Quintana Roo Coat-of-Arms
Quintana Roo, pronounced "kinˈtana ˈro", is a state of Mexico, on the eastern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. It borders the states of Yucatán and Campeche to the north and west, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the nation of Belize to the south. Quintana Roo is one of the youngest Mexican states, since it only acquired this status in 1974.
The capital of Quintana Roo is the city of Chetumal. Quintana Roo also contains the resort city of Cancún, the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, the towns of Bacalar, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Juárez, Akumal, Xcalak, and Puerto Morelos, as well as the ancient Maya ruins of Chacchoben, Chakanbakán, Chamax, Coba, Dzibanché, El Meco, Ichpaatán, Kohunlich, Muyil, Oxtankah, Tancah, Tulum, Tupak, Xel-Há, and Xcaret. The Sian Ka'an national park is also in Quintana Roo.
The state covers an area of 50,351 square kilometers (19,440.6 sq mi), and the 2005 census reported a population of 1,135,309. The statewide population is currently expanding at a rapid rate due to the construction of hotels and the demand for workers. Many immigrants to the state come from Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, and Veracruz.
The rising sun with seven rays depicts the first seven municipalities of Quintana Roo.
The yellow symbol of a marine shell represents the interior of the land and ocean.
The five-pointed star symbolizes the rebirth of the sun in the east.
The three triangles represent the wealth of the forests of Quintana Roo. The triangles sit atop of the Maya wind glyph (similar to the letter "T"), which symbolizes hurricanes.