Iztapalapa

Iztapalapa () is a borough (demarcación territorial) in Mexico City located on the eastern side of the city. The borough is named after and centered on the formerly independent municipality of Iztapalapa (officially Iztapalapa de Cuitláhuac). The rest is made up of a number of other communities which are governed by the city of Iztapalapa. With a population of 1,835,486 as of 2020, Iztapalapa is the most populous borough of Mexico City as well as the second-most populous municipality in the country, after Tijuana. Over 90% of the territory is urbanized, with its green space mostly in parks. Over the past 40 years, Iztapalapa transformed from a rural area primarily dedicated to agriculture to a densely populated borough. This was the result of a large influx of people who settled in the borough from other parts of the country, starting in the 1970s. Most of the population is employed in commerce, services and industry. Iztapalapa remains afflicted by high levels of economic deprivation, and a significant number of its residents lack access to clean drinking water. Iztapalapa has one of the highest rates of violent crime in Mexico City. Combatting homicides and drug trafficking remain a major issue for local authorities. The borough is home of one of Mexico City's major cultural events, the annual Passion Play in which 450 borough residents participate and about 2 million attend as spectators.