Michoacán in the census of Revillagigedo in 1790. Comparison with Martínez de Lejarza’s data from 1822

Abstract

This article is based on a statistical analysis of the data provided by the 1790 Revillagigedo Census for the intendancy of Valladolid, which at the end of the Colonial period corresponded mostly to the current state of Michoacán. From these data, fundamental information about Michoacán society at the end of the colonial era was obtained, including aspects such as the total population, sex ratio, age groups, percentage by racial category, population distribution by sub-delegation, and population density, among others. Additionally, a comparison with the statistical study by Martínez de Lejarza in 1822 is offered. It is shown that this intendancy was experiencing population growth, with a slight male advantage over females, and had a young society, as its age groups display a pyramidal shape characteristic of the old demographic regime. Regarding racial categories, it is also shown that most Michoacán inhabitants were not indigenous, although significant regional differences are presented, such as markedly indigenous areas and others with a majority of castes and Spaniards. Other aspects revealed here include the difference in population density between regions and that much of the active male population was engaged in the primary sector.