Etchojoa

{{Short description|Town in Sonora, Mexico}}

Image:GritoEtchojoa.JPG. (2007).]]

Image:CampoEtchojoa.JPG

Etchojoa is the seat of Etchojoa Municipality. Founded in 1613, Etchojoa is located in the southwest of the Mexican state of Sonora. It is situated at {{coord|26|52|N|109|39|W}}. The total municipal area is 1,220.23 km².

History

Etchojoa was founded about 1614 as a Jesuit mission by the name of Espíritu Santo Etchojoa.{{cite journal |last1=Eckhart |first1=George B. |title=A Guide to the History of the Missions of Sonora, 1614-1826 |journal=Arizona and the West |date=1960 |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=165–183 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/40167019 |access-date=1 May 2024 |issn=0004-1408}}

Population

Etchojoa had a population of 56,129 in 2000, according to the official census. Neighboring municipalities are Navojoa, Huatabampo and Cajeme.

Etchojoa has a large indigenous population made up of the Mayo Indians, almost 20% of the population in 2000. The municipality sits in the Valle Mayo (Mayo Valley), named for the Río Mayo, a vital source for irrigation.

Economy

The economy is based primarily on agriculture, with over 800 km² irrigated throughout the municipality in 2000. Fifty percent of the land is part of the ejido system. Wheat, soy, corn, and citrus fruit are the most important crops.

Media

XEETCH-AM, a government-run indigenous community radio station that broadcasts in Mayo, Yaqui and Guarijio, is based in Etchojoa.

References

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