Tapachula

Tapachula de Córdova y Ordóñez, simply known as Tapachula, is a city and municipality located in the far southeast of the state of Chiapas, México, near the Guatemalan border and the Pacific Ocean. Economically, it is one of the most important cities in Chiapas; as capital of the agriculturally-rich Soconusco region, Tapachula also serves as a key port for trade between México and Central America. The area was originally inhabited by the Mam, as a region under the control of the Mam state of Xelaju, but was first established as a city by the Aztecs in the 13th century. Most of its economic importance has come since the late 19th century, with the establishment of coffee plantations. This practice initiated a steady stream of migration and immigration into the area, which continues to this day, and has left the city with a significant Asian and German cultural presence. There is a large Mayan and Nahua population. The city of Tapachula is the capital of the Soconusco region of Chiapas, commonly called the “pearl of the Soconusco”.[1] The name “Tapachula” comes from Nahuatl and means “between the waters”, due to the area's frequent flooding.[1] It is located on a low-lying coastal plain, fed by various small rivers, about 120 meters (393’) above sea level.[3] Tapachula is Mexico's main border city with Guatemala in the Pacific coast region, even though it is located some kilometers away from the border itself. The main commercial border crossing is in Ciudad Hidalgo, about 40 km (24 mi) away.[4] Nonetheless, it is the principal port for the shipment of goods and for people traveling between México and the rest of Central America further south, making it economically and socially similar to cities on the US southern border such as Laredo, Texas or San Diego, California.[3][4] The flow of goods through the area combined with local agricultural output makes Tapachula one of the most important cities in the state, socioeconomically, with one of the highest per capita incomes in the state of Chiapas.[1][4] As its wealth is relatively recent, since the late 19th century, Tapachula is mostly a modern-developed city.[1] Like border cities of the United States, Tapachula and other communities in the area have experienced their share of problems with illegal immigration, human trafficking, drug smuggling and violence, with most illegal aliens coming from Central America.[4] This has led to a strong and very visible police presence in the city, along with special security measures for major events (such as the Feria Internacional Tapachula).[4][5]