I
City (pop., 2000: 113,947), capital of Zacatecas state, Mexico.
It lies in a deep, narrow ravine about 8,200 ft (2,500 m) above sea level. Founded in 1548, two years after silver was discovered in the area, it was given city status in 1585. Until the 19th century, the mines around Zacatecas yielded one-fifth of the world's silver. Mining is still important to the economy, but the city is also a commercial and manufacturing centre and is noted for its cathedral. The extensive Indian ruins of Chicomóztoc are nearby, southwest of the city.
II
State (pop., 2000: 1,353,610), north-central Mexico.
It covers an area of 28,283 sq mi (73,252 sq km); its capital is Zacatecas city. Located within a central plateau, it is traversed by several mountain ranges, whose average elevation is about 7,700 ft (2,350 m). Its mineral wealth was discovered soon after the Spanish conquest, and some of its mines that are still being worked date from the mid-16th century. Agriculture, livestock raising, and meat processing are also important to the economy.