Toluca, city, central Mexico, capital of Mexico State, on the southwestern border of the Anáhuac plateau, near Mexico City. Toluca lies at an altitude of about 2650 m (about 8700 ft) above sea level and has a cool and healthful climate. Industrial establishments include breweries, cotton mills, and flour mills. Located here is the Autonomous University of Mexico State (1956), as well as a meteorological station maintained by the Mexican government. The Nevado de Toluca, an extinct volcano (4604 m/15,106 ft), is nearby. According to Mexican historical tradition, the city was founded by the Toltecs. It was an Aztec pueblo at the time of the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Population (1995) 564,476.
