| 4th | Top female state governors in Mexico |
| Chihuahua Estado Libre y Soberano de Chihuahua |
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| — State — | |||
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| Nickname(s): "Land of Encounter", "The Big State" | |||
| Motto: Bravery, Loyalty, Hospitality | |||
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| Country |  Mexico |
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| Capital |  Chihuahua |
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| Municipalities | 67 | ||
| Largest City | Ciudad Juárez | ||
| Admission | July 6, 1824[1] | ||
| Order | 18th | ||
| Government | |||
| - Governor | José Reyes Baeza Terrazas (Template:PRIparty) | ||
| - Federal Deputies | PRI: 5 PAN:4 |
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| - Federal Senators | PAN: 2 PRI: 1 |
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| Area Ranked 1st |
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| - Total | 244,938 km2 (94,571.1 sq mi) | ||
| Population (2005) | |||
| - Total | 3,241,444 (Ranked 11th) | ||
| - Density | 13.2/km2 (34.2/sq mi) | ||
| - Demonym | Chihuahuense | ||
| Time zone | MST (UTC-7) | ||
| - Summer (DST) | MDT (UTC-6) | ||
| HDI (2004) | 0.8340 - high Ranked 5th |
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| ISO 3166-2 | MX-CHH | ||
| Postal abbr. | CH | ||
| Website | Chihuahua State Government | ||
Chihuahua (Spanish pronunciation: [tʃiˈwawa]) is a state in northern Mexico with a mainland area of 247,087 square kilometers (95,400.8 sq mi),[2] slightly larger than the United Kingdom. It is surrounded by the states of Sonora to the west, Sinaloa to the south-west, Durango to the south, and Coahuila to the east, and by the U.S. states of Texas to the north-east and New Mexico to the north. Chihuahua is the largest state in Mexico by area, and therefore has the nickname El Estado Grande ("The Big State").
Although Chihuahua is primarily identified with its namesake, the Chihuahuan Desert, it has more forests than any other state. On the slope of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains (around the regions of Casas Grandes, Cuauhtémoc and Parral), there are vast prairies of short yellow grass, the source of the bulk of the state's agricultural production.
As of 2005, there were 3.2 million inhabitants of the state. In February 6, 2010, Governor Baeza proposed to moved the three State Powers (Executive, Legislative and Judicial) to Ciudad Juárez in order to face the insecurity problems in the city,[3] but that request was rejected by the State Legislature on February 12.[4]
The state also has a large service sector: tourism, banking and high-tech enterprises.
One of the most notable features of Chihuahua is the Barranca del Cobre, or Copper Canyon, a spectacular canyon system larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon.
Chihuahua played a pivotal role in the Mexican Revolution and was a battleground between revolutionary forces led by Pancho Villa and federal forces.
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Nueva Vizcaya was the first province of northern New Spain to be explored and settled by the Spanish. Around 1528, a group of Spaniard explorers, led by Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, first entered the actual territory of what is now Chihuahua. The conquest of the territory lasted nearly one century, and encountered fierce resistance from the Conchos Indians, but the desire of the Spanish Crown to transform the region into a bustling mining center led to a strong strategy to control the area.
In the second half of the 16th century, the Spaniards organized several expeditions into the north of Mexico to find the mythical Seven Golden Cities of Cibola, and in 1564, the conquistador, Lieutenant Rodrigo del Rio y Loza, found gold in the area when the Sierra ends, and founded the first Spanish city in the region, Santa Barbara, by bringing 400 European families to the settlement. Later, in 1631, Noah Carrasco de Biesma discovered a rich vein of silver, and subsequently established San Jose del Parral near the site. Parral remained an important economic and cultural center for the next 300 years.
Many other mining towns, missions and presidios were founded in the region - Santa Eulalia, Camargo and Paso del Norte (now Ciudad Juárez) in Chihuahua. The Spanish society that developed in the region replaced the sparse population of indigenous peoples. The absence of servants and workers forged the spirit of northern people as self-dependent, creative people that defended their European heritage and made it survive until now.
In the constituent legislature or convention, the conservative and liberal elements formed using the nicknames of Chirrines and Cuchas. The military entered as a third party. The elections for the first regular legislature were disputed, and it was not until May 1, 1826, that the body was installed. The liberals gained control and the opposition responded by fomenting a conspiracy. This was promptly stopped with the aid of informers, and more strenuous measures were taken against the conservatives. Extra powers were conferred on the Durango governor, Santiago Baca Ortiz, deputy to the first national congress, and leader of the liberal party.[5]
Opponents continued to plot against the new government. In March 1827, Lieutenant J.M. González proclaimed himself comandante general, arrested the governor, and dissolved the legislature. General Parras was sent to suppress the movement. Comandante general J. J. Ayestaran was replaced by José Figueroa. When elections failed, the government intervened in favor of the Yorkino party, which had elected Vicente Guerrero to the presidency.[5]
Because of the general instability of the federal government during 1828, the installation of the new legislature did not take place until the middle of the following year. It was quickly dissolved by Governor Baca, who replaced it with a more pronounced Yorkino type. When Guerrero's liberal administration was overthrown in December, Gaspar de Ochoa aligned with Anastasio Bustamante, and in February 1830, organized an opposition group that arrested the new governor, F. Elorriaga, along with other prominent Yorkinos. He then summoned the legislature, which had been dissolved by Baca. The civil and military authorities were now headed by J. A. Pescador and Ochoa.[5]
The general features of the preceding occurrence applied also to Chihuahua, although in a modified form. The first person elected under the new constitution of 1825 was Simón Elías Gonzalez, who being in Sonora, was induced to remain there. J. A. Arce took his place as ruler in Chihuahua. In 1829, González became comandante general of Chihuahua, when his term of office on the west coast expired. Arce was less of a yorkino than his confrere of Durango. Although unable to resist the popular demand for the expulsion of the Spaniards, he soon quarreled with the legislature, which declared itself firmly for Guerrero, and announcing his support of Bustamante's revolution, he suspended, in March 1830, eight members of that body, the vice-governor, and several other officials, and expelled them from the state. The course thus outlined was followed by Governor J. I. Madero, who succeeded in 1831, associated with J. J. Calvo as comandante general, stringent laws being issued against secret societies, which were supposed to be the main spring to the anti-clerical feeling among liberals.[5]
The anti-clerical feeling was widespread, and Durango supported the initial reaction against the government at Mexico. In May 1832, José Urrea, a rising officer, supported the restoration of President Pedraza. On July 20, Governor Elorriaga was reinstated, and Baca along with the legislative minority were brought back to form a new legislature, which met on September 1. Chihuahua showied no desire to imitate the revolutionary movement and Urrea prepared to invade the state. Comandante-general J.J.Calvo threatened to retaliate, and a conflict seemed imminent. The entry of General Santa Anna into Mexico brought calm, as the leaders waited for clarity.[5]
Bishop Zubiria was banished for resisting the law relating to priests and other encroachments on the church; another joined the western states in a short lived coalition for sustaining the federal system. Chihuahua adopted the Cuernavaca Plan in July 1834 while President Valentín Gómez Farías was in power. Because the plan was not enforced, commanding officer, Colonel J.I. Gutiérrez, declared the term of the legislature and governor expired on September 3. At a convention of citizens called to select a new provisional ruler, Gutierrez obtained the vote, with P. J. Escalante for his deputy, and a council to guide the administration.[5] Santa Anna ordered the reinstatement of Mendarozqueta as comandante general. Gutiérrez yielded, but Escalante refused to surrender office, demonstrations of support ensued, but Escalante yielded when troops were summoned from Zacatecas. A new election brought a new legislature, and conforming governors. In September 1835 José Urrea a federalist army officer came into power.[5]
Comandante general Simón Elías González, was nominated governor and military command was given to Colonel J.J. Calvo, whose firmness had earned well-merited praise. The state was in the midst of a war with the Apaches, which became the focus of all their energy and resources. After a review of the situation, Simón Elías González declared that the interests of the territory would be best served by uniting the civil and military power, at least while the campaign lasted. He resigned under opposition, but was renominated in 1837.[5]
The latest population census, which took place nationwide during the year 2005, reported 3,241,444 inhabitants in the state of Chihuahua, each gender taking 50% of the total. The northern state is placed seventh in the nation regarding quality of life and sixth in terms of life expectancy at 75.2 years of age. The median age is located at 25 years.
Chihuahua holds one of the largest proportion of white population of Mexico, as is the case in much of northern Mexico. Caucasians make up 55% of the population, most of them of Spaniard origin, but also of French, Basque, Italian, German, Dutch and Middle Eastern descent, while the rest of the population are Mestizo groups of predominant Spaniard descent. Indians form 5% of the state habitants and remain isolated in the woods of southwestern Chihuahua. The admixture with Indians never existed in Nueva Vizcaya due to the scarcity of natives (most of them warrior and anti-European Conchos and Tarahumaras), and the size of the territory.
85% of people in Chihuahua claim to follow the Catholic faith; only 3% of those over 5 years of age speak a native dialect, mostly Tarahumara, the largest indigenous group, followed by the Pimas, Tepehuanes and Warojios.
Average schooling is 8.5 years, which means that in general the average citizen over 15 years of age has gone as far as a second year in secondary education. On the other hand, 9 out of 100 inhabitants has a professional degree.
Institutions of higher education include:
Chihuahua is subdivided into 67 municipios (municipalities). See municipalities of Chihuahua.
The state's major communities include:
As of 2005, Chihuahua's economy represents 4.5% of Mexico's total gross domestic product or 29,826 million USD.[6] Chihuahua's economy has a strong focus on export oriented manufacturing (i.e. maquiladora). As of 2005, 329,939 people are employed in the manufacturing sector.[7] There are a more than 406 companies operating under the federal IMMEX or Prosec program in Chihuahua. The average wage for an employee in Chihuahua is approximately 193 pesos per day.[8]
 Metropolitan cathedral of Chihuahua, Chih. |
 Plaza de Armas of Chihuahua, Chih. |
 Chihuahua during a snowfall |
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Coordinates: 28°48′51″N 106°26′22″W / 28.81417°N 106.43944°W
Chihuahua is the capital of the state of Chihuahua in Northern Mexico. It has a population of about 748,551. The predominant activity is light industry.
The capital of the state of Chihuahua, this is a large prosperous city located in the center of the state. Chihuahua is famous for norteno food (rather similar to Tex-Mex), a delicious if not particularly heart healthy cuisine that makes liberal use of beef, cheese, and chiles. The colonial center of Chihuahua is beautiful and pedestrian friendly. The outer areas of the city, while affluent by Latin American standards don't likely hold a lot of appeal for the average tourist. The centro has museums dedicated to Pancho Villa (a major folk hero in the north of mexico), another museum about the national mint, government palaces, and historic churches as well as luxurious mansions and villas. There are also good dining and lodging options for the visitor and a lot of fun cantinas for male travelers (sorry women usually aren't welcome in these). Chihuahua's natives are friendly and helpful and don't show any resentment towards visitors like you might expect to experience in Mexico's more southerly cities.
The city is at both high latitude and relatively high altitude, meaning it will get cold here during the winter. It even snows once or twice a year. During the summer, temperatures can reach 40°C. Wear light, fresh, and comfortable clothes. Autumn is a particularly pleasant time of the year to visit the area.
Spanish is the official language of Mexico. In academic and professional level, English and French is also spoken. Additionally, because this is north Mexico and a lot of the people living here have worked and lived in the US at some point in their lives, it is usually pretty easy to find someone who can speak English to you.
Four hours south of Juarez/El Paso by autopista, an easy drive. There are no major towns between the two cities but there are roadside diners to break up the journey.
Roberto Fierro Villalobos Airport, Chihuahua city airport is located 18 kilometers northeast of Chihuahua City. Taxi is the best option for getting there and away. Taxi to the city, Aprox. $7.00
Chihuahuas bus terminal is located quite a distance out of town. There are buses to all major cities in Mexico. The Chihuahuense bus line will take you to central Mexico or to Tijuana from the main terminal in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua!
Chihuahua is the start of the famous Copper Canyon railway linking Chihuahua with Los Mochis. One-way Tickets are around 850 Pesos in second and 1700 Pesos in first class. Advance booking advisable, in first class essential.
==Get around
Chihuahua is hardly a major tourist destination; but if you can time your visit to coincide with a bullfight (note bullfighting still exists here, but is nowhere near as popular as it is in Juarez), concert, or art festival you will likely find the area very charming and down to earth.
Even though Chihuahua suffered a massive destruction of colonial buildings (During the 1970s) in order to widen the main streets and avenues in the downtown, it stills preserves some valuable monuments from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the more interesting sites in the city are listed below:
Be careful! The best chiles rellenos in the world, served on a flour tortilla. The seeds are not removed, making for a fire in your mouth that is unsurpassed.
The cheap sleeps in Chihuahua are all found east of the cathedral, between Calle Libertad and Victoria.
Northern Mexico, especially the state of Chihuahua, has experienced a sharp increase in violent drug-related crime since 2007. Chihuahua is much safer than Cd. Juárez, but has had its share of cartel killings in the last two years. Most killings have specifically targeted drug dealers and their families, and tourists have rarely been affected by violent crime. Avoid bars and nightclubs that cater to a criminal element. Military checkpoints may be set up in the city and the roads around the city. Always stop at these checkpoints.
Dialing code for Chihuahua City: 01+52+(614)+Phone Number
Emergency phone numbers
Radio Patrols: 060
Red Cross: 065
General emergencies: 066
International Operator: 090
Tourist Security: 01 800 201 55 89
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Category: Outline articles
There is more than one meaning of Chihuahua discussed in the 1911 Encyclopedia. We are planning to let all links go to the correct meaning directly, but for now you will have to search it out from the list below by yourself. If you want to change the link that led you here yourself, it would be appreciated.
Categories: Disambiguation | Central America
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The origin of the name is not known for sure, but it is old, predating the Spanish, and is thought to derive from the Nahuatl Xicuahua (“‘dry, sandy place’”).
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Singular |
Plural |
Chihuahua
Chihuahua m.
Chihuahua on the Spanish Wikipedia.es.Wikipedia   | Chihuahua state government - Gobierno del Estado de Chihuahua |
| | OMNIA Chihuahua News - OMNIA - Las últimas noticias en Chihuahua |
| | Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chihuaha - Chihuahua (state, Mexico) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia |
| | Secretariat of Industrial Development of Chihuahua State Government - Chihuahua Mexico Industrial |
| | Tourism, News, Events and much more about Chihuahua City and state - www.chihuahuaaldia.com |
| | Page on everything Chihuahua...Puro Chihuahua - Bienvenidos a PuroChihuahua.com !!! Fotos , Chat, Foros , historia de Chihuahua , Mexico |
| | Chihuahua Investment Information - CHIHUAHUA INVESTMENT GUIDE | UNDERSTAND MEXICO |
| | Secretariat of Industrial Development of Chihuahua State Government - Chihuahua Mexico Industrial |
| | City where the Paquime ruins are located - Nuevo Casas Grandes |
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