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Interesting Facts
- Officially named León de los Aldamas, Leon is the fifth largest city in Mexico by population and the main city in Guanajuato. Nearly 1.3 million people live in Leon with an additional 1.4 million in the region.
- Leon is geographically at the center of Mexico. The city is located east of Puerta Vallarta, west of Veracruz and northwest of Mexico City.
- Known as the Shoe Capital of Mexico, Leon relies heavily on the leather industry that produces shoes as well as belts, jackets and other accessories for sale in Mexico and around the world.
- Sports are popular in Leon, with an international-caliber soccer team, Club Leon, competing as one of the leading Mexican organizations. Top-notch soccer stars, including Diego Armando Maradona and Pelé, have played in games in the city. The city also hosts an annual bowling tournament and a regional auto race that draw thousands of spectators to the area each year.
- Prior to the conquest of the region by the Spanish, Leon was inhabited by diverse native tribes such as the Toltecas and the Guamares. There are several archaeological sites outside of the city of Leon that were home to early peoples.
- The original town of Leon was founded in the late 16th century as a defensive position against local tribal attacks on Spanish colonies. Leon was at the center of Mexico's fight for independence, and despite hardships suffered both economic and political, the city celebrates its freedom from colonialism.
- The town of Guanajuato, for which the state is named, began as some of the country's most prosperous mining colonies. From the 16th through the 18th centuries, the mines in these towns produced a third of all the silver in the world, and the region thrived from the economic infusion. Today, travelers to Leon can take a short side trip to Guanajuato to tour the historic mines.
- Travelers to Leon can whisk around the city on its rapid bus transportation system. Launched in 2003, Leon was the first Mexican city to use this modern form of public transport.
- Jetsetters in Leon are awaiting the completion of a redesigned and expanded airport that promises to handle upwards of 8 million passengers per year. Del Bajío International Airport (also known as Guanajuato International) serves national and international flights from around the world with travelers who jet to the region for conferences, sporting events and vacations.
- Higher education is an important facet of the Leon economy and culture. The city is home to several universities, including Leon University, Leon Technological Institute and Ibero-American University – Leon Campus.
