a state in Mexico, in the northeastern part of the Meseta Central. Area, 64,600 sq km. Population, 1,695,000 (1970). Its administrative and industrial center is Monterray. Nuevo León is one of Mexico’s economically more developed states. The leading industries are metallurgy, chemicals, metal-working, textiles, and food processing. Cotton and wheat are grown on irrigated land, and there are citrus fruit plantations. Livestock raising is also important; the animals are driven to pastures in the USA.