Chihuahua, << chee WAH wah >> (pop. 925,762), is a chief city in northern Mexico and capital of Chihuahua state. Chihuahua lies approximately 780 miles (1,260 kilometers) northwest of Mexico City, in the center of a rich cattle and silver-mining region. The city was founded in 1709.
Chihuahua has a mild climate. Nearby are large cattle ranches and plants for smelting silver, gold, lead, and zinc. The city has won fame as a breeding center for tiny dogs called chihuahuas.
