Where are Maya-speaking communities concentrated in Mexico?

Maya-speaking communities in Mexico are concentrated in several distinct regions across the southern and eastern parts of the country. These populations are primarily organized by linguistic and geographic groups:1

• Yucatán Peninsula: The Yucatec Maya inhabit the peninsula, which includes the states of Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.21
• Chiapas: The Tzotzil and Tzeltal peoples are concentrated in the Chiapas Highlands, while Cholan speakers reside in northern Chiapas.13
• Tabasco: This state is home to Chontal and other Chol-speaking groups.1
• Southern Border Regions: The Lacandón occupy territory in southern Mexico between the Usumacinta River and the Guatemalan border, while Q’anjobalan peoples are found in parts of Chiapas adjacent to Guatemala.1
• East-Central Mexico: The Huastec are a geographically separated group living in northern Veracruz and adjoining San Luis Potosí.1

These communities maintain distinct cultural and linguistic traditions, often living in rural areas where they remain a dominant population group.13