VERACRUZ

estado (state), east-central Mexico. Long and narrow, it stretches 430 miles (690 km) along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and averages 55 miles (89 km) in width. Veracruz is bounded on the north by Tamaulipas state, east by the gulf, southeast by Tabasco and Chiapas states, and west by Oaxaca, Puebla, Hidalgo, and San Luis Potos states. Its territory consists of low, level sandy strips along the gulf, a zone heavily broken by tidewater streams and lagoons. Inland the land rises to the central plateau, which is cut into rich valleys often covered by dense tropical rainforest. Citlaltpetl (Orizaba), Mexico's highest peak, at 18,701 feet (5,700 m), is located in these highlands. More than 40 rivers cross the state, carrying rich silt and providing hydroelectric power but also causing frequent inundations. Veracruz is rich in archaeological remains of the pre-Columbian Olmec, Totonac, and Huastec cultures. Part of the coast was explored in 1518 by Juan de Grijalva, although the first landing was made by Hernn Corts in 1519 at San Juan de Ula. Veracruz became a state in 1824. A massive reclamation project was inaugurated in 1947 by the national government in the Papaloapan River basin. Dams to provide hydroelectric power, irrigation, and flood control were built, and modern farm methods were introduced. The wealth of the state is based on agriculture, manufacturing, and the production and processing of petroleum at its northern and southern extremities. The state has more than one-fourth of Mexico's petroleum reserves and several of the country's refineries. The state's agricultural products include sugarcane, oranges, bananas, coconuts, and vegetables. Coffee is abundant, while for subsistence the state grows corn (maize) and beans. Pastoral activities furnish cattle and hides for domestic consumption. Forest industries supply rubber, cabinet woods, chicle, orchids, and medicinal plants. Among the state's numerous and varied industries are sugar refining, distilling, chemical processing, metalworking, and textile production. Fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and processing of the catches form an industry of national importance. Transportation facilities are good, especially in the south. Besides the major seaport of Veracruz city, there are minor ports at Tuxpan and Coatzacoalcos, among others. A major highway and railroad link Veracruz city and the state capital of Jalapa (Xalapa) to Mexico City. Other roads lead eastward to the Yucatn Peninsula, and there are airports in the state's largest cities. Area 27,683 square miles (71,699 square km). Pop. (1992 est.) 6,405,478. in full Veracruz Llave, city and port on the Gulf of Mexico, east-central Veracruz estado (state), east-central Mexico. Veracruz is built on a hot, low, and barren sandy beach along the Gulf of Mexico only about 50 feet (15 m) above sea level. Hernn Corts founded La Villa Rica de la Veracruz (The Rich Town of the True Cross) as the first Mexican municipality in 1519, but the site was twice abandoned because of its rainy, humid, and somewhat unhealthy conditions; the present city dates from about 1599. As the chief link between colonial Mexico and Spain, Veracruz prospered as a port and became the most Spanish of Mexican cities, with an admixture of Caribbean creole influences. It was attacked and captured repeatedlyfirst by privateers, then by French and U.S. forces, and, after independence in 1821, by numerous revolutionary governments. It was renamed Veracruz Llave in honour of General Ignacio de la Llave, governor of Veracruz state (185760). Both the 1857 and 1917 Mexican constitutions were proclaimed there. Veracruz is the chief seaport on the east coast of Mexico and is a communications centre for the gulf littoral and the tropical and highland hinterlands of Veracruz state. It is linked by highway, railroad, and air to other major cities. The city also houses the University of Veracruz (1944). Pop. (1980) 333,000; (1990) 438,821.