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Colima

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Colima is one of the 32 federated entities that make up Mexico. Officially known as the Free and Sovereign State of Colima, it is a small but vital region in western Mexico. The state sits on the central Pacific coast. It shares land borders with the states of Jalisco to the west and Michoacán to the east.

Manzanillo Mexico
Manzanillo Mexico

Colima is the fourth smallest state in Mexico by land area. It covers 5,455 square kilometers, which is only 0.3% of the country's total territory. Despite its small size, it holds a significant place in the nation's geography and economy.

The physical landscape of Colima is defined by its extreme changes in elevation. The state is divided into a northern region and a southern region. The north is characterized by higher mountains and a cooler climate. In contrast, the south is hotter and contains the Pacific Ocean coastline.

Playa La Audiencia
Playa La Audiencia

Three quarters of the state is covered by various mountains and hills. The geography consists of four distinct mountain systems. These systems are located between different rivers, such as the Marabasco, Armería, Salado, and Coahuayana Rivers. The altitude ranges from sea level at the coast to 3,839 meters at the crater of the Colima Volcano.

Two major volcanoes define the northern border of the state. The first is the Colima Volcano, also known as Volcán de Fuego. This is an active volcano with a sharp, pyramidal peak. The second is the Nevado de Colima, which is not active. The Nevado de Colima is actually taller, reaching an altitude of 4,271 meters. This peak is so significant that a national park surrounds it.

Colima Volcanoes from Carrizalillos Lagoon
Colima Volcanoes from Carrizalillos Lagoon

The volcanic activity and mountain runoff also create several freshwater lakes. These include the Carrizalillo and Las Cuatas lakes in the Valley of Colima.

Beyond the mainland, Colima's territory includes the Revillagigedo Islands. These four islands—Socorro, San Benedicto, Clarión, and Roca Partida—are of volcanic origin. They are dispersed along the 19° north parallel. While they are under federal jurisdiction, they are considered part of the municipality of Manzanillo.

Playa Santiago
Playa Santiago

These islands cover an area of about 400 square kilometers, though the total landmass is only 205 square kilometers. This remote part of the state adds a unique oceanic component to Colima's geography.

The environment supports diverse plant and animal life. Much of the western state consists of moderately deciduous rainforest. In these forests, trees like the red cedar lose their leaves during the dry season.

SidePlazaChurchComala
SidePlazaChurchComala

You can find species such as the ocelot, puma, and wild boar in these areas. Some animals are very rare, such as the Magdalena rat, which is known mostly in Colima. The state also hosts crocodiles, and a nursery in Tecomán works to ensure their survival. Near the coast, salt-friendly mangrove forests and scrubland are common.

Human life in Colima is concentrated in several key urban centers. The capital city, Colima, serves as the economic and political heart of the state. It is located in the Valley of Colima, just south of the volcanic foothills.

CeballosHotelColima
CeballosHotelColima

Manzanillo is the state's primary port and a major tourist destination. This port is vital for regional trade, acting as an overflow port for goods moving toward Los Angeles.

MS Queen Victoria in Manzanillo2011
MS Queen Victoria in Manzanillo2011

Other important cities include Villa de Alvarez and Tecomán. Tecomán is a major agricultural hub, famous for producing many fruits, especially limes.

Colima's economy is characterized by a high standard of living and low unemployment. Agriculture is a massive part of the state's identity. Colima produces about half of Mexico's total lime crop. It is also the second largest producer of coconut meat and tuna.

Most of the population, about 89%, lives in urban areas. While the state is small, its GDP contributed 0.5% to the national total in 2009. This economic activity is supported by a strong service sector and a busy maritime industry at the port of Manzanillo.

Government Palace of Colima at night
Government Palace of Colima at night
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🖼️ Images & Media (18)
File:PT_Party_(Mexico).svg
PT_Party_(Mexico).svg
File:Morena_Party_(Mexico).svg
Morena_Party_(Mexico).svg
File:PVE Party (Mexico).svg
PVE Party (Mexico).svg
File:Morena Party (Mexico).svg
Morena Party (Mexico).svg
File:PAN Party (Mexico).svg
PAN Party (Mexico).svg
File:PRI logo (Mexico).svg
PRI logo (Mexico).svg
File:Colima Volcanoes from Carrizalillos Lagoon.jpg
Colima Volcanoes from Carrizalillos Lagoon.jpg
File:Playa La Audiencia.JPG
Playa La Audiencia.JPG
File:SidePlazaChurchComala.jpg
SidePlazaChurchComala.jpg
File:Mueble Rangeliano.JPG
Mueble Rangeliano.JPG
File:CeballosHotelColima.jpg
CeballosHotelColima.jpg
File:Government Palace of Colima at night.jpg
Government Palace of Colima at night.jpg

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