Mexico >> Mexican States >> Tlaxcala
Tlaxcala Population Overview
Tlaxcala is one of the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico, located in East-Central Mexico. It is bordered by Puebla to the north, east, and south; México to the west; and Hidalgo to the northwest.
Tlaxcala is the 5th least populated state in Mexico and the smallest by area. As per the Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020, the population of Tlaxcala was 1,342,977 (1.34 million). Its population is 1.1% of the country’s population, with a population growth rate of 14.79% during 2010–2020.
Projected Tlaxcala Population in 2026: ~1.41 million
Tlaxcala – Census 2020 Quick Facts
| Total Population | 1,342,977 |
|---|---|
| Male Population | 649,894 |
| Female Population | 693,083 |
| Male-Female Ratio | 93.7 men per 100 women |
| Total Land Area | 4,016 km² (1,551 sq mi) |
| Population Density | 336/km² (870/sq mi) |
| Urban Population | 83% |
| Life Expectancy | 75.3 years |
| Median Age | 28 years |
| Capital City | Tlaxcala City |
Tlaxcala Historical Population
Tlaxcala’s population grew steadily from 172,315 in 1900 to 1,342,977 in 2020. Growth was moderate in the first half of the 20th century but accelerated after 1950, reaching a peak growth of 36.77% in the 1980s–1990s. In the last decade (2010–2020), the population grew by 14.79%, reflecting a slowing growth trend.
| Census Year | Population | Absolute Change | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 172,315 | – | – |
| 1910 | 184,171 | +11,856 | +6.88% |
| 1921 | 178,570 | -5,601 | -3.04% |
| 1930 | 205,458 | +26,888 | +15.06% |
| 1940 | 224,063 | +18,605 | +9.06% |
| 1950 | 284,551 | +60,488 | +27.00% |
| 1960 | 346,699 | +62,148 | +21.84% |
| 1970 | 420,638 | +73,939 | +21.33% |
| 1980 | 556,597 | +135,959 | +32.32% |
| 1990 | 761,277 | +204,680 | +36.77% |
| 2000 | 962,646 | +201,369 | +26.45% |
| 2010 | 1,169,936 | +207,290 | +21.53% |
| 2020 | 1,342,977 | +173,041 | +14.79% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Largest Cities and towns in Tlaxcala
The largest cities and towns in Tlaxcala are dominated by mid-sized municipalities, with San Pablo del Monte being the most populous at 70,244 residents. Other major towns include Huamantla, Chiautempan, Apizaco, and Zacatelco, each serving as important commercial and cultural centers in the state. Most of these urban areas are clustered near the central region, reflecting Tlaxcala’s high population density despite being Mexico’s smallest state by area.
Religion in Tlaxcala
Religion in Tlaxcala is predominantly Catholic, with 85% of the population adhering to the faith. Protestant and Evangelical Christians make up 6.3%, while 2.4% of people identify with no religion, and 4.4% follow unaffiliated beliefs. Other religions represent only a tiny fraction of the population.
Religion Percentage in Tlaxcala
| Religion | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 85.0% |
| Protestant, Evangelical Christian | 6.3% |
| No religion | 2.4% |
| Unaffiliated religion | 4.4% |
| Other Religion | 0.1% |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Religion in Mexico
Speakers of Indigenous Languages
In Tlaxcala, a total of 27,174 people aged three years and older speak an indigenous language. Náhuatl is by far the most widely spoken, followed by Totonaco, Otomí, and Mazateco, reflecting the state’s rich indigenous heritage and cultural diversity. Most speakers live in smaller towns and rural areas, preserving these languages across generations.
Indigenous Languages in Tlaxcala (2020 Census):
| Indigenous Language | Number of Speakers |
|---|---|
| Náhuatl | 23,171 |
| Totonaco | 1,910 |
| Otomí | 602 |
| Mazateco | 281 |
Source: Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020
Also read about: Race and Ethnicity in Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the total population of Tlaxcala?
A1: As of 2020, Tlaxcala has a population of 1,342,977 (1.34 million). The projected population for 2026 is approximately 1.4 million.
Q2: What is the largest city in Tlaxcala by population?
A2: The largest city in Tlaxcala is San Pablo del Monte, with a population of 70,244.
Q3: What is the population growth rate in Tlaxcala?
A3: Tlaxcala experienced a population growth rate of 14.79% between 2010 and 2020.
Q4: How many people in Tlaxcala speak an indigenous language?
A5: There are 27,174 people over the age of 3 who speak an indigenous language.
Q5: What is the land area of Tlaxcala and its population density?
A6: Tlaxcala covers an area of 4,016 km² (1,551 sq mi), making it
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