Province of Mejico

The Province of Mejico (Spanish: Provincia de Méjico) is one of the 47 provinces which, along with Mejico City, comprise the Mejican Empire. With a total population of 20.9 million people, it is the most populous province in the Empire. The overwhelming majority of the population lives in urban areas, with over 85% living in urban centers. It is by far the most densely populated province, with a density of 938.4 inhabitants per km2. It is bordered by the provinces of Michoacán to the west, Querétaro and Pachuca to the north, Tlaxcala and Puebla to the east, and Mejico City, Cuernavaca, and Chilpancingo to the south. Approximately half of the population identifies as Castizo, with Mestizo and Criollos representing the second and third largest groups. Mejico covers an area of 22,351 km2, making it the 8th smallest province in the Empire, and is divided into 125 municipalities. Its capital city is San José de Toluca, located 65 km away from the Imperial capital.

The Province of Mejico exhibits a diverse range of geographic features and climate zones. The northern part of the province is characterized by highlands and mountainous terrain, the volcanoes of the Valley of Mejico. Here, one can find picturesque valleys and fertile plains suitable for agriculture. As one moves towards the central and southern regions, the landscape trasitions into the Central Mejican Plateau, known for its vast agricultural fields and temperate climate. The eastern portion of the province boasts a more temperate climate and is home to the Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, which encompasses the twin volcanoes of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. Additionally, the province is traversed by several important rivers, including the Lerma, Balsas, and Tula rivers, which have historically contributed to the agricultural and economic development of the region.

Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, the area was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Matlatzincas, Otomíes, and Mazahuas. These communities developed complex social structures and engaged in agriculture, trade, and cultural practices. Later on, much of the province's area was subsumed into the Aztec Triple Alliance. In the early 16th century, Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, arrived in the region and, after a series of battles and alliances with local indigenous groups opposed to Aztec rule, the Spanish eventually defeated the Aztecs and established the colonial city of Toluca in 1521. Following this, several conquistadors received encomiendas in the region, and Catholic missionaries established missions and schools. The province became a key agricultural and mining center during the colonial period, producing valuable resources such as silver and agricultural products for export.

After achieving independence in 1788 under King Gabriel I of Bourbon, the area underwent significant political and societal changes, and several important battles were waged here during the multiple rebellions that the young country experienced. After the Iturbidist Coup of 1825, the first Constitution was proclaimed in 1825, and the Province of Mejico was created with it, modifying the previous Intendencia system. During its early stages, the province was significantly larger, having territories on the coast of both the Gulf of Mejico and the Atlantic Ocean, but later new provinces were formed, such as Pachuca, Cuernavaca, and Chilpancingo. In the 19th century, the province experienced rapid economic growth and development, driven by the expansion of agriculture, mining, and manufacturing industries. The construction of railways and imrpoved transportation infrastructure further facilitated the region's economic prosperity. In the early 20th century, Mejico faced challenges during the Mejican Civil War, which saw calls for land reform, with the Zapatists launching multiple campaigns in the region.

In the 1930s, the Province of Mejico witnessed another transformative era under the ideology of Vasconcelism. The rise of José Vasconcelos and his ideological vision of Castizaje brought significant changes to the province's political and demographic landscape. Embracing the principles of Castizaje and corporatism, Vasconcelism sought to promote a sense of national unity and cultural identity while emphasizing the importance of Catholicism in shaping Mejican society. During this period, the province experienced extensive modernization and industrialization, with the government playing a central role in economic planning and development. Various social programs were introduced to address issues of poverty and inequality, while the educational system underwent comprehensive reforms to promote a sense of national pride and heritage. European immigration to the countryside and rural immigration to the cities helped cement the Castizo identity that Vasconcelos hardly fought to achieve.

The Province of Mejico boasts a highly advanced and diverse economy, making it one of the wealthiest and most developed regions within the Empire. With a robust GDP per capita of 32,651.5 ₧, the province stands at the forefront of economic prosperity and human development. Its total GDP of 684.9 billion ₧ further solidifies its position as a major contributor to the Empire's overall economic strength. Mejico's economy is characterized by a thriving industrial sector, including advanced manufacturing, technology, and telecommunications industries. Additionally, agriculture plays a vital role, benefiting from modern agricultural practices and state-of-the-art technology. The agricultural output of the province not only caters to the domestic market but also contributes to the Empire's food security and exports.