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Villahermosa

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Villahermosa is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Tabasco.

Villahermosa.Plaza de Armas1
Villahermosa.Plaza de Armas1

It serves as the municipal seat for the entire state. The city is located in Southeast Mexico. It sits roughly 50 km south of the Gulf Coast. It is also about 904 km southeast of Mexico City. The city lies between the Grijalva and Carrizal rivers.

Villahermosa Paseo Tabasco
Villahermosa Paseo Tabasco

This location makes it a vital commercial point. It sits along the long route between Mexico City and Cancún. Some people consider it a major hub, perhaps second only to Mérida in Yucatán.

The geography of the municipality is quite specific. The municipality of Centro occupies 1,612 km2. This area represents 6.9% of the total territory of the state of Tabasco. The urban area of Villahermosa covers 61,177 km2.

Villahermosa Circuíto Interior
Villahermosa Circuíto Interior

The municipality borders the state of Chiapas to the northwest. It also touches several other municipalities in Tabasco. These include Nacajuca, Centla, Jalapa, Teapa, and Macuspana. The city is divided into many parts. It contains one city, seven villas, one village, 132 rancheries, and 117 boroughs. There are also 13 regional development centers, known as CORs, where most economic activity happens.

Torre empresarial Villahermosa
Torre empresarial Villahermosa

The climate in Villahermosa is classified as a tropical monsoon climate. This is often referred to by the symbol Am. The weather can be very intense depending on the season. During the spring and summer, temperatures can rise above 40°C. Humidity levels hover around 30% during these hot periods. However, the high humidity-adjusted temperatures can reach the high forties. The short winter season is very humid. During this time, daytime temperatures decrease to around 28°C.

The city must also manage water carefully. In October 2007, Villahermosa suffered its worst flood in recorded history. This event displaced several hundred thousand people from their homes.

Villahermosa has a complex history of changing names. Diego de Quijada founded the city in 1564. He originally named it Villa Carmona. In 1565, it was named San Juan Bautista to honor a patron saint.

In 1598, King Philip II of Spain granted the city a new title. He named it Villa Hermosa of San Juan Bautista. This title also included a royal shield for the city's coat of arms. The name changed again in 1604 to San Juan de Villahermosa. In 1826, it became San Juan Bautista de la Villa Hermosa. Finally, in 1916, Governor Francisco J. Múgica decreed the name should be just Villahermosa. He insisted the name be written as one word.

The city's history was marked by frequent pirate attacks. These attacks often forced the authorities to move or build defenses. In 1596, the Mayor of Tabasco ordered the construction of a Royal Warehouse. This was meant to protect the population and safeguard trade flows. In 1619, the provincial powers moved to San Juan Bautista. However, the city was still vulnerable. In 1677, privateers attacked the capital. This forced authorities to move the capital to Tacotalpa for 118 years.

Villahermosa Monumento a Sánchez Magallanes 1
Villahermosa Monumento a Sánchez Magallanes 1

In 1711, English pirates attacked again. They burned the Royal Warehouse and many houses. The defenders had to take refuge in the Fortín de la Encarnación. These struggles shaped the early development of the region.

Natural resources drive much of the modern economy in Villahermosa. The land is rich with products like cacao, sugarcane, and bananas. It also produces tobacco, rice, and various hardwoods. These resources attract many domestic investors.

Villahermosa Yumka 1
Villahermosa Yumka 1

Additionally, the city is known as the "Energy City of Mexico." It is a major hub for oil and gas operations in Southern Mexico. The Ogarrio oil field is located just 107 km west of the city. This field is a significant source of hydrocarbon production.

Villahermosa. Pirámide de Pemex
Villahermosa. Pirámide de Pemex

This energy sector is a core part of the city's modern identity.

Today, Villahermosa is a large, modern metropolitan area. According to 2021 data, it has 913,606 inhabitants. The area has a growth rate of 1.69%. The city is a major center for shopping and finance. Large retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Soriana operate there. National banks such as Santander Mexico and Banamex serve the population.

Villahermosa Centro histórico 2
Villahermosa Centro histórico 2

Visitors can also explore cultural sites. The Museo de Antropología Carlos Pellicer is a notable location.

M antropologia pellicer
M antropologia pellicer

The city's identity is a blend of its deep colonial roots and its role in the modern energy industry.

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🖼️ Images & Media (18)
File:Carretera federal 180.svg
Carretera federal 180.svg
File:Carretera federal 186.svg
Carretera federal 186.svg
File:Carretera federal 195.svg
Carretera federal 195.svg
File:Villahermosa. Pirámide de Pemex.jpg
Villahermosa. Pirámide de Pemex.jpg
File:M antropologia pellicer.jpg
M antropologia pellicer.jpg
File:Villahermosa.Plaza de Armas1.JPG
Villahermosa.Plaza de Armas1.JPG
File:Portrait of Philip II of Spain by Sofonisba Anguissola - 002b.jpg
Portrait of Philip II of Spain by...
File:Villahermosa iglesia de la Concepción.jpg
Villahermosa iglesia de la Concepción.jpg
File:Villahermosa Monumento a Sánchez Magallanes 1.jpg
Villahermosa Monumento a Sánchez Magallanes 1.jpg
File:Olmeca head in Villahermosa.jpg
Olmeca head in Villahermosa.jpg
File:Villahermosa Centro histórico 2.jpg
Villahermosa Centro histórico 2.jpg
File:Torre empresarial Villahermosa.jpg
Torre empresarial Villahermosa.jpg

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