Location

__**Location in the World**__
The Tarascan Indians reside in the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico in the State of Michoacan. There is estimated to be more than 100,000 people in the state. Michoacan is set between two larges rivers: the Lerma and the Balsas Rivers. The state is also crossed by the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Much of the state's landscape is marked by the high peaks of mountains and volcanoes.



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-Not specific to the Tarascans but shows the state of Michoacan.

__**Climate**__
The climate in Michoacan varies based on the altitude of the area. The average temperature ranges from 13 °C to 29 °C. Lower temperatures are found in the highlands regions in the north and the east, and higher temperatures are recorded in the south and the west of the state. While rainfall also varies with altitude, June to October is considered the rainy season throughout the state.



__**Ecosystem**__
The ecosystem of Michoacan is another factor determined by altitude. The vegetation of the lower lands consists of broadleaf and tropical forests while the higher areas are spotted with conifer forests. The animals that inhibit these lands include raccoons, rabbits, armadillos, mountain lions, and foxes along with birds such as ducks and storks.

__**Resources**__ Rose, Jennifer. "Michoacan- The Soul of Mexico." Mexconnect. [] (accessed November 18, 2011). Encyclopedia of Mexican States. "Michoacan." Nations Encyclopedia. [] (accessed Novermber 18, 2011).