Isthmus of Tehuantepec facts for kids

The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is a narrow strip of land in Mexico. It connects the main part of Mexico to its southeastern states. This special piece of land is the shortest distance between the Gulf of Mexico (part of the Atlantic Ocean) and the Pacific Ocean.

Map showing the relief of the isthmus

For a long time, before the Panama Canal was built, this area was a very important way to move goods and people between the two big oceans. It was often called the Tehuantepec Route.

1736 map showing rivers that almost meet. The caption says: "These rivers almost meet. both of them are Navigable, and all the Cannon and Stores for Acapulco are Carryed from the North to the South Sea by them"

The Tehuantepec Railway

People have thought about building a way to cross the Isthmus of Tehuantepec for hundreds of years. Even Hernán Cortés, a Spanish explorer, considered it! First, they thought about a canal for ships. Later, in the 1800s, they decided a railway would be better.

This railway is important because it's closer to many international trade routes than the Panama Canal. However, the Isthmus of Panama is much narrower, making the Panama Canal a shorter trip for ships, even if it's a bit farther away from some trade paths.

The main railway line is about 308 km (191 mi) long. There's also a shorter branch line that is about 29 km (18 mi) long. At both ends of the railway, there are large docks and many railway tracks. This makes it easy to quickly load and unload heavy cargo from ships to trains, and vice versa.

People and Culture

Delicious Garnachas

Most of the people living in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec are Zapotec peoples. They are an indigenous group with a rich history and culture.

The women in this region are very important in trade and business. They are known as "Tehuanas" and are famous throughout Mexico. They wear colorful traditional dresses and are known for being strong and confident. Many people see their society as "matriarchal," which means women have a lot of power and influence, often equally with men.

The food in this area is based on traditional ingredients. Many dishes use maize (corn) and different kinds of moles (rich sauces). Some common foods include:

• tamales, which can be made with iguana, chicken, beef, or armadillo
• guetabingui, which are fried balls of rice and shrimp
• Garnachas, small fried tortillas topped with dried queso Oaxaca
• pozol, a soup made from maize

Images for kids

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  Map of the Straits of Florida and Gulf of Mexico from 1852.

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  An illustration from the 19th century showing a proposed "Interoceanic Ship Railway."

See also

In Spanish: Istmo de Tehuantepec para niños