Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas is a state in northeastern Mexico. It is bordered to the north by the United States (Texas), to the west by Nuevo León, to the southwest by San Luis Potosí, to the south by Veracruz, and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico. The state capital is Ciudad Victoria. Other major urban centers include Reynosa, Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo, and Tampico.

Geography and climate: The region comprises a Gulf coastal plain and the western Sierra Madre Oriental; climate ranges from arid in the north to humid subtropical near the Gulf. The coast includes ports and estuaries, and the interior features rolling hills and river valleys.

History: The region has been inhabited by indigenous groups, including the Huastec. Spanish colonization began in the 16th century. Tamaulipas became a state of Mexico in the early republican period (1824). The border cities evolved as trade hubs with the United States, and the state has long been important for agriculture, oil, and manufacturing.

Economy: The economy is diversified and centered on cross-border trade, manufacturing in maquiladora facilities, energy production from Gulf facilities, and agriculture (citrus, sugarcane, livestock). Port cities along the Gulf support shipping and petrochemical industries, while fishing remains important in the coastal zones.

Demographics and governance: Tamaulipas contains 43 municipalities and is governed by an elected state government. Like many border states, it has experienced security challenges related to organized crime in some areas, with conditions varying by locality.

Culture and landscape: The state hosts a mix of northern Mexican and border influences, reflected in its cuisine, music, and festivals. The Gulf coastline features beaches and wetlands, and protected areas conserve coastal ecosystems.