Some general info about Oaxaca!

 Oaxaca is home to the oldest indigenous people group in Mexico, the Zapotecs.  Unlike any other indigenous group in Mexico, Zapotecs can date their presence in Oaxaca as early as 500 BC.   Their surrounding, mountainous terrain ( peaks averaging 1500 meters with its highest peaks nearing 3800 meters) is probably the reason for their long-surviving cultures and the general peace and separation from the surmounting unrest in the remainder of the country. Oaxaca boasts of 16 indigenous groups, 14 languages, including 90 dialects. The population is 3.5 million.  Average life expectancy is 74.

Economically speaking, Oaxaca is the third highest marginalized state in the country.  "The state has 3.3% of the population but produces only 1.5% of the GNP."  Poverty is due mostly to lack of education and weak infrastructure; for most development projects are geared towards improving the capitol and its surrounding areas rather than the rural areas. Tourism is important to the state and accounts for 30% of its commercial income.  Corn, beans, chocolate, and agave are produced on the 9% available farmland.  The area is well-known for its wool and beautiful rugs and tapestries hand woven by proud families.

Oaxaca is located in the Southwestern region of Mexico and borders the following states and ocean: Guerrero, Puebla, Veracruz, Chapas, and the Pacific Ocean. The majority of the population (including the capitol, Oaxaca) live in the central valleys.  Trade is limited due to the nonnavigable rivers through the mountains. Some of the major rivers empty into the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico.