Durango

State of north-central Mexico, area 119,648 sq km/ 46,196 sq mi; population (2000 est) 1,445,900. It stretches westwards from the central Mexican plateau to include part of the Sierra Madre Occidental. Its capital is Durango. Most of the state is semi-arid and pastoral farming is the principal way of life, though in the irrigated Rio Nazas valley crops of maize, cotton, wheat, sugar cane, and tobacco are produced. In the mountainous areas gold, silver, coal, iron, copper, and mercury are mined.

Durango

Miner's bridge near the city of Durango, capital of Durango state, north-central Mexico. Situated in the volcanic Sierra Madre Occidental, the state of Durango is abundant in silver, gold, sulphur, tin, mercury, antimony, and copper. One of the world's largest deposits of iron ore lies just north of the city.

City in northwestern central Mexico, and administrative capital of the state of Durango, lying 260 km/162 mi southwest of Torreón and 903 km/561 mi northwest of Mexico City; population (2005) 453,800. It is situated at an altitude of 1,900 m/6,234 ft at the foot of the Cerro de Mercado mountain and on the banks of the River Tunal. Industries include textiles and the mining of iron ore and the city is noted for its iron-water spring. Durango is an important rail and road communication centre, and also has an airport 5 km/3 mi from the city centre.

Founded in 1563, the city has many historic buildings, including a cathedral built in 1695. Because of the city's historic architecture, the Mexican government has declared Durango a national monument. The university was founded in 1957. The city has many parks.

Durango

Town and administrative headquarters of La Plata County, southwest Colorado; population (1990) 12,400. It is situated on the Animas River, in the foothills of the La Plata Mountains, and 24 km/15 mi north of the New Mexico border. Settled in 1880, it was once a gold and silver mining and smelting centre. Tourism is now central to its economy, with visitors drawn to its Purgatory Ski Area, one of the nation's last narrow-gauge railways, and other attractions. Durango also ships produce, livestock, timber, oil, and minerals. There is some light manufacturing. The town is headquarters for the San Juan National Forest and home to Fort Lewis College (1911).