Coahuila
A northern Mexican state with rich history and industry.
Coahuila, officially the Free and Sovereign State of Coahuila de Zaragoza, is one of the 31 states of Mexico. Its capital is Saltillo, and it is the nation's third-largest state by area.
- Capital
- Saltillo
- Borders
- Nuevo León, Zacatecas, Durango, Chihuahua, and the U.S. state of Texas
- Largest city
- Saltillo
- Known for
- Largest coal reserves in Mexico, major automobile industry, and first state to legalize same-sex civil unions
Lore & Background
During the Mexican Revolution, Francisco Villa attacked Torreón.
Reader's Guide
Coahuila's significance lies in its economic and historical roles. It holds about 95% of Mexico's coal reserves and is the country's top mining state. The state hosts major automobile plants from General Motors and Stellantis, and Torreón is home to the world's largest silver producer. Coahuila's economy is export-oriented, with a strong manufacturing sector. Historically, it was part of the early Mexican federation and experienced Comanche raids in the mid-19th century. Coahuila's geography ranges from the Sierra Madre Oriental to the Chihuahuan Desert, supporting agriculture and timber. Its population is predominantly Mestizo, with a low density of 15 persons per square kilometer.
Did You Know?
- Coahuila's name may mean 'flying serpent,' 'place of many trees,' or 'place where serpents creep.'
- Coahuila is the Mexican state with the highest level of public debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Coahuila's powers or role?
As a major industrial hub in northern Mexico, Coahuila shares a long border with the U.S. state of Texas and also touches Nuevo León, Zacatecas, Durango, and Chihuahua. This makes it a key crossroads for cross-border trade and manufacturing in the region.
Why is Coahuila important?
Beyond its sheer size and industrial output, Coahuila holds a pioneering place in Mexican social policy for leading the nation on same-sex civil unions. Its position along the U.S. border also gives it outsized economic and political weight within the federation.
More in Mexican States 1-19
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