city, west-central Michoacán estado (state), west-central Mexico. Founded in 1533, Uruapan (from a Tarascan Indian term meaning “where the flowers abound”) is famous for its Spanish-colonial atmosphere and colourful lacquerware and Indian handicrafts (see photograph-->). It is a rail terminus and agricultural marketing and processing centre in an area that produces coffee, grains, sugarcane, avocados, and other fruit. Uruapan is a base for tourists visiting the volcano Paricutín (about 20 mi 【32 km】 northwest), which appeared suddenly in 1943. The city is accessible by highway, railroad, and air from Mexico City to the east. Pop. (2005 prelim.) urban agglom., 279,229.