Oaxaca Basin

The Oaxaca Valley is a significant region in southern Mexico, known for its rich history and cultural diversity. This valley, where the city of Oaxaca is located, has been inhabited for thousands of years and was a crucial center for pre-Columbian civilizations, particularly the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples. The Zapotec established their major political and cultural center at Monte Albán in the valley around the 1st century BCE.12

The Oaxaca Valley is part of the larger state of Oaxaca, which is characterized by mountainous terrain and a narrow Pacific coastal plain. The region is ethnically diverse, with a significant indigenous population, many of whom speak Zapotec or Mixtec languages. Agriculture, including crops like corn and coffee, and mining are important economic activities in the state. The city of Oaxaca and the Monte Albán archaeological zone are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.31