MICHOACAN', or MECIM'ACAN, a political division, or state of Mexico, extending over the table-land of the same name, and the low country lying between it and the Pacific, and a portion of the hilly country s. of these districts; 21,609 sq.m. ; pop. '138, 618,240. Its n.e. districts are watered by the river Santiago. The Sierra Madre and its branches traverse it in all directions; and within its territory are the lake of Patzcuaro, the peak of Tancitaro, and the volcano of Nomllo (Joni11o). The Cerro de Santa Rosa, in the district of Tlapujahua, about 17,000 ft. in height, is the highest point. The 111011D tain ridges are divided by fertile valleys, drained by the Lerma, Mescala, and other rivers, and numerous mountain streams. The largest lakes are the Patzeuaro, already named, 30 tn. in circumference; and Chapala, which is 60 ni. long by 20 wide. The coast line is 100 m. in extent, the only ports being San Telmo, Maratha, and Buceria. The state
is divided into 17 districts; the climate is very variable, the mean annual temperature in the capital being 71° F. The country has large mineral deposits, including gold, silver, copper, iron, coal. cinnabar, lead, sulphur, emery, lithographic stone, and copperas. The mines are but little worked, the annual yield being at present a little more than one million dollars, that of silver being one-third of the amount. In the districts along the n. boundary line carbonate of soda is collected. There are manufactures of importance, includine. sarapes Mexican shawls), blankets, silver ware, flour, and glass. Cabinet and , dye-woods are exported; also eoffee, indigo, silk, gold, silver, and Copper. chiefly to tiguous states and to Guatemala. Educatioii is conducted in this state through a system including, a state college, 53 girls' schools, and 28 for boys. Capital, Morella (formerly Valladolid).