Aguascalientes (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈaɣwaskaˈljentes] (
listen)), officially Free and Sovereign state of Aguascalientes (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Aguascalientes, literally: Hot Waters), is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 11 municipalities and its capital city is Aguascalientes.
| Aguascalientes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| — State — | |||
| Estado Libre y Soberano de Aguascalientes | |||
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| Motto: Bona Terra, Bona Gens, Aqua Clara, Clarum Coelum (Good Earth, Good People, Clear Water, Clear Sky) |
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| Anthem: Himno de Aguascalientes | |||
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| Coordinates: 22°01′18″N 102°21′23″W / 22.02167°N 102.35639°WCoordinates: 22°01′18″N 102°21′23″W / 22.02167°N 102.35639°W | |||
| Country | Mexico | ||
| Capital | Aguascalientes | ||
| Largest City | Aguascalientes | ||
| Municipalities | 11 | ||
| Admission | February 5, 1857[1] | ||
| Order | 24th | ||
| Government | |||
| • Governor | Carlos Lozano .svg){kind=small} |
||
| • Senators[2] | Felipe González .svg){kind=small} Rubén Camarillo Norma Esparza Herrera |
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| • Deputies[3] | |||
| Area[4] | |||
| • Total | 5,616 km2 (2,168 sq mi) | ||
| Ranked 29th | |||
| Highest elevation[5] | 3,050 m (10,010 ft) | ||
| Population (2012)[6] | |||
| • Total | 1,237,675 | ||
| • Rank | 27th | ||
| • Density | 220/km2 (570/sq mi) | ||
| • Density rank | 4th | ||
| Demonym | Hidrocálido (a) | ||
| Time zone | CST (UTC−6) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC−5) | ||
| Postal code | 20 | ||
| Area code | |||
| ISO 3166 code | MX-AGU | ||
| HDI |  0.7521 high Ranked 8th |
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| GDP | US$ 7,435.49 mil[a] | ||
| Website | Official Web Site | ||
| ^ a. The state's GDP was 95,174,314 thousand pesos in 2008,[7] amount corresponding to 7,435,493.3 thousand dollars, being a dollar worth 12.80 pesos (value of June 3, 2010).[8] | |||
Aguascalientes (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈaɣwaskaˈljentes] ( listen)), officially Free and Sovereign state of Aguascalientes (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Aguascalientes, literally: Hot Waters), is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 11 municipalities and its capital city is Aguascalientes.
It is located in North-Central Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Zacatecas to the north and Jalisco to the south. Its name means "hot waters" in Spanish and originated from the abundance of hot springs in the area, the corresponding demonym for the state and its inhabitants is hidrocálido.
Contents |
Geography[edit]
The state is located about 480 km (300 mi) from Mexico City.
It covers 5,471 square kilometers (2,112 sq mi) and has a little more than one million inhabitants. Most of its inhabitants live in the densely populated metropolitan area of its capital city.
The state as it is now was created on October 27, 1857 when it was separated from Zacatecas after the tale says that the wife of the governor of the state promised to give a kiss to the President of the time, in exchange for the separation of Aguascalientes from Zacatecas, which explains the shape of a kiss the state has. It bears the name Aguascalientes taken from its largest city and capital also called Aguascalientes.
Demographics[edit]
Demographic development of Aguascalientes from 1895
More than two thirds of the local population of Aguascalientes is 78% European descent, mostly Spanish and French with settlement of French troops in the Valley of Huajucar during the Second Mexican Empire. Many Hidrocalidos trace their lineage back to Germany and the Netherlands, due to the settlement of various Mennonite communities, but also Italian, Russian, Polish, Swedish, German, Greek, and Romanian due to the high number of refugees who came to the state during World War II, 19% mestizo (mixed Amerindian-European), 2% Asian (mostly Japanese and Korean due to the rapid growth in Nissan production with the opening of a new factory in the state. .[10]
- Inhabitants: 1,184,996
- Age Average: 24 years
- Annual Population Growth: 2.2%
- Population at the Capital: 722,250
- Population that speaks a native tongue: 1,436
- Population that does not speak Spanish: 4
| Age Groups | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–4 years | 121,557 | 61,941 | 59,616 |
| 5–9 years | 128,874 | 65,572 | 63,302 |
| 10–14 years | 123,806 | 62,615 | 61,191 |
| 15–19 years | 121,428 | 60,636 | 60,792 |
| 20–24 years | 106,305 | 51,431 | 54,874 |
| 25–29 years | 93,604 | 44,568 | 49,036 |
| 30–34 years | 88,726 | 41,962 | 46,764 |
| 35–39 years | 86,254 | 40,569 | 45,685 |
| 40–44 years | 73,084 | 34,381 | 38,703 |
| 45–49 years | 60,198 | 28,420 | 31,778 |
| 50–54 years | 49,980 | 23,436 | 26,544 |
| 55–59 years | 37,543 | 17,960 | 19,583 |
| 60–64 years | 29,258 | 13,686 | 15,572 |
| 65–69 years | 21,004 | 9,895 | 11,109 |
| 70–74 years | 15,254 | 6,967 | 8,287 |
| 75–79 years | 10,673 | 4,862 | 5,811 |
| 80–84 years | 7,228 | 3,094 | 4,134 |
| 85–89 years | 4,061 | 1,780 | 2,281 |
| 90–94 years | 1,467 | 605 | 862 |
| 95–99 years | 551 | 229 | 322 |
| 100 years and over | 109 | 45 | 64 |
| Unspecified | 4,032 |
Economy and industry[edit]
This state originated around the times of colonial Spanish influence. It is located in the middle of the country and is now beginning to make a name for itself as an industrial power within Mexico. The state was once a major silver miner and a major source of railroad transportation, the latter due to its strategic location, midway between the three most populous areas, namely Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
Today the car industry, that is growing fast in Mexico, is specially important in this state, for here are not one but two Nissan factories (the second one is in construction) that together will produce more than 9 millions cars per year.
In the rural area, Aguascalientes was once the largest national producer of grapes and wines. This tradition ceased gradually due to the Spanish Royalty's wishes that grape and wine production be limited to the mother country. Thanks to the influx of immigrants into Mexico, the wineries and vineyards remain and flourish. Guavas are also produced in the state.
There are several projects for economic development such as : the Financial District Rio San Pedro, a monorail, a suburban train, the construction of the newest and most modern WTC in Mexico, over four shopping malls, two theme parks, two Executive Hotels and one whose qualification is five stars, eight bridges for the next five years, a Financial District around the Airport, A Texas Instruments Assembly-Test Plant, A Nissan Assembly plant, a Toyota assembly plant and several others projects place Aguascalientes as the third most competitive state in Mexico with more than US$12,000,000 in foreign direct investment per year (around 8 percent of Mexico's FDI) even though its population is just about 1.03 percent of the country.
However, recently it has also benefited from heavier tourism, since the capital city has gained prestige and status as a national destination for its colonial beauty and cleanliness. In addition, the haciendas and baths around the state have historic and recreational importance.
Tourism[edit]
Although this state is not often billed as a tourist center, international visitors, as well as citizens from all over Mexico, are attracted to the San Marcos Fair, which is considered the national fair of Mexico[12] and contributes much to Mexico's economy.
Recently, its capital city has gained the reputation as a great destination for its superb colonial architecture visible in the colonial centre, as well as the modernity and dynamism in the outskirts.
The city is home to Lic. Jesús Terán Peredo International Airport, where 9 flights per day depart to Mexico City, Tijuana, Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston.[13]
The city also hosts many conventions every year. It benefits from its excellent central location. The city is also famed for its environment of relaxation, and for its safety and cleanliness, as it is often described by people when traveling to this part of the country for conventions or tourism.
Most tourists go to the capital. A few tourists explore the former mining towns in the north of the state (in the municipalities of Asientos and Tepezalá), which are now almost ghost cities. The haciendas, hot springs, and baths scattered around the state are also of historical and recreational relevance.
The municipality of Calvillo has a semi-tropical climate, The largest producer of guavas in Mexico,[14] it attracts some fans of watersports to its reservoirs.
The state has a Natural Protected Reserve in the higher mountains called Sierra Fría. Located at a height of 2,500 to 3,000 meters (8,202 to 9,843 ft) above sea level, it comprises oak and pine forests. Its attractions include observing exuberant landscape and wide ravines, in which, there are pumas, lynxes, boar, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, raccoons and many other animals. There are steep-sided cycle paths, camping and picnic areas as well as several hunting clubs. It is the mountain climate and fauna that attracts locals for camping activities. In winter, the temperature sometimes falls to −4.44 °C (24.01 °F) when the weather is poor. Usually, Sierra Fria is the only part of the state that gets snow during winter.
In the city of Aguascalientes one of the best sunsets in the world can be seen in the Cerro del Muerto; the hill resembles the shape of a man lying down. The city of Aguascalientes is called "el corazón" which means "the heart" of Mexico because it lies in the middle of the country. This city is often considered, by its locals, to be one of the safest and cleanest in Mexico. Also, the city of Aguascalientes is known as "the land of the good people".
Sports[edit]
At present, the state has one football team in the Mexican Premiere League, (Club Necaxa) and one professional basketball team (Las Panteras The Panthers).
Necaxa recently (December 2009) won the first half season of the Second-Division tournament, if they win the second half also they will be automatically promoted to the First-Division, if not, they will have a playoff (Home and Away) with the team who wins the second half to see who is promoted.
Government and politics[edit]
Government[edit]
Aguascalientes is subdivided into 11 municipios ("municipalities").
|
| INEGI code | Municipality | Municipal Seat |
|---|---|---|
| 001 | Aguascalientes | Aguascalientes |
| 002 | Asientos | Asientos |
| 003 | Calvillo | Calvillo |
| 004 | Cosío | Cosío |
| 005 | Jesús María | Jesús María |
| 006 | Pabellón de Arteaga | Pabellón de Arteaga |
| 007 | Rincón de Romos | Rincón de Romos |
| 008 | San José de Gracia | San José de Gracia |
| 009 | Tepezalá | Tepezalá |
| 010 | El Llano | Palo Alto |
| 011 | San Francisco de los Romo | San Francisco de los Romo |
| Year | PRI | PAN | PRD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 38.79% 189,027 | 30.83% 150,231 | 20.72% 100,958 |
| 2006 | 23.64% 97,935 | 46.72% 193,588 | 21.70% 89,920 |
| 2000 | 33.89% 127,134 | 53.93% 202,335 | 7.00% 26,264 |
| 1994 | 46.45% 157,736 | 36.65% 124,484 | 8.61% 29,236 |
Major communities[edit]
Famous Hidrocálidos[edit]
- See also articles in the category People from Aguascalientes
- Karina González, Model and Nuestra Belleza México 2011
- Gabriela Palacio, model and Nuestra Belleza Mundo México 2010.
- José María Bocanegra, third President of Mexico
- Saturnino Herrán, artist
- Manuel M. Ponce, musician, (born in neighbor state Zacatecas, but family moved to Aguascalientes a few days later).
- Yadira Carrillo,actress
- José Guadalupe Posada, artist
- Jesús F. Contreras, artist
- Sesashi Guerrero Pérez, Rhythmic Gymnast, Contemporary dancer, Gymnastics Trainer,[16]
- Violeta Retamoza, professional golfer
- José Antonio Zapata, journalist
- Iyérida Mogollón Martin, Elite Gymnast
- Luz Helisabet Delgado, Wife of Joshua Ingraham
- Monica Del Real, Tae Kwon Do medalist
- Jose Maria Napoleon, singer from late seventies to early eighties
- David Reynoso, actor
- Manuel Lavin de la Riva, University of Nebraska Golfer
- Casandra Calderón, Actress
- Anabel Ferreira, Actress/Comedienne
See also[edit]
References[edit]
 |
This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2007) |
- ^ "Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán" (in Spanish).
- ^ "Senadores por Aguascalientes LXI Legislatura". Senado de la Republica. Retrieved October 20, 2010.
- ^ "Listado de Diputados por Grupo Parlamentario del Estado de Aguascalientes". Camara de Diputados. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
- ^ "Superficie". Cuentame INEGI. Retrieved February 12, 2013.
- ^ "Relieve". Cuentame INEGI. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
- ^ "ENOE". Retrieved August 24, 2012.
- ^ "Aguascalientes.". 2010. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
- ^ "Reporte: Jueves 3 de Junio del 2010. Cierre del peso mexicano.". www.pesomexicano.com.mx. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
- ^ Population Census. Online: http://www.inegi.org.mx/est/contenidos/Proyectos/ccpv/default.aspx.
- ^ Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online: old history of Mexico
- ^ "Censo de Población y Vivienda 2010". INEGI. Retrieved 2013-02-03.
- ^ "San Marco National Fair, Mexico City, Mexico". World Reviewer. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-29.
- ^ Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifo
- ^ Bucur, Diodora (2009-12-04). "December guava fair in Calvillo, Aguascalientes : Mexico Travel". Mexconnect.com. Retrieved 2011-07-29.
- ^ "Presidential elections results". Retrieved February 22, 2013.
- ^ "Gimnasia rítmica, una opción". Noroeste.com.mx. 2009-10-17. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-29.
External links[edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Aguascalientes |
- (Spanish) Aguascalientes state government
- Pictures of Aguascalientes Photo set of the City of Aguascalientes
- Aguascalientes Touristic website
- Fotos y Mensajes de Aguascalientes
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