Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Monterrey – statistics & facts
The relevance of Monterrey started to increase in more recent years compared to other cultural capitals of Mexico, such as Mexico City or Guadalajara. During the colonial period, the now capital of Nuevo Leon lacked the resources and characteristics to become either an industrial or economical center of New Spain. But things changed quickly from the end of the Mexican-American War in 1846 and the Porfiriato (1876-1911) when Monterrey became closer to the border and the connection to the U.S. with the construction of the railway. Nowadays, Monterrey is one of the most populated cities in the country and falls only behind Mexico City and Guadalajara when the metropolitan areas are considered. The city, also called the Industrial Capital of Mexico, is one of the richest, ranking as the fourth highest purchasing power in Latin America and the Caribbean.
