State (pop., 2000: 3,438,7653,438,765), southern Mexico.
Bounded by the Pacific Ocean, it occupies 36,275 sq mi (93,952 sq km) 36,275 sq mi (93,952 sq km)and includes most of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The capital is Oaxaca . The Sierra Madre del Sur ends at the isthmus. Remains of pre-Columbian Zapotec and Mixtec structures are found at Mitla and Monte Albán. It has the largest population of Indian descent in Mexico. It is an agricultural and mining area.