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Morelos Facts

Morelos Facts
Morels is a small state located in south-central Mexico. It ranks thirtieth out of thirty-one states in total size, comprising just 1,884 square miles, but is the second most densely populated state. It is twenty-third in total population with more than 1,900,000 people, who all primarily live in and around the capital and largest city, Cuernavaca. Despite its small size, Morelos is one of the most important Mexican states historically. The ancient site of Xochicalco played a role in the Toltec and Aztec empires and in modern history Morelos was the location of revolutionary activity during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). After the Revolution, Morelos became one of the strongpoints of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which although now out of national power is still strong and popular in the state.
Interesting Morelos Facts:
The northern part of Morelos borders the Federal District of Mexico City, making it part of the Mexico City metro area.
Morelos has a generally warm climate, with the overwhelming majority of the state being in hot and semi-humid climate zones.
The average temperature of Morelos is 72°F
Perhaps the most famous native of Morelos was Mexican Revolution leader Emiliano Zapata (1879-1919). Zapata was born in the town of Anencuilco and died fighting in the town of Chinameca, Morelos.
Although the economy was once primarily driven by agriculture, the majority of the state's GDP is now derived from the service industry and light manufacturing.
Due to its close location to Mexico City and its small size, Morelos has benefited from infrastructure programs. Mexican Highway 95 runs from Mexico City to Acapulco, Guerrero going through Morelos in between. The highway is a limited access tollway through Morelos.
The capital city of Cuernavaca is connected to Mexico City via Highway 95. It is about a ninety minute drive on most days.
Morelos became the twenty-seventh state in the United Mexican States on April 17, 1869. The region of Morelos was part of the state of Mexico until the French were expelled in 1867.
The city of Cuernavaca played an important role in the expulsion of the French. It was the last place held by Maximillian until Napoleon III order the withdrawal of all French troops from Mexico in January 1867.
Although Morelos has a higher standard of living than most Mexican states, crime has been a problem from time to time. During the late 1990s and early 2000s well-organized kidnapping rings preyed upon wealthy citizens in Cuernavaca.
Nearly half of Morelos is mountainous and much of it is forested. The highest point in the state is 18,000 and it has mountains that are snow covered year round.
Cuernavaca's airport is relatively small and only offers domestic flights, but since the city is so close to Mexico City it is part of the Mexico City Metropolitan Airport Group.
The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt runs through the northern part of the state, while the Sierra Madre del Sur runs southwest through the southern portion of the state.


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