Reynosa
Reynosa, city, north-central Tamaulipas estado (state), northeastern Mexico. It lies across the Rio Grande (Río Bravo del Norte) from McAllen and Hidalgo, Texas, U.S., to which it is linked by the Pharr International Bridge. Reynosa was founded in 1749 as part of a program to develop the Mexican interior. Subject to repeated floods, it was moved to higher ground, 300 feet (90 meters) above sea level, in 1802. Its inhabitants were among the first to rebel against Spanish rule in 1810. The state congress declared Reynosa a city in 1926.
Reynosa, strategically located on the U.S.-Mexico border, serves as a vital hub for trade and industry, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Its proximity to the United States facilitates a significant volume of cross-border trade, making it a key gateway for commerce. The city is also close to major cities such as Monterrey, Mexico, and McAllen and Brownsville, Texas, further enhancing its economic importance.
International trade plays a crucial role in Reynosa’s economy; indeed, the city contributes significantly to Mexico’s export market. Key exports from Reynosa include monitors and projectors, motor vehicle parts and accessories, and electrical wires and cables, all of which see high levels of international sales.
As a transportation hub, Reynosa has access to major highways connecting Mexico and the United States. The city is served by the Aeropuerto Internacional General Lucio Blanco, which caters to the surrounding areas. McAllen Miller International Airport in nearby McAllen, Texas, provides additional connectivity for Reynosa and its vicinity.
Reynosa is a rapidly growing city with a population of (2010) 589,466; metro. area, 727,150; (2020) 691,557; metro. area, 837,251. Although the majority of its residents speak Spanish, the city is also home to a rich linguistic diversity, largely due to the significant presence of Indigenous communities in Reynosa and its surrounding areas. Among the most spoken Indigenous languages in the region are Náhuatl, Huasteco, and Totonaco.
