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Colima Facts

Colima Facts
Colima is a small state located in southeastern Mexico. In terms of physical size, Colima has 2,173 square miles, which ranks it twenty-eighth out of thirty-one states. It also the least populated state with over 711,000 people, but due to its small physical size it is the ninth most densely populated of the states in the United Mexican States. Colima is known for its relatively high standard of living and low unemployment and crime rates. It has become a big tourist attraction due to its well maintained and clean beaches, which have attracted fishermen and surfers from throughout Mexico, the United States, Canada, and a number of other countries.
Interesting Colima Facts:
Unlike most Mexican states, which usually have twenty or more municipalities, Colima only has ten municipalities.
Colima is located on Mexico's Pacific coast and is therefore occasionally subject to Pacific hurricanes. The 1959 "Mexico Hurricane" was particularly destructive to Colima.
Although Colima is known for being a beach state, it has a spur of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain chain and has peaks that get over 12,000 feet.
The name Colima is derived from a Nahuatl/Aztec word.
A number of different cultures inhabited the region of Colima in the Pre-Columbian period. A ceremonial pyramid was built in La Campana.
Colima City is the capital and largest city in Colima. It has a metro population of just over 150,000 people.
One of the biggest attractions in Colima is the Colima Volcano, or Volcan de Fuego. It is 12,533 feet high and is an active volcano.
Colima is a bit more isolated than other Mexican states. About the only way to get there from the United States is to catch a flight to Mexico City or Guadalajara and then a connecting flight to Colima City.
Although most natives of Colima are of mixed Spanish and indigenous ancestry, there is not a very strong indigenous influence in the state.
Manzanillo is the most popular beach destination in Colima. Besides being a resort area, it is also home to the busiest port in Mexico.
Nevado de Colima national park is another popular tourist destination in Colima. It is located about twenty-five miles north of Colima City.
The majority of Colima is located on a coastal plane, which gives it a hot, dry climate.
Colima became the twenty-third state in Mexico on December 9, 1856. It was originally an independent territory, but became part of Michoacan from 1837 to 1846.
The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which held virtually all power over the Mexican government for nearly 100 years is still fairly popular in Colima. The current governor is a member of the PRI.
Although Colima avoided major violence during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), it did experience a fair amount during the Reform War (1857-1861). Colima was controlled by the Liberals during the Reform War.
Colima's agricultural products include sugar, bananas, and other tropical fruits. The state is also known for its coffee production, which although not as great as some other regions, is considered among the best in Mexico.


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