Monterrey, Mexico and the United States have had close ties for years, and the state of Nuevo Leon has been key in promoting their relations. Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo Leon, is located at Meridian 100, halfway between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States. Its proximity to Laredo, Texas, just over an hour away, has helped established it as Mexico’s northern industrial powerhouse. Fortune magazine recognized Monterrey, Mexico as the best place to do business in all of Latin America. Mexico Hotels

The state of Nuevo Leon has roughly 3.9 million inhabitants, 3.3 million of whom live in metropolitan Monterrey. Although Nuevo Leon’s population is less than four percent of Mexico’s, it generates over eight percent of Mexico’s GDP and almost 10 percent of the country’s manufactured products. It is also the third largest producer of glass in the world.

The strong and principled workforce, economic viability and significant location of Monterrey and Nuevo Leon make northern Mexico a natural target for U.S. investment and continued close relations. One could even argue that the Monterrey/Nuevo Leon region is the United States’ gateway to the abundance in all of Mexico’s regions.

Industry is the word for Monterrey. Per capita, more goods are produced here than in any other Mexican city - about 25 percent of Mexico's total manufacturing base. Monterrey lies about 150 miles from the American border in Texas, and the city is known for being decisively pro-US when it comes to business practice. For this reason, it is the most favored city for business travelers outside of the capital. In case anyone forgets the source of local civic pride, the town's largest monument - El Faro del Comercio "The Lighthouse of Commerce" provides an unforgettable reminder.

At one time steel was the big item here, but that industry has been replaced by machinery, food and beverage, and metal parts. The city is also famous for its giant exhibition hall, the Cintermex and the Monterrey Institute of Technology - Mexico's MIT.

Not far from Monterrey are several excellent nature excursions within the State of Leon. Fifteen minutes outside of town is Huasteca Canyon, famous for its beautiful mountains and wind-carved rock formations. There is also Horsetail Falls, a series of three wispy waterfalls that mist down a mossy face.