CHIAPAS –
The epicenter of the powerful earthquake in Mexico was in Pijijiapan in the southern state of Chiapas. Chiapas has an area of 75.635 square kilometers and 4.224.800 inhabitants. In the east the region is bordered by Guatemala to the south, and the pacific Ocean.
The area is predominantly mountainous. On the border with Guatemala lies the volcano Tacaná and also there are two large reservoirs. The city of Palenque is known as the archaeological site of the Maya civilization. This city is located about 900 miles east of Mexico City.