Aguascalientes

Infobox Settlement
name = Aguascalientes
other_name =
native_name = Estado Libre y Soberano de Aguascalientes
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settlement_type = State
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flag_size = 140px
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image_shield = Heraldica-mexico-aguascalientes.pngshield_size = 80px
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map_caption = Location within Mexico

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map_caption1 = Municipalities of Aguascalientes
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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = MEX
subdivision_type1 = Capital
subdivision_name1 = Aguascalientes
subdivision_type2 = Municipalities
subdivision_name2 = 11
subdivision_type3 = Largest City
subdivision_name3 =Aguascalientes
subdivision_type4 =
subdivision_name4 =
government_footnotes =
government_type =
leader_title =Governor
leader_name =Luis Armando Reynoso Femat (PAN)
leader_title1 = Federal Deputies
leader_name1 =PAN: 3
leader_title2 =Federal Senators
leader_name2 = PAN: 2
PRI: 1
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established_title = Created
established_date = 1835
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Ranked 28th
area_total_km2 =5471
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population_as_of =2005
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population_total = 1,065,416 (Ranked 27th)
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timezone = CST
utc_offset = -6
timezone_DST = CDT
utc_offset_DST = -5
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blank_name =HDI (2004)
blank_info =0.8246 - high
Ranked 5th
blank1_name =ISO 3166-2
blank1_info =MX-AGU
blank2_name =Postal abbr.
blank2_info =Ags.
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website = [http://www.aguascalientes.gob.mx Aguascalientes state government]
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Aguascalientes IPA2|ˌa.ɰwas.ka.ˈljen̪.t̪es is a state of Mexico, situated in the center of the country. The name means "hot waters" in Spanish and originated from the abundance of hot springs in the area, thus the corresponding adjective for the state and its inhabitants is the whimsical demonym "hidrocálido" (hidro = water; cálido = hot). The state capital is the city of Aguascalientes.

Geography

The state is located about convert|300|mi|km from Mexico City.

It covers km2 to mi2|5471|wiki=yes and has a little more than one million inhabitants. The state is not heavily populated. However, most of its inhabitants live in the densely populated metropolitan area of its capital city.

The state as it is now was created on May 23, 1835 when it was separated from Zacatecas, and as according to legend it was created by a Kiss. It bears the name Aguascalientes taken from its largest city and capital also called Aguascalientes.The state is bordered on the north,east, and west by the state of
Zacatecas,and on the south by the state of Jalisco.

Demographics

The racial make-up of the state of Aguascalientes is as follows:

*53% white/European descent (mostly Spanish, but also French, Italian, Russian, Polish, German, Swedish, Greek, and Romanian)
*44% mestizo (mixed Amerindian-European)
*2% Asian (mostly Filipino, Japanese [because of the biggest Nissan plant in Mexico] and Korean)
*1% Amerindian, and small communities of Anglo Americans, and Anglo Canadians.

Economy and industry

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 populated areas, namely Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

In the rural area, Aguascalientes was once the first national producer of grapes and wines. This tradition ceased gradually for it proved unreliable since in Mexico the culture of wine does not have strong roots. Only a few wineries and vineyards remain. Guavas are also produces in the state.

The economy of the state has become mostly industralized. 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

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 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 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, it attracts some fans of watersports to its reservoirs.

The state has a Natural Protected Reserve in the higher mountains called Sierra Fría. The Sierra Fría is a protected area. Located at a height of 2,500 to 3,000 meters (8,200–9,850 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 5°C (24°F) below zero 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 which 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 used to be considered, by its locals, to be one of the safest and cleanest in Mexico, unfortunatelly the kidnappings of industrialists and the murderers of police officers have heavily increased in the last year. Also, the city of Aguascalientes is known as "the land of the good people".

ports

At present, the state has one first-division football team (Necaxa) and one professional basketball team (Las Panteras "The Panthers").

Municipalities

Aguscalientes is subdivided into 11 "municipios" ("municipalities").

Major communities

*Aguascalientes
*Asientos
*Calvillo
*Jesús María
*Pabellón de Arteaga
*Rincón de Romos
*San Francisco de los Romo

Trivia

In the American Western movie "For A Few Dollars More", starring Clint Eastwood, Aguascalientes is the place where Eastwood and the banditos escape from their bank robbery.

Famous "hidrocálidos"

:"See also articles in the category "
*José María Bocanegra, third President of Mexico
*Saturnino Herrán, artist
*Manuel M. Ponce, musician
*José Guadalupe Posada, artist
*Violeta Retamoza, professional golfer
*José Antonio Zapata, journalist
*Iyérida Mogollón Martin, Elite Gymnast
*Matías Lozano Díaz de León, Journalist
*Mario Mora Barba, Journalist
*Luz Helisabet Delgado, Wife of Joshua Ingraham

References

External links

*es icon [http://www.aguascalientes.gob.mx Aguascalientes state government]
*es icon [http://www.metroaguascalientes.com News, live radio, podcasting and information about Aguascalientes]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/technopal/sets/72157594560209012/ Pictures of Aguascalientes] Photo set of the City of Aguascalientes