Laredo

Laredo is a city in Webb County, Texas, United States, located on the north bank of the Rio Grande across from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. It is the county seat and the largest city in the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo metropolitan area. The population was about 255,000 at the 2020 census. The city serves as a major international trade gateway, hosting one of the busiest land ports of entry along the U.S.–Mexico border, connecting Interstate 35 to Mexican Federal Highway 85. The economy emphasizes logistics, distribution, manufacturing, and cross-border services, with many jobs tied to border processing facilities and retail.

Laredo was founded in the 18th century during the colonization of Nuevo Santander and is generally believed to be named after Laredo, Cantabria, Spain. The city developed as a trading point between settlements along the Rio Grande and grew into a regional hub for commerce and transportation. It is part of a binational community with strong Mexican cultural influences reflected in language, cuisine, and daily life.

Geography and climate: Laredo has a hot semi-arid climate, characterized by long, hot summers and mild winters. The city is served by the Laredo International Airport and is intertwined with highway and rail networks that support cross-border traffic and commerce. Educational institutions include Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) and Laredo College, which contribute to local culture and workforce development.

Other uses: The name Laredo also refers to a town on the Cantabrian coast of Spain, in Cantabria, and to other smaller communities.

---