Chiapas

Chiapas is the southernmost state of Mexico, located in the country’s southeast. It borders Guatemala to the south, Oaxaca to the west, and Veracruz and Tabasco to the north, with a Pacific coastline to the south. The terrain is diverse, ranging from the Sierra Madre de Chiapas and cool highlands to the tropical Lacandon Jungle. The Grijalva River and its tributaries shape the landscape, and Sumidero Canyon is a notable canyon along the river.

Chiapas's capital is Tuxtla Gutiérrez; other major cities include San Cristóbal de las Casas and Tapachula. The state has a large Indigenous population, with languages such as Tzotzil, Tzeltal, Chol, and Tojolabal spoken in many communities. It contains Maya archaeological sites, notably Palenque, and numerous colonial towns. Chiapas is divided into 125 municipalities.

Economic activity is based on agriculture—especially coffee, maize, and beans—along with cattle ranching, forestry, and growing tourism. Despite resources and heritage, Chiapas remains relatively poor with rural disparities. The 1994 Zapatista uprising drew international attention to Indigenous rights and regional politics.

Protected areas include Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve and Lagunas de Montebello National Park, reflecting the state’s biodiversity in cloud forests and tropical habitats. Popular destinations include Palenque, Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls, Lacandon Jungle, and Sumidero Canyon. The region also plays a role in cross-border trade with Guatemala and hosts diverse cultural traditions.