San Luis Potosí

This article is about the Mexican state. For that state's capital city, see San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí. For the Bolivian city, see Potosí. For the soccer team, see San Luis FC.

San Luis Potosí
—  State  —
Estado Libre y Soberano de San Luis Potosí
Flag Seal
State of San Luis Potosí within Mexico
Coordinates: 22°36′12″N 100°25′47″W
Country	Mexico
Capital	San Luis Potosí
Largest City	San Luis Potosí
Municipalities	58
Admission	December 22, 1823
Order	6th
Government
• Governor	Fernando Toranzo
• Senators	José Alejandro Zapata Eugenio Govea Arcos Carlos Jiménez Macías
• Deputies	Federal Deputies • Sabino Bautista • Delia Guerrero • Enrique Rosas • Juan Pablo Escobar • Sergio Gama Dufour • Sonia Mendoza Díaz • César Pedroza Gaitán • Wendy Rodríguez Galarza • Javier Salazar Sáenz • Enrique Trejo Azuara • Domingo Rodríguez
Area
• Total	61,137 km2 (23,605 sq mi)
	Ranked 15th
Highest elevation	3,180 m (10,430 ft)
Population (2012)
• Total	2,638,693
• Rank	19th
• Density	Bad rounding here43/km2 (Bad rounding here110/sq mi)
• Density rank	20th
Demonym	Potosino (a)
Time zone	CST (UTC−6)
• Summer (DST)	CDT (UTC−5)
Postal code	78-79
Area code	Area codes 1 and 2 • 444 • 458 • 481 • 482 • 483 • 485 • 486 • 487 • 488 • 489 • 496 • 845
ISO 3166 code	MX-SLP
HDI	0.7144 high Ranked 23rd
GDP	US$ 22,825,212.99 th
Website	Official Web Site
^ a. The state's GDP was $281,040,000 thousand of pesos in 2012, amount corresponding to $22,825,212.99 thousand of dollars, being a dollar worth 12.32 pesos (value of May 21, 2012).

San Luis Potosí (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈsan ˈlwis potoˈsi]), officially Free and Sovereign State of San Luis Potosí (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de San Luis Potosí, literally: St. Louis Potosi), is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 58 municipalities and its capital city is San Luis Potosí.

It is located in North-Central Mexico. It is bordered by the states of Nuevo León and Tamaulipas to the northeast, Veracruz to the east, Hidalgo, Querétaro, and Guanajuato to the south and Zacatecas to the northwest.

In addition to the capital city, the state's largest cities include Ciudad Valles, Matehuala, Rioverde, and Cerritos.

History

In pre-Columbian times the territory now occupied by the state of San Luis Potosi contained the cultural areas of Mesoamerica and Aridoamérica. Its northern and western-central areas were inhabited by the Otomi and Chichimeca tribes, which were many indigenous groups that roamed the land. These were hunters and gatherers which lived without fixed locations. Although most natives died during the Spanish settlements, huasteco groups still live, along with pame and náhuatl although their numbers are significantly small.

In 1592, gold and silver deposits were discovered which triggered the establishment of the state. Spanish miners established the first town known as “San Luis de Mezquitique”, modern location of the capital San Luis Potosi. This lead to the first mayor being appointed, Juan de Oñate.

The State was given the name "San Luis Rey", King Saint Louis, in honor of Louis IX of France, and "Potosi" because the wealth of the state compared to the rich silver mines in Potosí, Bolivia. Settlers hoped of rivaling the Bolivian mine wealth, but this was never truly accomplished. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Franciscans, Augustinians, and Jesuits arrived to the area and settled, then began to build churches and buildings, many of which are still standing and have been turned into museums and universities.

In mid-1821, after the Independence of Mexico, General Jose Antonio Echavarri intimidated and threatened the Mayor and the City Council to surrender the city of San Luis to the Army of the Three Guarantees of Iturbide (Ejercito de las Tres Garantias de Iturbide), who at the time, was emperor of Mexico. They submitted to his demand, as there was no way to resist, and thus proclamation of Independence of San Luis Potosi was declared. The first Constitution of San Luis Potosi was then written on October 16, 1826, and this was in effect until 1835 when Congress proclaimed it centralist. At this point, local legislatures disappeared and state governors were appointed by the central government. This situation lasted until the promulgation of the 1857 Constitution.

The state participation in the American Invasion in the years of 1846-1847 gave it the name "San Luis de la Patria", Saint Louis of the Motherland, for haven contributed important leaders and ideas during the struggle with the United States. During the Reform War, state involvement was very prominent, and during the French Intervention in 1863, the city of San Luis Potosi became the capital of the country under the order of President Benito Juárez.

During the regime of Maximilian, San Luis was to become an important location. The city was held by the Imperialists until late 1866. In that year the telegraph line was opened between San Luis Potosi and Mexico City, which opened up communication lines and helped begin the industrialization of the state.

Geography

The state lies mostly on the Mexican Plateau, with the exception of the eastern part of the state, where the tableland breaks down into the tropical valley of the Tampaon River (which continues flowing northwestward until it becomes the Panuco River, which divides San luis Potosí from the north-eastern state of Tamaulipas. The surface of the plateau is comparatively level, with some low mountainous wooded ridges. The Sierra Madre Oriental runs north and south through the state, and separates the Mexican Plateau from the Gulf Coastal Plain to the east. The Sierra Madre Oriental is home to the Sierra Madre Oriental pine-oak forests. The easternmost portion of the state lies on the Gulf Coastal Plain, and covered by the Veracruz moist forests. The eastern part is included in the region commonly referred to as "La Huasteca".

The Tampaón river and its tributaries drain the southern and southeastern portion of the state. The northern and central portion of the state, including the capital, lie on an interior drainage basin which does not drain to the sea.

The mean elevation is about 6,000 ft., ensuring a temperate climate similar to that of Western Europe, Eastern United States, and Western Canada.. The state lies partly within the arid zone of the north, while the southern half receiving a more liberal rainfall through the influence of the Nortes, which deliver significant amounts of rain. The rainfall, however, is uncertain at the western and northern regions, and much of the state does not have major rivers. The soil is fertile and in favorable seasons large crops of wheat, maize, beans and cotton are grown on the uplands. In the low tropical valleys, sugar, coffee, tobacco, peppers and fruit are staple products. Stockraising is an important industry and hides, tallow and wool are exported. Fine cabinet and construction woods are also made and exported to a limited extent.

Potosi (in Bolivia) was ´believed´ to have enough gold to build a bridge between Potosi and Spain, up on the finding of golden mines in San Luis Potosí, it was then compared to Potosi province in Bolivia and therefore named after it.

At one time San Luis Potosí ranked among the leading mining provinces of Mexico, but the revolts following independence resulted in a great decline in that industry. The area around Real de Catorce has some of the richest silver mines in the country. Other well-known silver mining districts are Peñón Blanco, Ramos and Guadalcázar. The development of Guadalcazar dates from 1620 and its ores yield gold, copper, zinc and bismuth, as well as silver. In the Ramos district, the Cocinera lode was said to have a total yield of over $60,000,000 in the first decade of the 20th century.

Environmental Issues

Mining

Currently one of the mountains, Wirikuta, within the state's declared National Sacred Site is being purchased for silver mining by a Canadian company, “First Majestic Silver Corp”. The mountain is an important site for the Huichol ceremonial migration, Peyote hunt, and deer dance. On October 27, 2000 United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) claimed this site as a protected area for its importance as a cultural route and endemic flora and fauna species. Later on June 9, 2001 it was declared as a National Sacred Site under the State of San Luis Potosí's Natural Protection act. Canada's First Majestic Silver Corp still decided to purchase mineral rights on November 13, 2009 with 80% of their interest within the protected land. The company's current methods includes open pit mining and lixivation through cyanide, using two kilograms of NaCN per tonne of ore. While open pit mining itself removes entire habitats and landscapes, the addition of sodium cyanide, NaCN, is a lethal method requiring only 0.2 grams to kill a person. In April, 2010 the company also opened a new cyanidation plant in Coahila, Mexico where it has started producing 3500 tons of cyanide a day to help them expand their mining efforts. Currently the Huicholes are trying to find outside groups to help them in the conservation of their land and culture by protecting this mountain.

Municipalities

Main article: Municipalities of San Luis Potosí

The State of San Luis Potosí is divided into 58 municipalities (Spanish: municipios), each headed by a municipal president (mayor). These are similar in function to counties.

Major communities

• Ciudad Valles
• Matehuala
• Rioverde
• San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí
• Soledad de Graciano Sanchez
• Tamazunchale
• Villa De Pozos
• Taquian de Escobedo

Governors

Main article: Governor of San Luis Potosí

The current governor is Fernando Toranzo (2009–2015) of the PRI party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional)

Economy

The State has a unique position within the country, since it is located in between three major cities; Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, and near four major ports; Tampico, Altamira, Manzanillo, and Mazatlan. Its varied climate patterns and territory along with extensive communications networks enabled it to maintain attractive business environments.

Traditionally, the Real de Minas potosino has driven the industrial engines in the state of San Luis Potosí, and as such, nowadays basic metallurgy still has the largest contribution within the Gross Domestic Product of the entity. The main metals and products extracted across mines are zinc, copper, lead, gold, silver, mercury, manganese, and arsenic. Other major industries following the mining lead are in the sectors of chemicals, foods, beverages, tobacco, and textiles.

The services sector, also known as tertiary, is second regarding contribution to the state's income with a 21%, followed by commerce, hotels and restaurants with 18%. These combined activities employ 51% of the economically active population or EAP.

Agriculture has been a traditional activity, sometimes still practiced in the Huasteca region. Currently, even if it contributes very little to the state GDP, it nevertheless employs as much as 20% of the EAP of the entity. The main agricultural products grown on Potosí soil are maize, beans, barley, sugar cane, oranges, coffee, sour lemon, prickly pear, and mango. Livestock activities are focused on raising sheep, cattle, and pigs.

The state is also a contributor to the large automotive industry of Mexico. General Motors now has a plant under construction, San Luis Potosí Assembly, to employ up to 1800 which will have the capacity to produce up to 160,000 vehicles per year, or about 440 cars per day.

Cummins Inc. has also had a manufacturing presence in San Luis Potosí since 1980 and employs nearly 2000 people there.

ABB multinational in Mexico moved its headquarters from Mexico City to San Luis Potosí in 2007.

Throughout the state, major industrial parks can be seen, especially in highly urbanized areas such as the capital, San Luis Potosi, and other major cities.

The minimum hourly wage in the state is 61.38 pesos, or $5.07 USD as of 2013, making the average annual salary $14,763.84 USD. This salary is slightly lower than the national average of roughly $15,700. However, there is a tendency that Urban workers, which account for 65% of the population of the state, to earn more than rural workers. The average salary for urban workers in Mexico is that of $26,650 while the salary of rural workers is that of $8,500.

Demographics

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±%
1895	571,420	—
1900	575,432	+0.7%
1910	627,800	+9.1%
1921	445,681	−29.0%
1930	579,831	+30.1%
1940	678,779	+17.1%
1950	856,066	+26.1%
1960	1,048,297	+22.5%
1970	1,281,996	+22.3%
1980	1,673,893	+30.6%
1990	2,003,187	+19.7%
1995	2,200,763	+9.9%
2000	2,299,360	+4.5%
2005	2,410,414	+4.8%
2010	2,585,518	+7.3%
2013	2,678,231	+3.6%

The state of San Luis Potosí reports a population of about 2,678,231 people, according to the latest projection which took place in the year 2013. Population growth rate from 2010, the last official census, to 2013 was about 3.6%.

The state's population is relatively young, 60% of its residents being under 30 years of age. The state reports a life expectancy rate similar to the national average, that is, 72 years for men, and 77 years of age for women.

Regarding cultural and ethnic diversity, 11% of the state population is indigenous, and the most representative language is that of the Nahuatl, followed by the Huasteco. The native people of the state are among the tallest in Mexico and include the Huastecs and Pame people.

Concerning immigrants, there is also a significant population of descendants of Italian immigrants, especially in cities such as Rio Verde and Cerritos. During the Spanish Civil War and during other instabilities in Spain, there has been an influx of Spanish immigrants through Veracruz into the state. Nonetheless, due to its relative isolation, the state is one of the nine entities in Mexico which report high rates of migration into the United States.

Education

The average schooling rate for those over 15 years of age lies at 7.7 years of education, considerably lower than the 8.1 found nationally. The same portion of those older than the age of 15 yield a 28% dropout rate of primary school. Children under the age of 14 years have a 4% dropout rate of school. The literacy rate is about 90.8%, most of the illiterate being the older generation. There is only one major university in the state, despite there being other minor schools throughout. This institution of higher education is the following:

• Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP)

Transportation

Ponciano Arriaga International Airport serves the capital of San Luis Potosí (named the same). Other cities such as Matehuala and Rio Verde also have airports but are relatively small. Besides airports, the state has an extensive road network, like the rest of the country. Most of the roads are paved in urban areas and high ways, small towns however, have cobblestone streets.

Notable people and residents

Arts and sciences

• Julián Carrillo Trujillo - Discovered the Thirteenth Sound
• Francisco González Bocanegra - Author of the Mexican National Anthem
• Manuel Jose Othón - Poet

Politics

• Ponciano Arriaga
• Miguel Barragán - President of Mexico
• Carlos Jonguitud Barrios
• Luis Ernesto Derbez
• Alfonso Lastras Ramirez
• Salvador Nava Martínez
• Francisco Xavier Salazar Saenz

Sports

• Jorge Goeters, NASCAR driver
• Nery Castillo, professional football (soccer) player. He was born in San Luis Potosí and moved out when he was 3 months old)
• Mil Máscaras (Thousand Masks), professional wrestler
• Alberto Del Rio, current WWE wrestler

Journalism

• Jesús Blancornelas, a prize-winning journalist

References

• Ricketts, Taylor H., Eric Dinerstein, David M. Olson, Colby J. Loucks, et al. (1999). Terrestrial Ecoregions of North America: a Conservation Assessment. Island Press, Washington, D.C..

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. 

External links

• (Spanish) San Luis Potosí state government
• Events and entertainment in San Luis Potosí
• Churches of San Luis Potosí
• Tourism in San Luis Potosí
• Administration of Justice