WHAT ARE THE SOCIAL COMPONENTS OF ZACATECAS? - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The social components of Zacatecas stem from its great historical and cultural heritage, which has been maintained until today. There are several events of great importance in Mexican history that occurred in this state, such as the Battle of Zacatecas and the subsequent creation of the state of Aguascalientes.

Zacatecas is characterized by its imposing old town where colonial, Gothic and Baroque architecture stand out.

This city can be classified as a state with low population and population density (it is the eighth least populated state).

Its main economic activity is mining, a fact that also affects other demographic areas such as migration and urban settlements.

Zacatecas and its most important social components

Zacatecas is a region with a great mining tradition that dates back centuries. During several times there have been strong migrations directly related to this activity in what was known as the gold rush or mining rush.

Similarly, when mining under its extraction flow, many of the inhabitants went to other states in search of work.

The main minerals extracted in Zacatecas are silver, gold, copper, mercury and iron. Today, Mexico is the most important silver producer in the world.

Demographic data

With just over 1,700,000 inhabitants, Zacatecas is among the states with the least population in Mexico, representing just 1.5% of the national total.

Its population density is also one of the lowest in the country, with just 22 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Given the high percentage of people who make a living from mining, up to 41% of the population is located in rural areas, practically twice the Mexican average (22%).

The population growth rate of Zacatecas during the last decade was 1.3%.

History

In Zacatecas there have been several revolutions and battles that have marked its history, as well as that of Mexico.

It highlights a military confrontation known as the Battle of Zacatecas, where forces led by Pancho Villa fought against President Victoriano Huerta on their way to Mexico City.

Culture

In the state capital, also called Zacatecas, the historic center is located, which is declared a cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO.

It houses in its streets a large number of buildings dating from colonial times, such as basilicas, theaters, aqueducts, hotels and markets. Architecture is one of the great tourist attractions of the city and the state.

The city of Zacatecas has many museums where pieces of national art related to various Mexican festivities are exhibited, such as the revolution and the day of the dead.

Economic activities

The main economic activity in Zacatecas is mining, which has been practiced since the mid-1500s.

Other relevant activities are agriculture, livestock and fishing. Corn, beans and chili are the agricultural elements that monopolize production.

Currently, more than 5 million hectares are dedicated to cattle ranching, which has been in great growth since 2000.

The most important types are cattle, pigs and goats. Other secondary activities are manufacturing, especially in the food sector.

References

1. Zacatecas population (sf). Retrieved on November 26, 2017, from INEGI.
2. Zacatecas. Cultural and tourist attractions (nd). Retrieved on November 26, 2017, from INAFED.
3. Zacatecas (March 2011). Retrieved on November 26, 2017, from the Ministry of Economy.
4. Culture of Zacatecas (sf). Retrieved on November 26, 2017, from Exploring México.
5. 5. Battle of Zacatecas (August 26, 2016). Retrieved on November 26, 2017, from Travel by Mexico.