CULIACN

city, capital of Sinaloa estado (state), western Mexico. It is on a small coastal plain (276 feet above sea level) at the foot of the lofty Sierra Madre Occidental, on the Culiacn River. Founded in 1531, Culiacn played an important role in early colonial days as a base for Spanish expeditions. An elaborate irrigation system in the valley provides for a great variety of crops, including corn (maize), sugarcane, tobacco, and many fruits and vegetables. It is the seat of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (founded 1873). The city is connected by rail with the port of Guaymas, on the Gulf of California, and is on the Pan-American Highway. Pop. (1990) 415,046.