TOLUCA

in full Toluca de Lerdo city, capital of Mxico estado (state), central Mexico. It lies in the valley of the same name at an elevation of 8,793 feet (2,680 m) and is one of the highest cities in North America. It was founded in 1530 and attained city status in 1533. The designation de Lerdo was adopted in 1861 in honour of the Mexican president Sebastin Lerdo de Tejada. It is a commercial and communications centre, but agriculture and livestock raising in the vicinity also are of major significance. Toluca's industries include textile manufacturing, brewing and distilling, and food processing. Its oldest church was founded soon after the Spanish conquest and rebuilt in 1585. The Autonomous University of the State of Mxico was established in the city in 1956. Toluca is joined by railway, highway, and air routes to Mexico City to the east-northeast and to other plateau cities. Pop. (1980) 199,778.