Houston established a sister city relationship with Tampico, Mexico in 2003. Present-day Tampico was founded with the granting of its formal charter in 1824, although an earlier settlement, known as Tampico Alto, was founded by Spain in 1554. The name “Tampico” is believed to be of Hustaec origin: tam-piko, meaning “place of otters.” The city is surrounded by rivers and lagoons which hosted a large population of otters in the past.
With a population of 800,000 in the greater metropolitan area, Tampico is the Mexican Gulf’s main economic powerhouse. The city lies in a rich petroleum-producing region; it is a chief commercial center of northeastern Mexico and one of the most important seaports in the country. Although oil is the largest export of the port of Tampico, the city is also a major exporter of silver, copper, lumber, wool, hemp, and other agricultural products.
Mexican commercial aviation started there in 1921 when the first flight from Mexicana took off from Tampico’s airport to the Mexico City International Airport. In 1926, the first Coca-Cola bottling plant in Mexico was built in Tampico.
Houston and Mexico have extensive business, cultural and educational ties. Houston’s trade with Mexico was valued at more than $16.2 billion in 2009. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, at least 125 Houston area firms have offices in Mexico and at least 17 Mexican companies have offices in Houston.
Fast Facts:
Population: 819,000
Country: Mexico
Continent: North America
Latitude & Longitude: 22.22˚ N, 97.85˚ W
GMT Time Difference: - 6
Time Difference from Houston: 0
Distance from Houston: 590 miles/ 950 km
Climate: Tropical climate, Average temperature of 76˚ F
Language: Spanish
Governmental Structure: City council with 23 members, led by a Municipal President.
Current Mayor: The Honorable Oscar Perez Iguanzo, Mayor of Tampico
Other Sister Cities: Brownsville, Texas
Additional Information:
City of Tampico Website
Tourism in Tampico
Consulate General of Mexico in Houston