City (pop., 2000: 562,587), capital of Coahuila state, northeastern Mexico.
Founded in 1575, it was the first Spanish settlement in the area. In 182436 it was the capital of a vast province that included what is now Texas and other areas of the American Southwest. It is now a commercial, communications, and manufacturing centre; its products include woolen fabrics, knitted goods, and flour. Gold, silver, lead, and coal are mined in the nearby mountains. Located at an elevation of about 5,250 ft (1,600 m), it has a cool, dry climate that has made it a summer resort.