Guadalajara, << `gwahd` uh luh HAHR uh >> (pop. 1,385,621; met. area pop. 5,268,642), is one of the largest cities in Mexico. Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco. The city lies in a rich farming region.
The tree-shaded public squares and parks of this beautiful old city date back to Mexico’s days as a Spanish colony. Guadalajara is an important manufacturing center. It has won fame for its fine pottery and blown glass. Other products include textiles, hosiery, flour, steel, and alcoholic beverages. Several buildings have murals by Jose Clemente Orozco, a famous painter. The city was founded in 1531 by Nuno de Guzman, a Spanish conquistador. It was named for the city in Spain where Guzman was born.
