Chiapas — geography, people, history, and environment
Chiapas is Mexico's southernmost state. This article outlines its geography, climate, biodiversity, population, economy, archaeological heritage and modern political and social challenges.
Chiapas is the southernmost state of Mexico, bordered to the north by Tabasco, to the northwest by Veracruz, and to the west by Oaxaca. Its eastern frontier meets Guatemala, and its southern shoreline faces the Pacific Ocean. Covering an area of roughly 73,890 km2 (about 28,528 square miles), Chiapas combines lowland tropical plains, high mountain ranges and a varied coastal belt. Official census figures cited in the early 21st century recorded a population in the millions, concentrated in a handful of cities and many rural communities.
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Geography and climate
The state is structured by several parallel mountain chains (sierras) that run roughly northwest–southeast and create sharp contrasts in altitude and weather. The lowlands in the north historically supported dense evergreen rainforest; near Teapa annual rainfall can exceed three metres, which once sustained tall, species-rich lowland rainforest (lowland rainforest). Much of this forest has been cleared for agriculture and ranching. Toward the Pacific coast precipitation declines but remains sufficient for tropical crops around Tapachula and other coastal valleys. Higher elevations produce temperate and cloud forest ecosystems, such as those preserved in the Reserva de la Biosfera el Triunfo, where relict populations of bird species like the resplendent quetzal and the horned guan are found.
Biodiversity and environment
Chiapas is one of Mexico's most ecologically diverse states because of its range of elevations and climates. Habitats include humid lowland rainforest, seasonally dry forest, cloud forest, pine–oak forest and mangroves on coastal plains. This environmental variety supports rich plant and animal communities, but widespread deforestation, conversion to pasture and commercial agriculture, and infrastructure development have reduced native habitats in many areas. Conservation efforts are concentrated in biosphere reserves and protected archaeological zones, and local advocates frequently call for stronger enforcement of environmental protections.
People, culture and languages
Urban centers include the state capital — often referred to simply as the state capital — Tuxtla Gutiérrez, as well as San Cristóbal de las Casas, Comitán and Tapachula. A significant portion of Chiapas's population is of Maya descent; in many rural communities indigenous languages and traditions remain central to daily life. A substantial share of residents use indigenous languages in addition to, or instead of, Spanish. Poverty and underdevelopment are persistent problems in parts of the state: Chiapas has one of the highest rates of childhood stunting and malnutrition in Mexico, and limited access to services characterizes many rural areas.
History, archaeology and contemporary politics
Chiapas contains important pre-Columbian Maya sites that draw scholarly and tourist interest, including Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, Chinkultic and Toniná. These ruins testify to complex regional histories of urban centers, trade and ritual life. In modern times Chiapas attracted international attention in 1994 with the uprising of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN), a movement that named itself for Emiliano Zapata and called attention to land rights, indigenous autonomy and economic inequality. Since the initial conflict the EZLN has emphasized nonviolent political organization in some areas, and a number of autonomous Zapatista communities persist. The state also faces transnational pressures: migration flows from Central America, the activities of organized criminal groups and human rights concerns have affected local communities and prompted responses from civil society and government actors. Reports of abuse and rights violations, particularly affecting migrants and marginalized groups, have been focal points for advocates.
Economy, agriculture and tourism
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Chiapas's economy: coffee, bananas, cacao, tropical fruits and cattle ranching are important livelihoods in different zones. The highland coffee regions are noted for specialty coffee production, while coastal zones supply tropical fruit and commercial crops. Tourism—especially cultural and ecological tourism centered on archaeological sites, colonial towns such as San Cristóbal de las Casas, and natural areas—has become an increasingly important source of income, though the benefits are unevenly distributed. Developmentists, conservationists and local communities frequently debate how to balance economic development with the conservation of cultural landscapes and biological diversity.
Notable places and further reading
- Major cities: Tuxtla Gutiérrez, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Comitán, Tapachula.
- Archaeological sites: Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilán, Chinkultic, Toniná.
- Important borders and regions: adjoining states Tabasco, Veracruz, Oaxaca; international border with Guatemala; maritime access to the Pacific Ocean.
For readers seeking more detailed reference material, look for works addressing Chiapas's ecological zones, the history of the Maya in the region, the social impacts of agrarian change, and studies of the post-1994 political landscape and indigenous autonomy movements. International migration patterns—often bound for the United States—and local efforts to confront poverty and rights violations remain central themes in contemporary coverage of the state.
Geography
Agriculture, mineral resources, climate
Due to the climatic conditions of Chiapas, which encompasses several climatic zones (highlands, tropical rainforest in the lowlands, (rainy season May to October) subtropical transitional areas and mountain cloud forest on the Pacific coast), a great variety of plant species thrive here. The climate in the highlands is mild and not subject to seasonal changes; the German writer B. Traven therefore called his travelogue about Chiapas, published in book form, Land of Spring.
fauna and flora
Although rare, Chiapas is home to numerous exotic mammals such as monkeys, howler monkeys, tapirs, anteaters and umbilical pigs. But also big cats like pumas, ocelots and jaguars can be found.
Among the reptiles of the rainforest are especially numerous species of snakes, crocodiles and iguanas. There are also numerous bird species in the rainforests. The approximately 35 cm large Quetzal, one of the most colorful birds of the tropical rainforest, is mentioned here as a representative.
Naturally occurring and particularly important for economic use and trade are mahogany, teak, rubber, caoutchouc and cocoa.
Crops
- in the highlands: coffee (especially the Maragogype variety), wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, sweet potatoes, maize
- in the lowlands: cocoa, corn, rubber, bananas, pineapple, coconut, cotton, avocado, agave, sisal, tomatoes, beans, cassava, pumpkin, chili peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, chayote
- in the transition region: maize, sugar cane, wine, oranges, lemons, almonds, chestnuts, olives, nuts, apples, pears, cherries, peaches, avocado, agave, sisal, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, manioc
Mineral Resources
Iron, petroleum, precious stones, gas, gold, coal, copper, lead, tin, gemstones, sulfur, silver
Indigenous ethnic groups
Tzeltal
The Tzeltals call themselves "Winik Atel", which simply means "working man". They live mostly from agriculture. They are the largest indigenous ethnic group and settle southeast of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Today there are about 500,000 Tzeltal in Chiapas. Tzeltal Maya is part of the Mayan language family and is spoken by over 470,000 people today - making it the fourth largest language group in Mexico. The Tzeltal language is divided into two dialects. One formed in the highlands, the other in the lowlands. Most of the children of this people now also speak Spanish, while the adults are mostly monolingual. The Tzeltal, locally bound, form a social and cultural unit. The main trade product of the Tseltales, besides agricultural products, is unglazed pottery.
Tzotzil
The Tzotzil live concentrated in the highlands and the border area to Tabasco, but they are distributed almost nationwide. The Tzotzil language is spoken by about 350,000 people and is thus only slightly less widespread than the Tzeltal language. The main places of settlement are Chamula, Zinacantán, Chenalhó and Simojovel. The language is closely related to the Tzeltal language and distantly related to the Yucatec Maya of the Lacandones.
Traditionally, many men wear shorts, a long, light cotton undershirt under a goatskin or cotton poncho. The hat is decorated with ribbons. The colors of the costumes vary from village to village. The Chamulatzotzils, for example, wear dark costumes, while the more friendly Zinacantzotzils wear purple and pink costumes with embroidered flowers. The Tzotzil women wear their hair open or braided and their infants in scarves nestled against their bodies.
Trade is primarily carried out by women and girls, while the men stand aside and observe the hustle and bustle. In addition to agricultural products, high-quality handicraft items are offered. Braided, very colourful, richly ornamented belts and bracelets are to be mentioned, but also splendidly woven blankets and pottery are offered. Other ornamental motifs than those belonging to the Tzotzil costume are sold to tourists. This is of superficial magical symbolism.
Among the Tzotzils, ritualized shamanism is pronounced and is mainly performed by women. A very important part of these rituals is the chicken as a sacrificial animal (see also: Chamula). Among the men the readiness to fight is worth mentioning. The Tzotzil Indians not only supported the EZLN's struggle for freedom, but also participated in it, thereby gaining autonomy.
Lacandon
The Maya, also called Lacandones (Lacandon Hach Winik, "true or real people"), are an indigenous people in the lowlands of Chiapas. They are divided into two sub-ethnic groups, the Northern and Southern Lacandones.
Among the descendants of the ancient Maya, this ethnic group lives the most isolated, settling in the middle of the lowland jungle. The Lacandones have split culturally in the last century - the Lacandones who settle near Bonampak were Christianized by evangelical missionaries. These opened up to tourism and also set up overnight accommodation for travellers. By selling logging rights, some of these Lacandons have become very wealthy. The still traditionally living Lacandones settle near the village of Nahè - near Palenque, there these Mayas still maintain their centuries-old way of life and religion.
Since the 20th century, this small culture has increasingly come into contact with "Western civilization". As a result of this acculturation and the various missionary attempts, the culture of the (estimated) 600-1000 Lacandons is acutely threatened with disappearance. The Lacandons also settle near tourist magnets such as the ruins of Palenque. There, male Lacandons trade or barter homemade goods (arrows, small bows). B. Traven writes that in the early 1930s the Lacandons still lived naked in the jungle, meanwhile the Lacandon men wear white long cotton shirts and the hairstyle is often fringe. Hair length varies, usually the ends of the hair reach the chest area. The Lacandones have not joined the EZLN.
Tojolabal
The Tojolabal settle in the border area with Guatemala. It is assumed that they migrated to Chiapas from present-day Guatemala before colonization. The approximately 35,000 members of the Tojolabal speak their own language and only a few still know Spanish. Only the women wear traditional costumes, the blouses are white, the skirts colorful. All garments are embroidered with richly ornamented ribbon motifs. Unmarried women wear their hair open, married women tied into two braids. All married women wear headscarves, unmarried women and girls only occasionally.
Questions and answers
Q: What is the southernmost state of Mexico?
A: The southernmost state of Mexico is Chiapas.
Q: What states border Chiapas?
A: Chiapas is bordered by the states of Tabasco to the north, Veracruz to the northwest, and Oaxaca to the west. To the east it borders Guatemala, and to the south it borders the Pacific Ocean.
Q: How much area does Chiapas have?
A: Chiapas has an area of 28,528 square miles (73,890 km2).
Q: What type of weather does Chiapas generally have?
A: In general, Chiapas has a humid, tropical climate.
Q: What was once found in northern areas near Teapa?
A: In northern areas near Teapa there was once lowland tall perennial rainforest vegetation which has since been destroyed for agriculture and ranching purposes.
Q: Name some cities located in Chiapas.
A: Some cities located in Chiapas include Tuxtla Gutiérrez, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Comitán, and Tapachula.
Q: What social issues are present in Chiapas?
A: Social issues present in Chiapas include a high rate of malnutrition estimated to affect over 40% of its population as well as increasing presence of Central American gangs known as Marras and illegal immigration from Central America which worsens local poverty due to Human Rights violations against migrants.
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AlegsaOnline.com Chiapas — geography, people, history, and environment Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/19480