The New Student's Reference Work/Merida

Merida (mĕr′ĭ-dȧ′), a city of Mexico, the capital of Yucatan, is situated on the Gulf of Mexico. It was founded by the Spaniards in 1542 on the site of an ancient city. It has a cathedral, finished in 1598, a university, conservatory of music, museum and public library. Its manufactures are largely molasses, sugar, cigars and cigarettes, rum, leather and soap. Population 61,999. Merida is also a state in Venezuela, with a population of 121,593.