THE 7 MOST IMPORTANT NATURAL RESOURCES OF VERACRUZ - GEOGRAPHY - 2025

The natural resources of Veracruz are numerous: hydrocarbons (has about half of the oil reserves of the nation), forest (among which tropical forests) and water (with more than 40 rivers and tributaries).

Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave (official name) is located in the center-east of the Mexican Republic. It has a total of 210 municipalities and its capital is Xalapa Enríquez. Its border areas are Tamaulipas to the north, Gulf of Mexico to the east, Tabasco and Chiapas to the southeast, Oaxaca to the southwest, and Puebla, Hidalgo and San Luis Potosí to the west.

Veracruz is shaped like a half moon and is known for its extremely diverse topography. It includes both coastal plains and very highlands. In fact, the highest peak in the state is also the highest mountain in Mexico: Pico de Orizaba.

The most important natural resources of Veracruz

1- Oil and gas resources

Oil is one of the main natural resources of Veracruz. This state has almost half of Mexico's oil reserves.

They are located both on land and on the coast. Its refineries process 80% of the Aztec nation's petrochemicals.

On the other hand, the state also has large deposits of natural gas.

2- Forest resources

One of the most significant natural resources of Veracruz is its forest land. These include tropical evergreen forests.

Unfortunately, many of the forest lands have been destroyed due to industry. However, there are more than thirty protected areas where native botanical species can thrive.

The most common species are cedar, mahogany, and kapok. In addition, in the coastal regions there are palm trees and mangroves.

3- Water resources

This entity is rich in river resources. There are more than 40 rivers and tributaries that provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric power. These flow from the mountains to the valleys, into the Gulf of Mexico.

Some of the most important are Actopan, Pánuco, Canzones, Jamapa, Tuxpan, Acuatempan, Tecolutla, Papaloapan, Blanco, Nautla, Coatzacoalcos, Tonalá and the Antigua river. Many of these are essential to the state's commerce and industry.

4- Mineral resources

The mineral reserves of this entity are especially non-metallic. They include silica sand, marble, quartz, limestone, opal, sulfur, kaolin, tin, iron, and amethyst quartz.

Metals (gold, silver, lead and zinc) are found mainly in the region of Los Tuxtlas.

5- Soils

Veracruz soils are very fertile; therefore, its agricultural potential is immense. The main agricultural products are corn and beans, but coffee, vanilla, sugar cane, tobacco, bananas, coconuts and various types of vegetables are also grown.

Similarly, Veracruz is characterized by being one of the largest producers of beef cattle in the country. Pigs, goats and sheep are also raised.

6- Fishing resources

This region is abundant in fishery resources such as tuna, sawfish, oysters, clams, mullet, shrimp, snook and tarpon.

7- Fauna and flora

There are many wild animals that make life in Veracruz. Some of these are wild boars, coyotes, ocelots, spider monkeys, and pumas, which live in various parts of the state.

Birds such as toucans, owls, and woodpeckers are also found. In the coastal regions live iguanas and manatees. Finally, the Tuxtlas region is home to crocodiles.

With respect to the flora, the vanilla beans that are harvested from an orchid-like plant called tlixochitl, in the city of Papantla, stand out.

References

1. Veracruz. (2014, October 23). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved on September 22, 2017, from britannica.com
2. Veracruz. (s / f). In Go Gringo. Retrieved on September 22, 2017, degogringo.com
3. Veracruz. (s / f). In Nations Encyclopedia. Retrieved on September 22, 2017 from nationsencyclopedia.com
4. Veracruz. (s / f). In Encyclopedia of the municipalities and delegations of Mexico. Retrieved on September 22, 2017, from siglo.inafed.gob.mx
5. García, JJ (2016, February 17). In Veracruz, 48% of the country's oil and gas reserves. In Quadratín Veracruz. Retrieved on September 22, 2017, from veracruz.quadratin.com.mx