Iztacalco is a borough located in the central-eastern area of Mexico City. It holds the distinction of being the smallest borough within the city's administrative boundaries.
The history of the region dates back to 1309, when the Mexica settled an island in Lake Texcoco known as Iztacalco. During the colonial period, this community remained relatively small and isolated until drainage projects in the Valley of Mexico eventually dried up the surrounding lake. By the first half of the 20th century, the landscape had transitioned from a system of artificial islands called chinampas and farmland divided by canals into an urbanized environment.
Politically, the area was first incorporated in 1862, with the modern borough officially coming into existence in 1929. Today, Iztacalco is characterized as the most densely populated borough in Mexico City and serves as the city's second most industrialized area.