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Puebla, officially the Free and Sovereign State of Puebla, is one of the 31 states that, along with Mexico City, comprise the Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided into 217 municipalities and its capital is Puebla City. Part of east-central Mexico, it is bordered by the states of Veracruz to the north and east, Hidalgo, México, Tlaxcala and Morelos to the west, and Guerrero and Oaxaca to the south. The origins of the state lie in the city of Puebla, which was founded by the Spanish in this valley in 1531 to secure the trade route between Mexico City and the port of Veracruz. By the end of the 18th century, the area had become a colonial province with its own governor, which would become the State of Puebla, after the Mexican War of Independence in the early 19th century. Since that time the area, especially around the capital city, has continued to grow economically, mostly through industry, despite being the scene of a number of battles, the most notable of which being the Battle of Puebla. Today, the state is one of the most industrialized in the country, but since most of its development is concentrated in Puebla and other cities, many of its rural areas are undeveloped.

One of the things that makes Puebla such a special destination is its architecture. The city is known for its stunning colonial-era buildings, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Some of the most famous examples include the Puebla Cathedral, the Casa de los Muñecos, and the Palacio Municipal.

In addition to its beautiful architecture, Puebla is also renowned for its delicious cuisine. The city is famous for its mole poblano, a rich and flavorful sauce made from chili peppers, chocolate, and spices. You'll find this dish on menus all over the city, along with other regional specialties like chiles en nogada and cemitas.