México Alfabético (Primera Parte) Quiz

Chihuahua City, Chihuahua. Founded in the early 1700s, Chihuahua City became the administrative center of the state when México reorganized its territories in 1824. The name is believed to have indigenous roots, possibly referring to a dry or desert-like landscape, which matches the region's climate.

Culiacán Rosales, Sinaloa. Also just called Culiacán, it was a major indigenous settlement before becoming a Spanish colonial town. It was named the capital of Sinaloa when the state was formed. The name Sinaloa may derive from indigenous words meaning "round pit" or "place of pitayas," a type of cactus fruit common in the region.

Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas. Ciudad Victoria was named in honour of Guadalupe Victoria, México's first president. It became the capital of Tamaulipas in the 19th century. The name Tamaulipas likely comes from Huastec roots, possibly meaning "high hills" or "place of olives," though interpretations vary.

Guanajuato (City), Guanajuato. Guanajuato was founded in the 16th century as a mining town, quickly gaining prominence due to its rich silver deposits. When the state of Guanajuato was established in 1824, the city was named its capital. The name is believed to come from a Purépecha word meaning "hill of frogs," inspired by the shape of the surrounding terrain.

Aguascalientes (City), Aguascalientes. In the mid-16th century, Spanish settlers established a small outpost in central México, drawn by the area's natural hot springs. This settlement eventually grew into a city known for its thermal waters. When the state of Aguascalientes was officially formed in 1857, the city was selected as its capital.

The name, which translates to "hot waters," reflects the region's geothermal features that first attracted settlers.

Guadalajara, Jalisco. Guadalajara was founded in the 1530s and became the capital of Jalisco when the state was formed in the 19th century. The city was named after a town in Spain, reflecting the heritage of its founders. Jalisco itself may derive from Nahuatl, possibly meaning "sandy plain."

Colima (City), Colima. Colima was one of the earliest Spanish settlements on México's Pacific coast, founded in the 1520s. It became the capital when the state was officially recognized in 1857. The name Colima likely comes from a native term that could mean "place of the old god" or "in the hands of the elder," reflecting the region's deep indigenous heritage.

Cuernavaca, Morelos. Cuernavaca, known for its pleasant climate, was chosen as the capital when Morelos became a state in 1869. The name Morelos honours José María Morelos, a priest, statesman and military leader who led the Mexican War of Independence movement after Hidalgo's death. Cuernavaca's name is a Spanish adaptation of a Nahuatl word meaning "near the woods," reflecting its lush surroundings.

Chilpancingo de los Bravos, Guerrero. Also just called Chilpancingo, it is located in the mountainous interior of Guerrero, and became the state capital in 1870, replacing Tixtla. The name Guerrero honours Vicente Guerrero, a hero of México's independence. Chilpancingo's name is derived from Nahuatl, likely meaning "place of wasps," referencing the insects common in the area.

Chetumal, Quintana Roo. Chetumal, located near the Belize border, became the capital when Quintana Roo was designated a federal territory in the early 20th century and later a state in 1974. The state was named after Andrés Quintana Roo, a figure in México's independence movement. Chetumal's name likely comes from Maya roots, referring to a place of redwood trees.