The State of Mexico, or Estado de México in Spanish, is one of the 32 federal entities of the United Mexican States and among the most populous and complex in the country.

Located in the heart of the central Mexican plateau, it almost entirely surrounds the Federal District (now Mexico City) without being part of it. This immediate proximity makes it a strategic area — highly urbanized in its central-southern zone, yet rich in natural, cultural, and historical diversity throughout the rest of its territory.

With over 17 million residents, the State of Mexico is the most populous in the country and one of the most densely populated in Latin America. Together with Mexico City and nearby entities, it forms the massive Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico, one of the world’s largest megacities.

Its capital is Toluca de Lerdo, often shortened to Toluca. Sitting at an altitude of around 2,660 meters, it’s one of the highest cities on the continent. The city blends a remarkable colonial past with major industrial activity and serves as a key economic, administrative, and cultural hub. Its historic center boasts impressive landmarks such as Toluca Cathedral, the Cosmovitral (a botanical garden surrounded by monumental stained glass), and several museums dedicated to art, history, and Mexican traditions.

The territory of the State of Mexico is geographically diverse, stretching from the urbanized plains west of the capital to the towering mountains and volcanoes of the Sierra Nevada. It includes part of the Nevado de Toluca National Park, dominated by the extinct volcano of the same name, peaking at 4,680 meters. This volcano is famous for its caldera that contains two glacial lakes amidst a spectacular, lunar-like landscape — a favorite among hikers, climbers, and photographers.

To the east, the state touches the slopes of Popocatépetl, one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, and Iztaccíhuatl, often called “the Sleeping Woman” due to its silhouette resembling a reclining female figure. These iconic peaks are deeply rooted in Mexican culture and tied to numerous pre-Hispanic legends.

The State of Mexico also hosts one of Mexico’s most emblematic archaeological sites: Teotihuacán. Located northeast of the capital, this ancient pre-Columbian city, founded long before the rise of the Aztecs, captivates visitors with its monumental pyramids — the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcóatl). Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts millions of tourists each year.

The state's economy is built on multiple pillars: industry, particularly in the automotive, agri-food, chemical, and metalworking sectors; agriculture, still present in rural areas with crops such as corn, beans, and flowers (notably in Tenancingo); and commerce and services, which thrive in the urban zones interconnected with the capital.

It also boasts an extensive transport network: highways, bus lines, subways, suburban trains, and soon an intercity train linking Toluca to Mexico City. This connectivity is crucial for serving a highly mobile and commuting population.

Culturally, the State of Mexico is a crossroads of traditions. Every town and village has its own unique festivals, dances, dishes, and beliefs rooted in pre-Hispanic heritage and colonial history. Celebrations like the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holy Week, and the Day of the Dead are particularly vibrant here.

Its gastronomy also reflects this diversity: from traditional dishes like chile en nogada, tamales, and tacos al pastor, to sweet treats like pan de muerto, and local drinks made with corn and cacao — the culinary richness mirrors the cultural variety of its people.

However, the State of Mexico is also marked by social contrasts: while some residential areas are modern and well-equipped, others — often farther from economic hubs — struggle with a lack of infrastructure, employment, and security.

Thus, the State of Mexico embodies both the major contemporary challenges of the country — rapid urbanization, environmental pressure, economic disparities — and a fascinating concentration of history, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural heritage.

From ancient pyramids to snow-capped volcanoes, from centuries-old traditions to bustling highways, it reflects a Mexico that is diverse, dynamic, deeply rooted, and constantly evolving.