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Santiago Camotlán facts for kids

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Santiago Camotlán
Municipality and town
Santiago Camotlán is located in Mexico
Santiago Camotlán
Santiago Camotlán
Location in Mexico
Country  Mexico
State Oaxaca
Area
 • Total 332.99 km2 (128.57 sq mi)
Elevation
1,380 m (4,530 ft)
Population
 (2005)
 • Total 3,089
Time zone UTC-6 (Central Standard Time)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (Central Daylight Time)

Santiago Camotlán is a town and a type of local government area (called a municipality) located in the state of Oaxaca, in the southwestern part of Mexico. It is found in the middle of the Sierra Norte Region, which is known for its mountains.

This area covers about 333 square kilometers (about 129 square miles). It sits high up, about 1,380 meters (or 4,528 feet) above sea level.

Exploring Santiago Camotlán's Geography

Santiago Camotlán is a very mountainous place. A valley runs through the area, and it gets its water from the Cajonos River. The weather here is generally warm and humid, meaning it's often hot and has a lot of moisture in the air.

Plants and Trees of Santiago Camotlán

The local plant life is rich and varied. You can find different types of trees like encino (a kind of oak), cedar, and ocotal. There are also unique plants such as llavito, yazachi, greta, hichipil, yatulita, and stick eagle cacatillo. Beautiful flowers like gladiolus and agape also grow here.

Animals of Santiago Camotlán

The animal kingdom in Santiago Camotlán is just as diverse. You might spot birds like peacocks, pheasants, and hawks flying overhead. On the ground, there are larger animals like leopards, tapirs, and deer. Smaller creatures include badgers, wild boars, wild cats, foxes, skunks, martens, and armadillos. In the water, you can find fish, otters, and crabs.

How People Make a Living in Santiago Camotlán

In 2005, there were 691 homes in Santiago Camotlán, with a total population of 3,089 people. A large number of these residents, about 2,461, speak an indigenous language, showing the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Farming and Agriculture

Most people in Santiago Camotlán, about 75% of the inhabitants, work as farmers. They mainly grow important crops like corn and beans. Coffee is another key crop that they cultivate. A smaller number of people also raise cattle.

Local Products and Fair Trade

The forests in the area are not used for timber or wood production. To help the local community, a group called the Union of Indigenous Communities of the Isthmus Region was started in 1982. This group helps farmers produce and sell their local goods, especially coffee. They often sell their coffee under a "fair trade" label. This means the farmers get a fair price for their products, which helps them and their families.

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