What is Aztlan in house of the Scorpion?

In "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer, Aztlán is a mythical land that represents a place of origin and cultural identity for the characters, particularly for the oppressed people in the story. It is associated with the Aztec heritage and symbolizes hope for a better future, contrasting sharply with the oppressive environment of Opium, the drug-producing land ruled by El Patrón. Aztlán serves as a powerful motif for freedom and the longing for a homeland that embodies dignity and justice.