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.