[1] They live mainly in the northerly sector of Chiapas state, principally in the municipios and towns of Amatán, Copainalá, Chapultenango, Francisco León, Ixhuatán, Ixtacomitán, Jitotol, Ocotepec, Ostuacán, Pantepec, Rayón, Totolapa, Tapilula, Tecpatán, Acala, Blanca rosa, and Ocozocoautla.

They also live in the northern part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, in the state of Oaxaca, including the Selva Zoque.

They had a good social and commercial relationship with the later Mexica, which contributed to the economic prosperity of their culture in Chiapas.

The Zoque were parceled out among the Spanish settlers, and they endured forced labor and were obliged to pay high tribute.

The Zoque were parceled out amongst the settlers, where they endured forced labor and were obliged to pay high tribute.

Until recently, it was customary for married women to undress the upper half of the body while they worked in the heat.

Traditionally the walls were made of adobe, or mud bricks, whitewashed inside and out, and the houses had earthen floors and roofs consisting of four sloping sides of tile or thatch.