Puebla, officially known as the Free and Sovereign State of Puebla, is one of the 31 states that comprise the Federal Entities of Mexico along with Mexico City. Located in east-central Mexico, it is bordered by Veracruz to the north and east, Hidalgo, México, Tlaxcala, and Morelos to the west, and Guerrero and Oaxaca to the south. The state is divided into 217 municipalities, with Puebla City serving as its capital.
The origins of the state are rooted in the city of Puebla, which was founded by the Spanish in 1531 to secure a trade route between Mexico City and the port of Veracruz. Following the Mexican War of Independence in the early 19th century, the area became the State of Puebla. While it is currently one of the most industrialized regions in the country, development remains concentrated primarily within the capital and other urban centers, leaving many rural areas undeveloped.
Historically, the region has been the site of several significant conflicts, most notably the Battle of Puebla. Since its colonial period as a province with its own governor, the area has experienced continuous economic growth driven largely by industry.