State (pop., 2000: 1,555,296), central Mexico.
It covers 1,911 sq mi (4,950 sq km), and its capital is Cuernavaca. Located on the southern slope of the central Mexican plateau, it is one of the country's most flourishing agricultural states, with valleys that produce a variety of agricultural products. It was named for José María Morelos and was the birthplace of Emiliano Zapata , both of whom were heroes of Mexico's wars for independence.