city, north-central Guerrero estado (state), south-central Mexico. It was settled in 1750 and was named in honour of Agustín de Iturbide's Iguala Plan, proclaiming Mexico an independent monarchy (Feb. 24, 1821). Iguala lies along the Cocula River and is an important regional commerce and communications centre. Products from much of Guerrero, including corn (maize), beans, sugarcane, peanuts (groundnuts), lemons, and rice, are gathered there and distributed to inland plateau cities. There are some small-scale industrial activities, including the extraction of sesame-seed oil and the production of soap. Historically, Iguala was a centre for gold mining and smithing. Iguala is served by the Mexico City–Acapulco expressway and the Mexico City–Balsas River railroad. It is also served by domestic airlines. Pop. (2005) urban agglom., 128,444.