- Number of inhabitants
- How did the population emerge in Yucatán?
- Demography
- Socioeconomic situation
- References
The Yucatán population lives in an area of 39 612 km 2. The capital of the state is Mérida. This state is home to the highest proportion of speakers of indigenous languages in all of Mexico.
Most of its inhabitants speak Spanish as their mother tongue, although a large percentage of them, 37%, speak native indigenous languages.
Number of inhabitants
Yucatán had a great population growth starting in the 1960s. According to estimated data from 2015, its population amounts to 2 097 175 inhabitants.
The most populated cities in the state of Yucatán are the following:
- Mérida, with 827,000 inhabitants.
- Kanasín, 95,400 inhabitants.
- Valladolid, with 51 700 inhabitants.
- Tizimín, with 49,600 inhabitants.
- Umán, with 41,300 inhabitants.
How did the population emerge in Yucatán?
The Mayans migrated to Yucatán in 2500 BC This was one of the most advanced indigenous civilizations on the continent.
First they created ceremonial centers or cities in the current state of Quintana Roo. Later, between the years 300 and 900, they built cities in Yucatán. The most important are Chichen Itzá and Uxmal.
Around the year 987, the Toltec people arrived in the region, deeply influencing the Mayan culture.
During the 12th century the Mayans dominated the region, but in the 13th century most of the cities were abandoned. The disappearance of this great civilization remains a mystery.
In the year 1517 the Spanish conqueror Francisco Hernández de Córdova arrived in the peninsula that he called Yucatán.
Diseases brought by Europeans decimated the population, which fell from about 5 million in 1500 to 3.5 million a century later.
There were numerous revolts of natives in times of colonization. It is for this reason that the natives of Yucatán have a reputation for being fierce warriors and difficult to conquer.
In conclusion, the population of Yucatán has Mayan, Toltec and European origins, mainly Spanish.
Demography
It is the state that has the largest amount of indigenous population in the country. Despite the economic backwardness suffered by many counties in the state of Yucatán, life expectancy is 74.6 years and 90% of the population is literate.
According to data extracted from the website of the government of the state of Yucatán, 85% of the population is Catholic.
Despite this, the Mayan religion and the veneration of ancient deities keep the tradition of the past alive.
Some beliefs are associated with agriculture. The rain gods and festivals stand out to honor the seasons and benefactor spirits.
Socioeconomic situation
Due to their geographic isolation, the Yucatecans preserve many ancestral traditions. Most of the current Maya are farmers, just like their ancestors.
The quality of life in Yucatan stands out, favored by the good climate, geography and culture. Despite that, the pay workers receive per hour of work is one of the lowest in the country.
There are numerous economic activities, in addition to agriculture and livestock. The main activity is developed in services related to tourism.
Then follows the manufacture of textiles and clothing, furniture, and other goods. Lastly, there are financial and insurance activities, as well as transport and communication activities, and mining.
References
- Editor. (2015). Mexico: Yucatan. 11/01/2017, from City Population Website: citypopulation.de
- Editor. (2017). Yucatan. 11/01/2017, from History Website: history.com
- Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. (2016). Yucatan. 11/01/2017, from Encyclopædia Britannica Website: britannica.com
- Editor. (2015). Yucatan. 11/01/2017, from Nations Encyclopedia Website: nationsencyclopedia.com
- State of Yucatan. yucatan.gob.mx (accessed on Nov 1st, 2017).