TEPIC

city, capital of Nayarit estado (state), west-central Mexico, lying at 3,002 feet (915 m) above sea level along the Tepic River, at the foot of extinct Sangangey volcano. Founded in 1542, much of the city retains its colonial atmosphere. The cathedral, municipal palace, and Amado Nervo Theatre especially reflect Spanish influence. Shops offer Indian handicrafts, and Huichol and Cora Indians attend market in their traditional costumes. The name is Nahuatl Indian for hard stone. Its isolation limited growth until construction of the railroad in 1912. Since then Tepic has become a commercial and industrial as well as an agricultural centre. The surrounding farmlands yield various crops, including corn (maize), sugarcane, rice, coffee, and tobacco. In the city are refineries, rice mills, and other processing plants. The University of Nayarit (1969) was founded in 1930 as the Nayarit Institute of Science and Letters. Tepic can be reached by highway, railroad, and air. Pop. (1980) 137,000.