Querétaro

Mexican State

Area: 11,769sq.km/4544sq.mi

Population: 1,250,000

The state of Querétaro lies almost exactly in the middle of Mexico. Together with the state of Guanajuato it is known as the Bajío, the granary of Mexico. The altitude of this fertile plateau, situated between the eastern and western mountain chains of the Sierra Madre, ranges from 1500 m (4923 ft) to 2000 m (6564 ft). On the south Querétaro borders the Estado de México and the state of Michoacán, on the west Guanajuato, on the north San Luis Potosí and on the east Hidalgo. The state is made up of a mountainous region, rich in minerals, and plains and valleys used for agriculture. At 3350 m (1082 ft), Cerro El Gallo is its highest point. The population of the state comprises Mestizos, Otomí Indians and Criollos. History

The area of the present-day state of Querétaro (Tarascan: "place of the ball game") was once ruled by Otomí Indians. In the mid-15th c. they were conquered by the Aztecs. Evidence of the pre-Columbian period is still being found in the archaeological ruined sites of Las Ranas, Toluquilla, Neblinas, El Lobo and Villa Corregidora. Mention should also be made of the recently discovered Atarjea.

The Spanish first appeared here in 1531 and settled the area within a quarter of a century. During the Colonial period and after the winning of independence the history of the state was primarily tied to the development of its capital.

Economy

Agriculture, mainly the production of maize, clover, fruit and vegetables, plays an important role. Cattle-rearing is also of great importance. Mining is mainly for mercury and opals, but also for silver, lead and copper. Various industries, producing such items as agricultural machinery, motors, glass and vehicles, have recently settled around the capital.