city, capital of Nayarit estado (state), west-central Mexico. It lies at an elevation of about 3,000 feet (900 metres) above sea level along the Molóloa River, at the foot of the extinct Sangangüey volcano. Founded in 1542, much of the city retains its colonial atmosphere, particularly in its cathedral, municipal palace, and Amado Nervo Theatre. Shops offer Indian handicrafts, and many Huichol and Cora Indians attend open-air markets in traditional clothing. The name Tepic is derived from the Náhuatl (Nahuatl language) term meaning “hard stone.”

The city's growth was limited until the opening of the railroad in 1912. Since then Tepic has become a commercial, industrial, and agricultural service centre. Manufacturing is based largely on food-processing (notably sugar) mills. The surrounding farmlands yield corn (maize), sugarcane, rice, coffee, and various other crops. The University of Nayarit (1969) was originally founded in 1930 as the Nayarit Institute of Science and Letters. A regional transportation centre, Tepic has good highway, air, and rail connections. Pop. (2000) 265,817.