Tabasco is located in the southeast of Mexico. The state sits on the northern half of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a strip of land that separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Pacific Ocean. Tabasco is bordered by the Mexican states of Veracruz, Chiapas and Campeche. Tabasco also shares part of its southeastern border with the Guatemalan department of Peten. The state capital of Tabasco is the city of Villahermosa.
The Tabasco region was formerly inhabited by the ancient Olmec civilization. The Olmec culture developed in approximately 1500 B.C. and reached its height in 800 B.C. After the decline of the Olmecs, the Mayan civilization took control of the region. The Mayans thrived in the area until approximately 900 A.D., at which time the civilization began its slow decline. Spanish settlers reached Mexico in the early 1500s, soon taking control of the area. Spanish rule lasted until 1824, by which time both Mexico and Tabasco had fought for and won their independence.
With the exception of the hilly peaks of the Chiapas region, Tabasco is largely a flat tropical plain. Many rivers, lagoons and swamps can be found in the area. The two largest rivers are the Grijalva (named after a Spanish Conquistador) and the Usumacinta. Tabasco is often subject to flooding in the rainy season, sometimes with disastrous consequences. The region’s tropical climate is marked by high annual rainfall and high temperatures.
The industrial and commercial activities of Tabasco revolve primarily around agriculture. Tropical agriculture is the traditional mainstay of the region; bananas, sugarcane, tropical fruits, cacao, rice, maize and hardwoods are all grown for both export and domestic use. Cattle-raising has also become a major part of the state’s economy. Oil fields were discovered along the coast of Tabasco but, despite having contributed greatly to the state’s economy, these fields are now in decline.
The state of Tabasco is home to a variety of impressive historical sites. The most notable Olmec ruin is that of La Venta, once an important ceremonial center. Comalcalco, meanwhile, is the state’s best known Mayan ceremonial center. Many visitors to Tabasco choose to stay in the state capital, Villahermosa. The city is itself a tourist attraction, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful parks. Tabasco’s biggest natural draw is the Agua Selva nature reserve with its waterfalls and rock climbing opportunities.
