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City (pop., 2000: 536,463), capital of Querétaro state, Mexico.
Situated on the Mexican Plateau about 6,100 ft (1,860 m) above sea level, it is an excellent example of a Spanish colonial city. Founded by the Otomi Indians, it was incorporated into the Aztec empire in 1446. Brought under Spanish control in 1531, it became an important supply centre for the rich mining districts of Guanajuato and Zacatecas . Emperor Maximilian was executed there in 1867 after his defeat by the forces of
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State (pop., 2000: 1,404,306), central Mexico.
It has an area of 4,420 sq mi (11,449 sq km), and its capital is {{link=Quer%C3%A9taro">Querétaro city. Situated on the central plateau, it is almost evenly divided between mountainous areas in the north and plains and valleys in the south that form part of Mexico's Bajío region. In 1531 the area was conquered by Spain, which began colonization in the 1550s. It was administered with Guanajuato before it became a state in 1824. Chief mineral products are opals and mercury. Medicinal plants, sweet potatoes, fruits, and grains are among the many crops cultivated.