The States of Mexico: A Guide

When thinking of places to visit, many Americans tend to overlook the beautiful, culturally rich vacation destination that's right next door. Mexico contains thirty-one states and one federal district, each with a unique regional character and culture. Almost all of Mexico's states make tourist resources available, but it's always a good idea to research the destination first, especially for a country with so many options available for sightseeing. Deciding ahead of time whether to focus on the artistic history of a town or the natural beauty of a specific region can transform a vacation from a hectic mess into an unforgettable adventure.

There are nine topographical regions in Mexico. The largest of these is the Mexican Plateau, which stretches from the United States border down to the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in central Mexico. The other regions are the Sierra Madre Oriental, the Yucatán Peninsula, Baja California, the Southern Highlands, the Pacific Coastal Lowlands, the Gulf Coastal Plain, the Sierra Madre Occidental, and the Cordillera Neo-Volcánica. These regions each feature beautiful, unique landmarks, such as the Copper Canyon in Sierra Madre Occidental.

Mexico's states include Baja California Sur, Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Sinaloa, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Nayarit, San Luis Potosí, Aguascalientes, Jalisco, Tabasco, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Colima, Michoacán, México, Tlaxcala, Morelos, Guanajuato, Puebla, Guerrero, Veracruz, Campeche, Oaxaca, Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Chiapas. The state of México is the most densely populated state, housing over 15 million people. Chihuahua is the largest state, claiming more square millage than the United Kingdom. By contrast, Mexico's smallest state, Tlaxcala, showcases the local agricultural, textile, and cultural value of the region.

Mexico's only district, the Federal District, occupies metropolitan Mexico City and serves as the country's capital. It hosts a treasure trove of museums, colorful murals, modern architecture, and historic sites. For those who prefer an outdoor excursion, there is the nearby ancient city of Teotihuacan. The religious complex reached its peak at approximately 100 B.C.E., and is best known for the twin Sun and Moon pyramids that still stand today.

For more information on Mexico, its states, regions, and popular vacation spots, check out the links listed below: