According to the latest population census dating back to 2005, the state of Sinaloa is home to 2'608,442 inhabitants, 60% of which reside in the capital city of Culiacan and the municipalities of Mazatlan and Ahome. It is a young state in terms of population, 56% of which is younger than 30 years. In terms of education, average schooling reaches 8,5 years, which implies complete secondary school; however, 7% of those over 15 years of age is illiterate, and 5% of children under 14 years of age do not attend school. Other demographic particulars report 87% of the state following the catholic faith; 1% of those over 5 years of age speaking an indigenous dialect together with the Spanish language; the main ethnic groups still residing in the state are the Mixtecos and Mayos, followed by the Nauatls and the Zapotecos; and finally, life expectancy in the state follows the national tendency of higher rates for women than men, a difference of almost 5 years in the case of Sinaloa, at 72,5 and 77,4 years respectively.