Saltillo
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Saltillo is a city in northeast Mexico, located at Template:Coor dm. It is the current capital of the state of Coahuila. In 2003 Saltillo had an estimated population of 591,000 people, rising to 637,000 if the full Metropolitan Area is considered, making it the 20th biggest metro area in the country. The metro area is composed of Saltillo, Ramos Arizpe and Arteaga.
The city is flanked by the Zapalinamé mountains, which are part of the Sierra Madre Oriental. There is a legend that says that the leader of the native indians, whose name was Zapalinamé, can be seen in the shape of the mountains.
Saltillo's most famous exports are saltillo tile and the locally woven multi-coloured sarapes. There is also the automotive industry, with two major assembly plants (one General Motors and the other Chrysler), two engine facilities and a transmissions plant. Saltillo is home to the Grupo Industrial Saltillo, an important manufacturing conglomerate that makes home appliances, silverware, and autoparts.
During the early 20th century, Saltillo was called the Athens of Mexico due its number of famous intelectuals. Nowadays, is considered the Detroit of Mexico because of the importance of its automotive industry.
Saltillo main universities are the Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, the Instituto Tecnológico de Saltillo, and the Saltillo Campus of Tec de Monterrrey.
The most representative buildings are the cathedral, the Palacio de Gobierno and the Ateneo Fuente. The city has several renowned musuems such as the Bird Museum and the Desert Museum among others. Several hotels, shopping centers and chain stores serve the metro area.
Saltillo Metropolitan Area air traffic is served by Plan de Guadalupe International Airport.