Oaxaca

Mexican State

Area: 94,211sq.km/36,375sq.mi

Population: 3,228,900

Oaxaca, Mexico's fifth-largest state, borders the states of Puebla and Veracruz in the north, Guerrero in the west, the Pacific Ocean in the south, and Chiapas in the east. Its landscape is one of the country's most richly varied, comprising long sandy beaches, the rugged mountain chains of the Sierra Madre with forests and deep valleys, as well as the savannas covered with scrub and cacti. Oaxaca's highest mountain is Cempoaltépetl (3400 m (11,159 ft)). Together with Chiapas, Oaxaca is the republic of Mexico's most "Indian" state. The descendants of the Zapotecs and the Mixtecs, who once created large pre-Spanish civilisations, and no fewer than fifteen other Indian tribes populate many of Oaxaca's settlements, which remain fairly undisturbed by modern development. It is estimated that, in addition to the lesser tribes, there are now still around 300,000 Zapotecs, 200,000 Mixtecs, 100,000 Mazatecs, 60,000 Mixes, 55,000 Chinantecs, 25,000 Amuzgos and 20,000 Triques.

Among the many old-Indian ruins are the following: Monte Albán, Dainzú, Lambityeco, Zaachila, San José Mogote, Huijazoo, Cuilapan (for all of these see Oaxaca City, Surroundings), Yagul, Mitla and Guiengola.

History

Traces of settlements found in 1200sq.km/463sq.mi Oaxaca Valley indicate that the region was inhabited as early as the seventh century bc. Around 1500 bc San José Mogote developed into the valley's most important settlement and maintained this position until 600 bc when it was replaced as the main centre by Monte Albán, which was initially under the influence of the Olmecs, as were Huijazoo and Dainzú. The origins of the Zapotecs are uncertain; they possibly migrated from the gulf coast, the home of the Olmecs. Even before the Christian era the influence of the Maya from Guatemala and later the culture of Teotihuacán from the high-lying valley of Mexico became evident. From very early times Oaxaca found itself at a crossroads of human migration and changing cultural influences. During the 7th c. the Mixtecs migrated into the north-west of the state and founded their first dynasty in Tilantongo at Monte Negro. In the 9th and 10th c. they spread further and further out, driving the Zapotecs from Monte Albán and other cult sites. The decline of the Zapotecs began, although they have survived, like the Mixtecs, as a people until the present day. While the Zapotecs left immense artistic constructions and large ceramics as memorials, the Mixtecs were masters at producing fine ceramics, jewellery and codices. During the second half of the 15th c. both these peoples were attacked by the Aztecs and partially subjugated. The Spanish conquered part of the region by 1521, skilfully utilising the conflict existing between Zapotecs, Mixtecs and Aztecs. Hernán Cortés was given large estates here as well as the title of Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca. After the end of the War of Independence Oaxaca became a Mexican state in 1824. Two of Mexico's most famous presidents, Benito Juárez a pure-blooded Zapotec, and the mestizo Porfirio Díaz, came from Oaxaca.

Economy

Although rich in mineral resources such as silver, gold, coal, uranium and onyx, and with fertile soil, Oaxaca's unfavourable economic and social structure makes it one of Mexico's poorest states. An upswing is hoped for by working its reserves of minerals, oil and timber, and by an increase in tourism and the marketing of its popular art. However, the dry climate, over-grazing and some thoughtless deforestation have led to little change in the economic situation.