Monclova

Monclova is a city in the northern Mexican state of Coahuila. It has an altitude of 600m over the sea level. It is located at 26°54'37N, 101°25'20W, in the state's central region (Región Centro). There were estimited 200,000 inhabitants in 2004. Its metropolitan area (Monclova, Frontera, Castaños) has a little more than 360,000 inhabitants and has a population density of 35 inhabitants per square kilometers. Monclova is the largest city in Coahuila after Saltillo and Torreón. The city stands out for the highest production of steel in Mexico, that is why it is known as the capital of steel. In 1942, Altos Hornos de Mexico (AHMSA), the steel factory, was founded; it originated the great industrial development of Monclova.