TEHUACN

city, southeastern Puebla estado (state), south-central Mexico. It is situated in the Tehuacn valley of the Sierra Madre Oriental, at an elevation of 5,500 feet (1,700 m). Founded in 1540, Tehuacn is one of the oldest Spanish settlements in Mexico. Its hinterland yields corn (maize), beans, wheat, alfalfa, oranges, grapes, and pomegranates, as well as cattle, pigs, and goats. Rich silver and lead mines are located nearby. The region is known for its mineral waters, which are bottled in the city and distributed throughout the nation. It also has wineries and distilleries. The scenic setting, pleasant climate, colonial buildings, and the local handicrafts of Mixtec Indians have made Tehuacn a tourist centre. The city, southeast of Mexico City, is accessible by highway, railroad, and air. Pop. (1980) 79,547.