tantoyuca, it is commemorated with costumes and music, similar to Carnival.
The Christian celebration ofCandlemasis fused with traditions associated withChalchiuhtlicua, the goddess of water, rivers, lakes and ocean. She was replaced by the Virgin of Candlemas, the protector of fishermen, making this celebration particularly important on the coast, especially in Tlacotalpan, where it is celebrated with much pomp. InJáltipan de Morelos, ethnicNahuasandPopolucasdress in elaborate costumes and arrange their hair in intricate styles. In Santa María Magdalena, on July 22, bulls are set free to roam the streets. Corn harvest festivals are prominent in the Huasteca region in municipalities such asChontla, Chicontepec, andIxhuatlán de Madero. These generally include native dances and foods based on corn.
The state is well known in the country for its music and dance. Thefandangois a dance brought over from Spanish. Today the state has two varieties: the jarocho and the huasteco.Indigenous and folk dances in the state are most often associated with rituals and religious festivals. These include one called Los Lisceres also called the Tigres from the Los Tuxtlas region. Participants wear Olmec style masks which represent the rain god Tlalóc. Another is Los Guaguas in which the participants pay homage to the sun, and Los Santiagos, which is related to the veneration of Saint James, patron saint of Hernán Cortés. One last one is called Los Negritos (The Little Black Ones) which was created by African slaves. According to tradition, the origin of this dance lies in a story about a boy who was bitten by a snake and the rituals his family held to heal him.
However, the state's most famous dance is as much a ritual and daredevil act as movements performed to music. TheDanza de los Voladores(Dance of the Flyers) is a ceremony/ritual which has its roots in the pre-Hispanic period and presently best known as associated with the town ofPapantla, Veracruz. It is believed to have originated with theNahua,HuastecandOtomipeoples in central Mexico, and then spread throughout most ofMesoamerica. The ritual consists of dance and the climbing of a 30-meter pole from which four of the five participants then launch themselves tied with ropes to descend to the ground. The fifth remains on top of the pole, dancing and playing a flute and drum. According to myth, the ritual was created to ask the gods to end a severedrought. Although the ritual did not originate with theTotonacpeople, today it is most strongly associated with them, especially those in and aroundPapantla, as the ceremony has died off in most other places.The ceremony was named anIntangible Cultural HeritagebyUNESCOin order to help the ritual survive and thrive in the modern world.
The state's best-known musical style is called the "son". A "son" is a musical variation which traces its origins to Spain and developed during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is the state's most popular musical style shows influences from the many peoples who have lived here such as indigenous groups, Portuguese, Italians, Africans, French and others. The music is generally performed by harps, violins and guitars, with an occasional wind instrument.Son huasteco (also called son huapango)is a variety of son played in the north of the state mostly among the Totonacs. Son jarocho is the better known and more popular variety played in the south of the state. The famous Grammy award-winning song "La Bamba" byLos Lobosis said have its roots in a traditional folk song from Veracruz (hence the reference to the "Marinero" in that song).
The state has produced a number of musicians famous in the country. One of the best known is Francisco Gabilondo Soler. Gabilondo Soler is best known for creating a character known as "Cri-cri", a singing cricket for a radio show in the first half of the 20th century. As a musician, he specialized in writing children's songs such as "Abuelito", "Caminito de la escuela", "El baile de los muñecos", "El burrito" and "La negrita Cucurumbé". A number of his works have been translated into other languages. Another famous musician is Agustín Lara, who has had more international fame. Nicknamed "Flaco de oro" (golden skinny one), he always insisted that he was born in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz and not Mexico City as records show. Lara formed his first band in 1930 called El Son de Marabú and toured almost continuously in Mexico and abroad during his career. His most famous compositions include "Veracruz", "Noche de Ronda" and "Solamente una vez".Other prominent musicians include Toña "La Negra" or María Antonia del Carmen Peregino, Narcisco Serradel, Lorenzo Barcelata and María Greever.
During the colonial era, a movement called the "estilo veracruzano" (Veracruz style) developed mostly focusing on landscapes in the state with a certain amount of indigenous influence although the painters themselves werecriolloor Mexico-born Spanish. These paintings focus on the mountains, valles, coasts, volcanos and other natural phenomena in the state. Most of the proponents of this were born in Veracruz itself and includeJosé Justo Montiel(1824–1899),Gonzalo Argüelles Bringas(1877–1942),Eugenio Landecio(teacher ofJosé María Velasco),Natal PesadoandIgnacio Rosas.
However, most of Veracruz's best-known artists are from the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 19th century, these includeMiguel Mata Reyes,Salvador Ferrando,José María Jara,Enrique GuerraandAlberto Fuster. Miguel Mata Reyes is best known for his contributions to the design of the Palacio de Bellas Artes as well a portrait ofAntonio López de Santa Anna. Salvador Ferrando was a portrait and landscape artist from the north of the state. Until recently, most of his work had been hidden in a museum named after him in the Tlacotalpan region. Much of it now is on display at the Museo de Arte de Veracruz in Orizaba. José María Jara is noted for his paintings of Veracruz customs, whose works includeEl Velorio, which was presented at the World's Fair in Paris. Enrique Guerra was an important sculptor at the end of the 19th century. His best-known works are bas reliefs and includeAsesinato de César,Coroliano,ThaisandCrisálida. Alberto Fuster was most active at the end of the century and is noted for bringing symbolism painting to Mexico from his stay in Europe. His works includeEl progreso,Safo en el templo de DelfosandNativa con loro.
There are three important artists from the 20th century,Carlos Bracho,Norberto MartínezandTeodoro Cano García. Active in the first half of the century, sculptor Carlos Bracho's work has been compared to that ofJuan Rulfo. His works have been done in plaster, bronze, terracotta and green onyx and include monumental works which can be found in the cities of Xalapa,Puebla,Pachucaand Mexico City. His best-known works are El abrazo, Cabeza verde and El campesino se apodera de la tierra. Norberto Martínez only lived 45 years but is considered one of the most prolific of Mexican painters who dedicated most of his works to social themes. A number of these are early murals such as El comercio in the Jáuregi de Xalapa market as well as an untitled work in a private home in Córdoba which deals with the fusion of the Spanish, indigenous and African ethnicities in Mexico. Later works include the three murals in the main stairwell of the School of Law at theUniversity of Xalapaand El hombre y el conocimiento at theUniversidad Veracruzana. Teodoro Cano García is one of Mexico's most famous muralists of the late 20th century, famous for the promotion of theTotonacculture of his hometown of Papantla. He has created paintings, sculptures, etchings, photography and mixed media works with his murals and sculptures most acclaimed. Examples of his work can be seen in various parts of public buildings inPapantla.
Most of Veracruz's older architecture can be found in the inland cities of Xalapa and Córdoba. Despite being the first Spanish settlement, the city of Veracruz lost most its older structures to the various invasions it has suffered. Architecture from the 16th to the 19th century includes colonial Spanish, Moorish, Neo gothic and Neoclassical. From the 20th century on, a number of names stand out. Armando Bravo Ramírez remodeled the State Government Palace and the facade of the Capillas de Ánimas, both in Xalapa. Other prominent names responsible for many projects in the state include Luis González Aparicio, Bernal Lascuraín Rangel and Luis Manuel Tello Deschamps.
The literary arts reached their peak in Veracruz starting in the 19th century and extends to the "Generation of the 1950s".Salvador Díaz Mirónis one of Veracruz's most-distinguished poets. Over his lifetime from the latter 19th to early 20th centuries, he worked as a professor, politician and journalist contributing to periodicals such as El Veracruzano, El Orden, and El Imparcial. His creative works include some of the first Romantic pieces produced in Mexico such as Oda a Víctor Hugo, Ojos verdes, Gloria and Voces interiores. Other works includePoesías A Tirsa,Nox(also known asClaudia) and his last works such asAl buen curaandLa mujer de nieve. He became a member of theAcademia Mexicana de la Lenguaand is buried at theRotonda de los Hombres Ilustresin Mexico City.María Enriqueta Camarillowas one of a number of women writers to gain prominence in Mexico at the end of the 19th century. While she wrote a number of works such asJirón del mundo,Sorpresas de la vidaandEl Secreto, she is best known forRosas de la infancia, with which many Mexicans learned to read.
Writers born at the end of the 19th century, such asGregorio López y Fuentes,Manuel Maples ArceandJorge Mateo Cuesta Porte-Petitwere often concerned with social issues. Works of this type include El Indio by López, Metrópolis by Maples and a poem calledCanto a un dios mineralby Cuesta. The following generation, born in the first decades of the 20th century, became known as the Generation of the 1950s. During this time Veracruz's literary tradition consolidated and decided to break type. One example isJuan Hernández Ramírez's writing of poetry in theNahuatlspoken in theLa Huastecaarea of Veracruz. One important name from this generation isEmilio Carballidowho wrote about 100 plays as well as scripts for radio and television. Some of his works includeRosalba y los llaveros,FelicidadandLas visitaciones del Diablo. In 1996, he won thePremio Nacional de Literaturaand in 2002 he received theAriel de Orofor his work in cinema.
TheCatholicpatron saint of Veracruz isRafael Guízar y Valencia.
Public education in the state is supervised by the state Dirección General de Educación Popular and the Dirección General de Educación Media Superior y Superior. The current system is the result of a number of reforms which took place in the 1980s and 1990s. In the late 1990s, 302 new school campuses were created statewide and 257 schools were remodeled. These included new schools for special education, distance learning and technological institutes, giving the state one of the highest number of school campuses in the country. There are a total of 20,479 schools, with nearly 2 million students and about 85,000 teachers. 93% of schools are in the basic education category (preschool, primary and middle schools. Preschools also include those geared towards the indigenous populations, focusing on bilingual and bicultural education in both the indigenous language/culture and Spanish. One major focus of these and other schools is to eliminate illiteracy in indigenous communities. The "Medio Superior" level includes vocational high school and technical colleges. These account for 6.6% of schools in the public system. The Superior level includes teachers' colleges and universities. There are 166 institutes at this level, with about 68,000 students studying 221 different majors. There are also 63 master's degree programs and six PhDs.These institutions serve about 135,000 students accounting for about 19% of the college-aged population (19- to 24-year-olds), slightly below the national average of 24%.
The major state university is theUniversidad Veracruzana, with offers 56 bachelor's degrees, 37 masters and 5 PhDs. It is based in the capital of Xalapa and is noted for its large and varied sports programs. There are campuses in fourteen other cities.About 37% of university students attend the main public university, with a student population of 47,000 undergraduates and 2,000 postgraduates.Other important schools include Instituto Tecnologico de Veracruz in Veracruz, Universidad Anáhuac in Xalapa, Universidad de Xalapa in Xalapa,ITESMin Córdoba, Universidad Cristóbal Colón in Veracruz, theVeracruz Naval Academyand the Instituto Tecnológico del Mar.
The state of Veracruz, especially its port, has been a crossroads for various cultures since the very early colonial period. The port of Veracruz has brought cargo, sailors, seamen, and slaves from various parts of the world, especially from theCaribbeanand Europe. The state has indigenous cultural influences mixed with those from Europe, Africa and theAfro-Caribbean. These can be best seen in the music, the culinary traditions and in the people themselves.
The number of ethnic communities in the state has been calculated at 2,062. The most numerous include theNahuas, Totonacs, Huastecs, Popolucs,Zapotecas,Chinantecas, Otomis, Mazatecas, Tepehuas, Mixtecas, Zoques,Mixes, Mayas andTzotzils, all indigenous groups. The largest are Nahuas, who make up over half of the indigenous population. Most native communities can be found in 68 municipalities especially inTehuipango,Mixtla de Altamirano,Astacinga,Soledad Atzompa,Atlahuilco,Tequila, Tlaquilpan, Los Reyes, Magdalena, San Andres Tenejapan, Tantoyuca, Zongolica, Chicontepec, Papantla, Ixhuatlán de Madero, Soteapan, Playa Vicente, Mecayapan y Coyutla, Benito Juárez, Coxquihi, Espinal, Filomeno Mata, Ixcatepec, Mecatlán and Zozocolco de Hidalgo. In 1998, about 10% of the population spoke an indigenous language; however, this does not take into account all indigenous peoples. The census of 2005 counted 605,135 as speaking an indigenous language.
There are also small immigrant communities of Spaniards, Italians, Basque andLebanese.Africans were first brought to Mexico through slavery to the Veracruz port. At one point, they outnumbered Europeans and a significant number ran away from haciendas and plantations to form their own communities, sometimes allied with indigenous groups. One such rebellion was led by Yanga, who successfully negotiated a free African community with Spanish authorities in 1609. Like other groups, many of African descent would intermarry with other groups, with the category of "mulatto" existing in the old colonial caste system for those with African blood. Today, the vast majority ofAfro-Mexicansin Veracruz and other parts of the country are spread out and intermixed with the rest of the population.According to the 2020 Census, 2.67% of Veracruz's population identified as Black, Afro-Mexican, or of African descent.
With a population of 7,110,214 (2005), Veracruz is the third most populous entity in the country, after the Federal District of Mexico City and theState of Mexico. Population growth has slowed in the state in the last decades, due to lower birthrates and the exodus of migrants, mostly men. Women outnumber men. One reason for the decline in birthrates is the elevation of education levels, especially among women. Another is urbanization, with about one-third of the state's population living in urban centers, especially Veracruz, Xalapa, Coatzacoalcos, Minatitlán and Papantla. Most (90%) of the state's communities, outside of municipal seats have fewer than 500 people and contain only 21% of the total population. The migration of men outside the state has put more women into the state's workforce.Approximately 75% of the population is under 45 years of age and 30% under the age of 15.
Life expectancy is just under the norm for the rest of the country. The overwhelming majority of people in the state are Catholic, however, there is a significant Protestant minority and a number who profess the Jewish faith.
Tourism mostly centers on theport cityof Veracruz but there are other destinations.There are over 1,000 hotels in the state, over half of which are small, family-owned enterprises. Almost all of the four and five-star establishments are in metropolitan area of Veracruz. Many of the state major historical and cultural monuments are located in the port of Veracruz. Some of these include the Aquarium, the Museum of the city (Museo de la Ciudad), The Agustín Lara Museum, the Santiago Fortress (Baluarte de Santiago) the "Las Atarazanas" Museum and the San Juan de Ulúa Fort.
To the north of the port city is the Sierra or Totonacalpan area of the state, home to the Totonac people. This is home to the important pre-Hispanic city ofEl Tajínand the present-day city ofPapantla. The modern city is best known as the home of the Totonac version of the "danza de voladores"; there, the dancers spin from 80 ft (24.4 m) high poles. The area is also the native habitat of the vanilla bean.
To the south of the port is on the coast, is Catemaco. This is in a tropical area. The area's two main features areLake Catemaco, which is located in the crater of an extinct volcano and Isla Tanaxpillo just off the coast. This island is also called the island of the monkeys or baboons due to a group of feral monkeys that escaped and found refuge here.
Inland is the coffee-growing region in and around the cities of Coatepec and Xalapa. Orizaba is best known for the volcano nearby but also has a large waterfall called El Elefante and a Cañon (Canyon) de Río Blanco.
The state contains numerous remains of pre-HispanicOlmec,Totonac, andHuasteccities. El Tajín, a ruined city that reached its apex between the 9th and 13th centuries ad, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.
El Zapotal is an archeological site which was discovered in 1971 in a region known at Mixtequlla (between the Blanco and Papaloapan Rivers). This site is noted for its clay figurines with smiling faces, part of an extremely large offering in honor of the god of deathMictlantecuhtli.
Cempoala is an archeological site located on the coast between the modern settlements of La Antigua and Ciudad Cardel. It was occupied when Hernán Cortés arrived, and he managed to form an alliance with the Totonacs here against the Aztecs. In the center of the site, there is a large plaza surrounded by temples and the palace of the Totonac chief. The site also has a small museum.
Quiahuiztlán is on the coast on a small mountain named Bernal. It is cut into the mountain as a series of terraces. It is located very close to where Cortés founded the initial Spanish settlement of Villa Rica de la Vera-Cruz.
The Castillo de Teayo (Teayo Castle) is really a pyramid, whose original name was Zapotitlán. It is located on the border between Huasctec and Totonac lands. It was abandoned in the 19th century.
The largest and most important site isEl Tajín, located near the city of Papantla. The name is from the Totonac language and means "thunder", but no one knows what the true name of this city was. It is also unknown if the Totonac built it, but since they have dominated the region for centuries, they lay claim to it. The city developed from the end of the Classic period and the beginning of the Post Classic period, between 800 and 1150 C.E. It is divided into five zones, the Plaza del Arroyo Group, the Central Zone, the Gran Xicalcoliuhqui, Tajín Chico and the Column Complex. Its signature building is the Pyramid of the Niches, named after the 365 niches built into the levels of the structure. The site has a large number of Mesoamerican ball game courts, one with details reliefs showing the beheading of a ballplayer and his role in the afterlife.
The Tres Zapotes site is located the community of the same name. Covering 1.5 hectares, the main building has a square base, which is surrounded by gardens and trees. The most important find from his is Stele "C" which is on display at theMuseo Nacional de Antropologíain Mexico City.
El Pital is a site in the municipality ofMartínez de la Torre. It consists of a mound with a pyramid base and stairs on the east side. The site's culture is considered to be a link between the coastal and highland cultures of the region.
Los Idolos is a site in the municipal city ofMisantla, and was an important ceremonial site for the Totonacapan region. It consists of four rectangular patios linked by platforms and flat-topped mounds. Many of the structures are decorated with smooth river stone, thought to have come from theMisantla River.
The Centro Ceremonial Cuajilote is located on theBobos River. It consists of a large plaza 400 meters long lined with structures. In the center of the plaza there are three shrines, one of which contains phallic figures.
Veracruz became a state in 1824. Its government is headed by a governor, who is elected to a single term of six years. Members of theunicamerallegislature, the State Congress, are elected to three-year terms. The state is divided into 212 local governmental units calledmunicipios (municipalities), each of which is headquartered in a prominent city, town, or village.The newest of these are the municipalities ofSan RafaelandSantiago Sochiapanwhich were created in 2003.These municipalities are grouped into regions called Huasteca Alta (with ten municipalities), Huasteca Baja (with 23 municipalities), Totonac (with 15 municipalities), Nautla (with 11 municipalities), Capital (with 33 municipalities), Sotavento (with 12 municipalities), De las Montañas (with 57 municipalities), Papaloapan (with 22 municipalities), De los Tuxtlas (with four municipalities) and Olmeca (with 25 municipalities).
According to many journalists' organizations, Veracruz is one of the most dangerous places for journalists, especially after governorJavier Duarte de Ochoacame to power in December 2010.
The road system in the state contains 16,039 km (9,966.2 mi), representing 5.1% of the roads nationwide. For each 100 km(38.6 sq mi) of territory, there are 22 km (13.7 mi) of roads. 3,144.5 km (1,953.9 mi) are part of the federal highway system. State roads comprise 2,176 km (1,352.1 mi) with the rest maintained by local authorities. There are over 3,000 km (1,864.1 mi) of rural roads, but only 71.5 km (44.4 mi) are paved.
The state contains 1,675.3 km (1,041.0 mi) of railway. Most of this is conceded by the federal government to private companies, with strategic stretches maintained directly by the government. Some of the private companies includeKansas City Southern de MéxicoandFerrosur. These lines are used almost exclusively for the transportation of freight, which in 1999 added up to 37 million tons. Three rail lines serve the port of Veracruz exclusively. One is dedicated to the port of Coatzacalcos.
The ports of Veracruz are Tuxpan, Veracruz, Coatzacoalcos, Pajaritos, Minatitlán-Nanchital, Tecolutla,Nautla, Alvarado and Tlacotalpan. The first three are the ports for heavy cargo ships, with Veracruz the most important of the three. The others are small ports for small ships, fishing boats and tourism. All ports are operated privately with the exception of Pajaritos, which is operated byPEMEX. Port traffic in Veracruz account for 10% of all commercial traffic in the country, 23.4% of the port traffic of Mexico and 21% of all port traffic in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Goods imported through the state reach 16 out of Mexico's 31 states plus Mexico City. The port of Veracruz alone handles over 12 million tons of freight per year. Coatzacoalcos is important for its handling of petroleum products.
The state contains three major airports. "El Tajín" in Tihuatlán serving Poza Rica and "Canticas" in Minatitlán provide national service. "Heriberto Jara Corona" in the city of Veracruz provides national and international service. There are also 31 smaller regional airfields in municipalities such as Acayucán,Cazones de Herrera, Córdoba,Cuitlahuac,Juán Rodríguez Clara,Ozuluama,Platón Sánchez,Playa Vicente,Soconusco,Tamalín,Tamiahua,Tecolutla,Temapache,Tempoaland Tierra Blanca.
There are 59 localnewspapersand 40 magazines published in the state. These include El Dictamen,El Sol del Centro,la Opinión de Minatitlán,Diario de Xalapa,El Diario de Minatitlán,El Mundo de Córdoba,El Mundo de Orizaba,El Sol de Córdoba,El Sol de Orizaba,Esto de Veracruz,Imagen de Veracruz,La Jornada Veracruz,La Opinión de Poza Rica,Liberal del Sur,Milenio El Portal,Noreste Diario Regional Independiente, andSotavento.
There are 202 radio stations (57 AM, 35 FM). Most are commercial or private but some are operated by non-profits and governmental agencies. There are 22 television stations; two channels are local, and the rest are repeaters from national broadcasters. Five companies provide cable and satellite television.Telmexcontrols over 75% of the telephone service in the state.