Huatabampo

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Huatabampo (pronounced [wataˈβampo] wah-tah-BAHM-poe) is a city and municipality in the state of Sonora, in northwestern Mexico. It is situated on the Gulf of California, near the mouth of the Mayo River. It is located at latitude 26°49′N, 109°40′W.

The name Huatabampo is from the local Mayo language, "Huata" (Willow) + "Bampo" (Water), or "Willow in/near the Water".

The area of the municipality (urban and rural) is 1,169.92 sq. km. The population was 74,533 in 2005, with 29,789 inhabitants living in the municipal seat. Other towns are Ejido la Unión, Yavaros, Sahuaral de Otero, Etchoropo, Huatabampito, Moroncarit, Agiabampo, Estación Luis, Las Bocas, El Caro, Citavaro, Pozo Dulce, and El Júpare.

Huatabampo is 34 km southwest of Navojoa (also in the state of Sonora) and is a major agricultural producer for the area, its produce including chickpeas as well as assorted fruit, vegetable and cereal crops. Cattle and swine raising are also very important.

Since Huatabampo has 120 km of coastline, fishing plays a major role in the economy. There are over 3,000 registered fishermen and around 20 open sea trawlers, in addition to almost one thousand small boats. Shrimp raising has also become a major industry in recent years.

In 2000 there were 8 industries for industrialization of sardines, crab, and shrimp. The production of fish oil and fish flour is also important.

The city attracts a considerable number of tourists, primarily from the United States, due to its beaches and spas.

Huatabampo is also known as "Tierra de Generales" (Land of Generals) since during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1917) several high ranking generals for the Mexican rebel army emerged from this town. Among them, mayor Álvaro Obregón (1880-1928), born in Navojoa, the only undefeated general in the war. He was also elected President of the Mexican Republic (1920-1924) after the war, being an important link between the war-devastated country and the first stages of political, economical and social development. He was murdered when running for a second term, and is buried in the old local cemetery. Other generals from the area were General Jose Tiburcio Otero Toledo (1834-1900)famous military and political leader; Ignacio Otero Pablos (1896-1970)who was mexican Ambassador to the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, he was also a candidate to governor of Sonora.