Difference between revisions of "Baja California" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Wpdms nasa topo baja california.jpg|300px|right|thumbnail|Baja California (highlighted)]]
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{{dablink|This article is about the Mexican state. For other uses, see [[Baja California (disambiguation)]] or [[California (disambiguation)]].}}
  
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{{Infobox Settlement
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<!-- See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage—>
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<!-- Basic info  ---------------->
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|name          = <!--State of—> Baja California
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|other_name            =
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|native_name            =  Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California
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|nickname              =
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|settlement_type        = [[Political divisions of Mexico|State]]<!--For Town or Village (Leave blank for the default City)—>
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|motto                  =
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<!-- images and maps  ----------->
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|image_skyline          =
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|imagesize              =
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|image_caption          =
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|image_flag            = Mexico stateflags Baja California.png
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|flag_size              = 140px
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|image_seal            =
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|seal_size              =
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|image_shield          = Escudo Baja California.gif
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|shield_size            = 80px
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|city_logo              =
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|citylogo_size          =
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|image_map              = Mexico map, MX-BCN.svg
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|mapsize                =
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|map_caption            = Location within [[Mexico]]
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|image_map1            = BC-Coloured.svg
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|mapsize1              = 180px
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|map_caption1          = [[#Municipalities|Municipalities]] of Baja California
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|image_dot_map          =
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|pushpin_map            = <!-- the name of a location map as per http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Location_map —>
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|pushpin_label_position = <!-- the position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none —>
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|pushpin_map_caption    =
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|pushpin_mapsize        =
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<!-- Location ------------------>
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|subdivision_type      = Country
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|subdivision_name      = {{MEX}}
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|subdivision_type1      = Capital
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|subdivision_name1      = [[Mexicali]]
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|subdivision_type2      = [[Municipalities of Mexico|Municipalities]]
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|subdivision_name2      = [[#Municipalities|5]]
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|subdivision_type3      = [[List of cities in Mexico|Largest&nbsp;City]]
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|subdivision_name3      =[[Tijuana]]
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|subdivision_type4      =
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|subdivision_name4      =
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<!-- Politics ----------------->
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|government_footnotes  =
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|government_type        =
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|leader_title          =[[List of Mexican state governors|Governor]]
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|leader_name            =[[José Guadalupe Osuna Millán]] ([[National Action Party (Mexico)|PAN]])
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|leader_title1          =[[Chamber of Deputies of Mexico|Federal&nbsp;Deputies]]
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|leader_name1          =[[National Action Party (Mexico)|PAN]]: 8
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|leader_title2          =[[Senate of Mexico|Federal&nbsp;Senators]]
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|leader_name2          =[[Alejandro González Alcocer|Alejandro González]] ([[National Action Party (Mexico)|PAN]])<br>
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[[Rafael Díaz Ochoa|Rafael Díaz]] ([[National Action Party (Mexico)|PAN]])<br>[[Fernando Castro Trenti|Fernando Castro]] ([[Institutional Revolutionary Party|PRI]])
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|leader_title3          =
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|leader_name3          =
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|leader_title4          =
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|leader_name4          =
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|established_title      =  <!-- Settled —>
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|established_date      =
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|established_title2    = 
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|established_date2      =
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|established_title3    = 
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|established_date3      =
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|area_magnitude        =
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|unit_pref                = <!--Enter: Imperial, if Imperial (metric) is desired—>
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|area_footnotes          =</br>[[List of Mexican states by area|Ranked 12th]]
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|area_total_km2          = 69921<!-- ALL fields dealing with a measurements are subject to automatic unit conversion—>
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|area_land_km2            = <!--See table @ Template:Infobox Settlement for details on automatic unit conversion—>
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|area_water_km2          =
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|area_total_sq_mi        =
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|area_land_sq_mi          =
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|area_water_percent      =
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|area_urban_km2          =
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|area_metro_km2          =
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|area_metro_sq_mi        =
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|area_blank1_title        =
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|area_blank1_km2          =
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|area_blank1_sq_mi        =
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<!-- Population  ----------------------->
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|population_as_of              =2005
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|population_footnotes          =
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|population_note                =
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|population_total              = 2,844,469 ([[List of Mexican states by population|Ranked 14th]])
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|population_density_km2        =
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|population_density_sq_mi      =
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|population_metro              =
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|population_density_metro_km2  =
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|population_density_metro_sq_mi =
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|population_urban              =
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|population_density_urban_km2  =
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|population_density_urban_sq_mi =
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|population_blank1_title        =
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|population_blank1              =
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|population_density_blank1_km2 = 
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|population_density_blank1_sq_mi =
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<!-- General information  --------------->
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| timezone = [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
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| utc_offset = -8
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| timezone_DST = [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]]
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| utc_offset_DST = -7
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|latd= |latm= |lats= |latNS=
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|longd= |longm= |longs= |longEW=
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|elevation_footnotes    =  <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags—>
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|elevation_m            =
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|elevation_ft          =
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|postal_code_type      =  <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... —>
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|postal_code            =
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|area_code              =
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|blank_name            =[[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2004)
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|blank_info            =0.8233 - <span style="color:#090">high</span><br>[[List of Mexican states by HDI|Ranked 7th]]
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|blank1_name            =[[ISO 3166-2]]
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|blank1_info            =MX-BCN
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|blank2_name            =Postal abbr.
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|blank2_info            =B.C.
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|blank3_name            =
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|blank3_info            =
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|website                = [http://www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/ State government]
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|footnotes              =
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}}
  
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'''Baja California''' or '''Lower California''' is a [[peninsula]] in the west of [[Mexico]]. It extends some 1250 km from [[Tijuana]] in the north to [[Cabo San Lucas]] in the south, separating the [[Pacific Ocean]] from the [[Gulf of California]] (or "Sea of Cortés").
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'''Baja California'''<ref>'''Baja California''', it is sometimes informally referred to as ''Baja California Norte'', to distinguish it from both the [[Baja California peninsula]], of which it forms the northern half, and [[Baja California Sur]], the adjacent state that covers the southern half of the peninsula. While it is a well-established term for the northern half of the Baja California peninsula, however, its usage would not be correct, because ''Baja California Norte'' has never existed as a political designation for a state, territory, district or region.</ref> is  the northernmost [[States of Mexico|state]] of [[Mexico]]. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the '''North Territory of Baja California'''. It has an area of {{convert|71576|sqkm|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}, or 3.57% of the land mass of Mexico and comprises the northern half of the [[Baja California peninsula]], north of the 28th parallel.  The state is bordered on the west by the [[Pacific Ocean]], on the east by [[Sonora]], the [[U.S. State]] of [[Arizona]], and the [[Gulf of California]] (also known as the [[Sea of Cortez]]), and on the south by [[Baja California Sur]]. Its northern limit is  the U.S. state of [[California]].
  
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==The "Island of California"==
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The state has a population of 2,844,469 ([[2005]] census), much more than the sparsely populated Baja California Sur to the south. Over 75% of the population lives in the capital city, [[Mexicali]], or in [[Tijuana]].  Both these cities are close to the U.S. border.  Other important cities include [[Ensenada, Baja California|Ensenada]], [[San Felipe, Baja California|San Felipe]], [[Playas de Rosarito]] and [[Tecate]]. The population of the state is composed of [[Mestizos]], mostly immigrants from other parts of [[Mexico]], and as with most northern Mexican states have a large population of Mexican's of European ancestry, also a large minority group of [[East Asian]], [[Middle Eastern]] and [[Indigenous peoples in Mexico|Indigenous]] descent. Additionally, there are large immigrant populations from the [[United States]] and [[Central America]] due to its proximity to [[San Diego, California|San Diego]], cheaper cost of living compared to San Diego, and the number of higher paying jobs in comparison to the rest of Mexico and [[Latin America]].   
  
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In the minds of [[Europe]]an explorers, California existed as an idea before it was ever discovered. The earliest known mention of the ''idea'' of California was in the [[1510]] romance novel ''Las Sergas de Esplandián'' by Spanish author [[García Ordóñez de Montalvo]]. The book described the [[Island of California]] as being west of the [[Indies]], "very close to the side of the Terrestrial Paradise; and it is peopled by black women, without any man among them, for they live in the manner of [[Amazons]]."
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Baja California is the twelfth state by area in Mexico. Its geography ranks from beaches to forests and deserts. The backbone of the state is the Sierra de Baja California; where the [[Picacho del Diablo|Picacho Del Diablo]], the highest point of the peninsula, is located. This mountain range effectively divides the weather patterns in the state. In the northwest, the weather is semi-dry, mediterranean. In the narrow center, the weather changes to be more humid due to altitude. It is in this area where a few valleys can be found, such as the [[Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California|Valle de Guadalupe]], the major wine producer area in Mexico. To the east of the mountain range, the [[Sonoran Desert]] dominates the landscape. In the south, the weather becomes drier and gives place to the Vizcaino Desert. The state is also home to numerous islands in both of its shores. In fact, the westernmost point in Mexico, the [[Guadalupe Island]], is part of Baja California. The Coronado, Todos Santos and Cedros Islands are also on the Pacific Shore. On the Gulf of California, the biggest island is the Angel De La Guarda, separated from the peninsula by the deep and narrow Canal de Ballenas.
  
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The lure of an earthly paradise, as well as the search for the fabled [[Strait of Anián]], helped motivate [[Hernán Cortés]],  following his conquest of Mexico, to send several expeditions in the late [[1530s]] and early [[1540s]] to the west coast of [[New Spain]]. The first of several expeditions reached the Gulf of California and Baja California, and proved that the [[Island of California]] was in fact a peninsula. Nevertheless, the idea of the island persisted for well over a century and was included on many maps. The Spanish gave the name "California" to the peninsula and to the lands north, including both Baja California and [[Alta California]], the region that became the present-day U.S. states of California, Nevada, Utah, etc.
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The state's inhabitants are known as "Cachanillas," after the wild cachanilla plant which has a fresh aroma and was used by the original inhabitants to make huts. Originally, the term "Cachanillas" was applied only to the inhabitants of the Mexicali Valley, although there are tales of the term being used for inhabitants of Santa Rosalía in Baja California Sur.
  
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:''See also:'' [[Origin of the name California]]
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==Geography==
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Baja California has two sea shores. It borders the [[Pacific Ocean]] to the west and the [[Gulf of california|Gulf of California]] to the east. Even though the state is not large in area, its geography is very diverse. The Sierra de Baja California (also known as the [[Peninsular Ranges]]) runs in the middle of the state with different denominations. The two most important are the Sierra de Juarez and the [[San Pedro Martir|Sierra de San Pedro Martir]]. These ranges are home to forests similar to those in [[San Gabriel Mountains|Southern California]]. The Picacho del Diablo is the highest peak in the whole peninsula, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of California. Between these mountain ranges, some valleys are suitable for agriculture such as the [[Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California|Valle de Guadalupe]] and the Valle de Ojos Negros. The mild weather makes this area excellent for the production of citrus fruits and grapes. This area is also rich in minerals. The mountain range gets closer to the Gulf of California towards the south of the state and the western slope becomes wider, forming the Llanos del Berrendo in the border with Baja California Sur.
  
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== Political divisions ==
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The cool winds from the Pacific Ocean and the cold [[California Current]] make the weather along the northwestern coast pleasant year round. The coastal cities of [[Rosarito|Playas de Rosarito]] and [[Ensenada]] have the one of the nicest weather patterns in the whole Mexico. But due to the California current, rains from the north barely reach the peninsula and this makes the weather drier towards the south. South of El Rosario river, the area becomes a desert. This desert, however, is rich in succulents such as the Cardon, Boojum tree, Ocotillo and others. These plants can flourish in part due to the coastal fog. Driving along [[Mexican Federal Highway 1|MX-1]] provides a good view of this area.
  
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The peninsula is divided into two parts:
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There are numerous islands on the Pacific shore. [[Guadalupe Island]] is the remote outpost to the west and it is home to big colonies of sea lions. In [[Cedros island|Cedros Island]] there is a small community living mostly on fishing. The Todos Santos Islands, in front of Ensenada, are popular with surfers offering some of the highest waves worldwide.
  
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*The northern part is the [[Baja California (state)|State of Baja California]]. To avoid confusion, this state is sometimes (incorrectly) referred to as "Baja California Norte".
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To the east, the [[Sonoran desert|Sonoran Desert]] enters the state from both California and Sonora. Some of the highest temperatures in Mexico are recorded in or nearby the Mexicali Valley in the northeast. However, with irrigation from the Colorado river, this area has become truly an [[Mexicali#The_building_of_an_agricultural_empire|agricultural center]]. The Cerro Prieto geothermical province is nearby Mexicali, producing about 80% of the electricity consumed in the state and enough more to export to California. The Laguna Salada, a saline lake lying between the rugged Sierra de Juarez and the Sierra de los Cucapah, is also in the vicinity of Mexicali. The highest mountain in the range is the Cerro del Centinela or Mount Signal.
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*The southern part, below 28° North, is the [[Baja California Sur|State of Baja California Sur]].
 
  
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== Geographic Features ==
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The state is also blessed with numerous beaches on its east coast. Fishing and touristic towns such as [[San Felipe, Baja California|San Felipe]] and [[Bahia de los Angeles|Bahia de Los Angeles]] are a major attraction for people in search of adventure, nice beaches and fresh fish. The area south of San Felipe is basically undeveloped and pristine beaches can be found in many bays.
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*The [[Sierra San Pedro Mártir]] is a major [[mountain]] range in the northern part of the state. The highest point is Cerro de la Encantada, 3096 m. It is connected to the [[California]]n [[Peninsular Ranges]] by the lower [[Sierra Juárez]].
 
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*At the south end of Baja California Sur, the [[Sierra de la Laguna]] forms an isolated mountain range rising to 2406 m.
 
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*The [[Bahía de los Ángeles]] is a [[Headlands and bays|bay]] located on the east side of the peninsula, which faces the [[Sea of Cortez]].
 
  
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== History ==
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The main source of water in the state are the [[Colorado river]], which [[Colorado River Delta|empties]] in the Gulf of California, and the [[Tijuana River|Tijuana river]], serving the cities of Mexicali and Tijuana. The rest of the state depends mostly on wells and a few dams.
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*1532: [[Hernán Cortés]] sends two ships north along the coast of [[Mexico]] in search of the [[Island of California]]. The two ships disappear without a trace.
 
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*1533: Cortés sends a follow-up mission to search for the lost ships. Pilot [[Fortún Ximénez]] leads a mutiny and founds a settlement in the [[Bay of La Paz]] before being killed.
 
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*1539: [[Francisco de Ulloa]] explores both coasts.
 
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*1690s&ndash;1700s: Spanish settlement in California
 
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*1804: The Spanish colony of California is divided into Alta ("Upper") and Baja ("Lower") California at the line separating the Franciscan missions in the north from the Dominican missions in the south.
 
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*In 1850, after [[Alta California]] has been annexed by the United States, Baja California is further divided into northern and southern territories.
 
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*1952: Northern [[Baja California (state)|Baja California]] becomes the 29th state of Mexico; the southern part remains a federally administered territory.
 
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*1974: The southern territory becomes the 31st state, [[Baja California Sur]].
 
  
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== Partition ==
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==History==
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The first humans came to the peninsula at least 11,000 years ago, probably following the Pacific coast down from [[Alaska]]. At the time of European contact, two main native groups were present on the peninsula. In the south were the [[Cochimi|Cochim&iacute;]]. In the north were several groups belonging to the Yuman linguistic family, including the [[Kiliwa]], [[Paipai]], [[Kumeyaay]], [[Cocopa]], and [[Quechan]]. These peoples were diverse in their adaptations to the region. The Cochimí of the peninsula's Central Desert were generalized hunter-gatherers who moved frequently; however, the Cochimí on [[Cedros Island]] off the west coast had developed a strongly maritime economy. The Kiliwa, Paipai, and Kumeyaay in the better-watered northwest were also hunter-gatherers, but that region supported denser populations and more sedentary lifeways. The Cocopa and Quechan of northeastern Baja California practiced agriculture in the floodplain of the lower Colorado River.
  
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[[Image:Monument Upper Lower California 2.jpg|flip|thumb|Photo of the marker|175px]]
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Europeans reached the present state of Baja California in [[1539]], when [[Francisco de Ulloa]] reconnoitered its east coast on the [[Gulf of California]] and explored the peninsula's west coast at least as far north as Cedros Island. [[Hernando de Alarc&oacute;n]] returned to the east coast and ascended the lower Colorado River in [[1540]], and [[Juan Rodr&iacute;guez Cabrillo]] completed the reconnaissance of the west coast in [[1542]]. [[Sebasti&aacute;n Vizca&iacute;no]] again surveyed the west coast in [[1602]], but outside visitors during the following century were few.
  
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[[Image:Monument Upper Lower California 3.jpg|thumb|right|Photo of the marker inscription|175px]]
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The [[Society of Jesus|Jesuits]] founded a permanent mission colony on the peninsula at [[Loreto, Baja California Sur|Loreto]] in [[1697]]. During the following decades, they gradually extended their sway throughout the present state of Baja California Sur. In 1751-1753, the Croatian Jesuit mission-explorer [[Ferdinand Konščak]] made overland explorations northward into the state of Baja California. Jesuit missions were subsequently established among the Cochimí at [[Misi&oacute;n Santa Gertrudis|Santa Gertrudis]] (1752), [[Misi&oacute;n San Francisco Borja|San Borja]] (1762), and [[Misi&oacute;n Santa Mar&iacute;a de los &Aacute;ngeles|Santa Mar&iacute;a]] (1767).
  
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[[New Spain]]'s province of [[California (province)|California]] was divided into [[Alta California]] and [[Baja California (province)|Baja California]] on [[May 19]], [[1773]] near the [[San Juan Bautista]] creek by Fray [[Francisco Palou]].
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After the [[Suppression of the Jesuits|expulsion of the Jesuits]] in 1768, the short-lived [[Franciscan]] administration (1768-1773) resulted in one new mission at [[Misi&oacute;n San Fernando Rey de Espa&ntilde;a de Velicat&aacute;|San Fernando Velicat&aacute;]]. More importantly, the 1769 expedition to settle [[California|Alta California]] under [[Gaspar de Portol&agrave;]] and [[Jun&iacute;pero Serra]] resulted in the first overland exploration of the northwestern portion of the state.
  
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A marker is erected in the place where the dividing committee began the measurements for the province's partition.
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The [[Dominican Order|Dominicans]] took over management of the Baja California missions from the Franciscans in 1773. They established a chain of new missions among the northern Cochimí and western Yumans, first on the coast and subsequently inland, extending from [[Misi&oacute;n Nuestra Se&ntilde;ora del Sant&iacute;simo Rosario de Vi&ntilde;acado|El Rosario]] (1774) to [[Misi&oacute;n El Descanso|Descanso]] (1817), just south of Tijuana.
  
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The marker is behind the [[Misión San Miguel Arcángel de la Frontera]], near [[Ensenada]].
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=== Nineteenth and twentieth centuries ===
  
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Translated into English, the inscription reads:
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*[[1804]]: The Spanish colony of California is [[divided into Alta ("upper") and Baja ("lower") California]] at the line separating the [[Franciscan]] missions in the north from the [[Dominican Order|Dominican]] missions in the south.
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<blockquote>
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*[[1848]]: [[Alta California]] is annexed by the United States.
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*[[1853]]: Soldier of fortune [[William Walker (soldier)|William Walker]] captures [[La Paz, Baja California Sur|La Paz]], declaring himself President of the Republic of Lower California.  The Mexican government forces his retreat after several months.
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*[[1905]]: The Magonista revolutionary movement begins.
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*[[1911]]: Mexicali and Tijuana are captured by the Partido Liberal Mexicano (PLM), but soon surrender to Federal forces.
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*[[1930]]: Baja California is further divided into Northern and Southern territories.
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*[[1952]]: The ''North Territory of Baja California'' becomes the 29th state of Mexico, [[Baja California]]. The southern portion, below 28°N, remains a federally administered territory.
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*[[1974]]: The ''South Territory of Baja California'' becomes the 31st state, [[Baja California Sur]].
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*[[1989]]: [[Ernesto Ruffo Appel]] of the [[National Action Party (Mexico)|PAN]] becomes the first non-[[Institutional Revolutionary Party|PRI]] governor of Baja California and the first opposition governor of any state since the [[Mexican Revolution|Revolution]].
  
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San Juan Bautista creek (RESPI.MAY.1769) This was the starting point for the setting of the first international division line between Old or Lower California ([[Dominicans]]) and New or Upper California ([[Franciscans]]) five [[league]]s to the [[north]] ([[Valley of the Medanos]]) being established by: Priest Francisco Palou on [[19 August]] [[1773]] ([[Mojonera of Palou]]) in compliance with the instructions put forth on [[April 7]] [[1772]] [[concordato]]. [[Rosarito Historical Society]], Baja California A.C. At The Mission, Baja California, on [[20 May]] [[1990]]. Fieldwork and research: Mario Reyes Meléndez. [[Monument]] donation: Christenson - Carrozo Family. Construction: Students of Tourism: [[U.A.B.C.]]
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==Demographics==
  
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== External link ==
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The racial make-up of the state is approximately 40% White/European (not limited to Mexican or/and Spanish descent), 36% Mestizo (Mixed Amerindian and European), 9% east Asian (predominantly Chinese, Korean and Japanese), the remaining 15% is Native American (of Mexican and Central American origins, but includes [[Cherokee]]s from the U.S. long settled in Northwest Mexico since the 1850s) and less than 1% Black African.  
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*[http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=27.619629,-113.664551&spn=10.437012,16.215820&t=k&hl=en Google maps]
 
  
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{{credit|29537248}}
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Historically, the state had sizable east Asian immigration, esp. Mexicali has a large [[Chinese people|Chinese]] community, as well [[Filipinos]] from the Philippines both under Spanish and later US rule (1898-1946) settled in the state in much of the 19th and 20th centuries, and Tijuana is a major port of entry for east Asians entering the U.S. ever since the first [[Asian-American]]s were present in California. 
  
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[[Category:Geography]]
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[[Category:Peninsulas]]
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Also a significant number of [[Arab people|Arabs]] (esp. from Lebanon and Syria) and [[Armenians]] from the Middle East, and [[east Indians]] from India or Pakistan settle near the US border and small waves of [[Russian people|Russian]] settlers in the early 20th century, usually members of the [[Molokan]] sect of the [[Russian Orthodox]] church fled the [[Russian Revolution]] of 1917 when the Soviet Union took power, had established a few villages along the Pacific coast south of Ensenada. {{Fact|date=March 2008}}
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In the past two decades large numbers of migrants from southern Mexican states have arrived to work in agriculture (esp. the Mexicali Valley and nearby Imperial Valley, California, US) and manufacturing. The cities of Tijuana and Mexicali grew as a result of migrants, primarily are those who sought US citizenship and those temporary residents awaiting for their entry to America are called ''Flotillas'', which is Spanish for "to float". 
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There is also a sizable immigrant community from Central and South America, and from the United States and Canada. An estimated 200,000+ American expatriates live in the state, especially in coastal resort towns such as *[[Playas de Rosarito (municipality)|Rosarito]] and [[San Felipe, Baja California|San Felipe]] known for affordable homes purchased by retirees whom continued to hold US citizenship.  [[Tijuana]] also has a large American population (second largest in Mexico next to Mexico City), particularly for its cheaper housing and proximity to San Diego.  Most Americans that live in Tijuana work in San Diego, earning higher wages.
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== Municipalities ==
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Baja California is subdivided into five ''[[municipio (Mexico)|municipio]]s'' ([[municipality|municipalities]]). See [[municipalities of Baja California]].
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*[[Ensenada (municipality)|Ensenada]]
 +
*[[Mexicali (municipality)|Mexicali]]
 +
*[[Tecate (municipality)|Tecate]]
 +
*[[Tijuana (municipality)|Tijuana]]
 +
*[[Playas de Rosarito (municipality)|Playas de Rosarito]]
 +
 
 +
==Education ==
 +
* See [[:Category:Universities and colleges in Baja California]].
 +
 
 +
==Economy==
 +
As of 2005, Baja California’s economy represents 3.3% of of Mexico’s total [[gross domestic product]] or 21,996 million USD<ref>{{cite book | authorlink = http://www.bancomext.gob.mx | title = Industrial Costs in Mexico - A Guide for Foreign Investors 2007
 +
  | publisher = Bancomext
 +
  | date = 2007
 +
  | location = Mexico City
 +
  | pages = 86
 +
  }}</ref>.  Baja California's economy has a strong focus on export oriented manufacturing (i.e. [[maquiladora]] / [[INMEX]]).  As of 2005,  284,255 people are employed in the manufacturing sector<ref>
 +
{{cite book
 +
  | authorlink = http://www.bancomext.gob.mx
 +
  | title = Industrial Costs in Mexico - A Guide for Foreign Investors 2007
 +
  | publisher = Bancomext
 +
  | date = 2007
 +
  | location = Mexico City
 +
  | pages = 86
 +
  }}</ref>.  There are a more than 900 companies operating under the federal [[INMEX]] or [[Prosec]] program in Baja California. The average wage for an employee in Baja California is approximately 217 pesos per day<ref>{{cite web|title=Baja California Regional Investment Guide|publisher=UnderstandMexico|url=http://www.understandmexico.com/mexico/states/Baja/California|accessdate=2008-03-09}}</ref>.
 +
 
 +
==See also==
 +
* [[Spanish missions in California#Missions in present–day Baja California (Mexico)|Spanish missions in present–day Baja California]]
 +
* [[History of the west coast of North America]]
 +
* [[Aztec Brewing Company]]
 +
 
 +
==Notes==
 +
<div class="references-small">
 +
<references />
 +
</div>
 +
 
 +
== Sources ==
 +
* [http://www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/english/Our_State/history/the_transformation.jsp Baja California State Government: The Transformation of Baja California]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
*{{en icon}} [http://www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/english/index.jsp State government]
 +
*{{en icon}} [http://www.investinbaja.gob.mx/ Baja California Investment Portal]
 +
*{{es icon}} [http://www.e-local.gob.mx/wb2/ELOCAL/EMM_bajacalifornia Enciclopedia de los Municipios de México]
 +
 
 +
{{Baja California}}
 +
{{States of Mexico}}
 +
 
 +
[[Category:States of Mexico]]
 +
[[Category:Baja California|*]]
 +
[[Category:Divided regions|California, Baja]]
 +
 
 +
{{credit|211088877}}

Revision as of 23:21, 8 May 2008

Coordinates: 30°33′N 115°10′W

This article is about the Mexican state. For other uses, see Baja California (disambiguation) or California (disambiguation).
Baja California
Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California
—  State  —
Flag of Baja California
Flag		 Coat of arms of Baja California
Coat of arms
Location within Mexico
Location within Mexico
Municipalities of Baja California
Municipalities of Baja California
Country Flag of Mexico Mexico
Capital Mexicali
Municipalities 5
Largest City Tijuana
Government
 - Governor José Guadalupe Osuna Millán (PAN)
 - Federal Deputies PAN: 8
 - Federal Senators Alejandro González (PAN)
Rafael Díaz (PAN)
Fernando Castro (PRI)
Area
Ranked 12th
 - Total 69,921 km² (26,996.6 sq mi)
Population (2005)
 - Total 2,844,469 (Ranked 14th)
Time zone PST (UTC-8)
 - Summer (DST) PDT (UTC-7)
HDI (2004) 0.8233 - high
Ranked 7th
ISO 3166-2 MX-BCN
Postal abbr. B.C.
Website: State government

Baja California[1] is the northernmost state of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North Territory of Baja California. It has an area of 71,576 km² (27,636 sq mi), or 3.57% of the land mass of Mexico and comprises the northern half of the Baja California peninsula, north of the 28th parallel. The state is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by Sonora, the U.S. State of Arizona, and the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez), and on the south by Baja California Sur. Its northern limit is the U.S. state of California.

The state has a population of 2,844,469 (2005 census), much more than the sparsely populated Baja California Sur to the south. Over 75% of the population lives in the capital city, Mexicali, or in Tijuana. Both these cities are close to the U.S. border. Other important cities include Ensenada, San Felipe, Playas de Rosarito and Tecate. The population of the state is composed of Mestizos, mostly immigrants from other parts of Mexico, and as with most northern Mexican states have a large population of Mexican's of European ancestry, also a large minority group of East Asian, Middle Eastern and Indigenous descent. Additionally, there are large immigrant populations from the United States and Central America due to its proximity to San Diego, cheaper cost of living compared to San Diego, and the number of higher paying jobs in comparison to the rest of Mexico and Latin America.

Baja California is the twelfth state by area in Mexico. Its geography ranks from beaches to forests and deserts. The backbone of the state is the Sierra de Baja California; where the Picacho Del Diablo, the highest point of the peninsula, is located. This mountain range effectively divides the weather patterns in the state. In the northwest, the weather is semi-dry, mediterranean. In the narrow center, the weather changes to be more humid due to altitude. It is in this area where a few valleys can be found, such as the Valle de Guadalupe, the major wine producer area in Mexico. To the east of the mountain range, the Sonoran Desert dominates the landscape. In the south, the weather becomes drier and gives place to the Vizcaino Desert. The state is also home to numerous islands in both of its shores. In fact, the westernmost point in Mexico, the Guadalupe Island, is part of Baja California. The Coronado, Todos Santos and Cedros Islands are also on the Pacific Shore. On the Gulf of California, the biggest island is the Angel De La Guarda, separated from the peninsula by the deep and narrow Canal de Ballenas.

The state's inhabitants are known as "Cachanillas," after the wild cachanilla plant which has a fresh aroma and was used by the original inhabitants to make huts. Originally, the term "Cachanillas" was applied only to the inhabitants of the Mexicali Valley, although there are tales of the term being used for inhabitants of Santa Rosalía in Baja California Sur.

Geography

Baja California has two sea shores. It borders the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Gulf of California to the east. Even though the state is not large in area, its geography is very diverse. The Sierra de Baja California (also known as the Peninsular Ranges) runs in the middle of the state with different denominations. The two most important are the Sierra de Juarez and the Sierra de San Pedro Martir. These ranges are home to forests similar to those in Southern California. The Picacho del Diablo is the highest peak in the whole peninsula, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of California. Between these mountain ranges, some valleys are suitable for agriculture such as the Valle de Guadalupe and the Valle de Ojos Negros. The mild weather makes this area excellent for the production of citrus fruits and grapes. This area is also rich in minerals. The mountain range gets closer to the Gulf of California towards the south of the state and the western slope becomes wider, forming the Llanos del Berrendo in the border with Baja California Sur.

The cool winds from the Pacific Ocean and the cold California Current make the weather along the northwestern coast pleasant year round. The coastal cities of Playas de Rosarito and Ensenada have the one of the nicest weather patterns in the whole Mexico. But due to the California current, rains from the north barely reach the peninsula and this makes the weather drier towards the south. South of El Rosario river, the area becomes a desert. This desert, however, is rich in succulents such as the Cardon, Boojum tree, Ocotillo and others. These plants can flourish in part due to the coastal fog. Driving along MX-1 provides a good view of this area.

There are numerous islands on the Pacific shore. Guadalupe Island is the remote outpost to the west and it is home to big colonies of sea lions. In Cedros Island there is a small community living mostly on fishing. The Todos Santos Islands, in front of Ensenada, are popular with surfers offering some of the highest waves worldwide.

To the east, the Sonoran Desert enters the state from both California and Sonora. Some of the highest temperatures in Mexico are recorded in or nearby the Mexicali Valley in the northeast. However, with irrigation from the Colorado river, this area has become truly an agricultural center. The Cerro Prieto geothermical province is nearby Mexicali, producing about 80% of the electricity consumed in the state and enough more to export to California. The Laguna Salada, a saline lake lying between the rugged Sierra de Juarez and the Sierra de los Cucapah, is also in the vicinity of Mexicali. The highest mountain in the range is the Cerro del Centinela or Mount Signal.

The state is also blessed with numerous beaches on its east coast. Fishing and touristic towns such as San Felipe and Bahia de Los Angeles are a major attraction for people in search of adventure, nice beaches and fresh fish. The area south of San Felipe is basically undeveloped and pristine beaches can be found in many bays.

The main source of water in the state are the Colorado river, which empties in the Gulf of California, and the Tijuana river, serving the cities of Mexicali and Tijuana. The rest of the state depends mostly on wells and a few dams.

History

The first humans came to the peninsula at least 11,000 years ago, probably following the Pacific coast down from Alaska. At the time of European contact, two main native groups were present on the peninsula. In the south were the Cochimí. In the north were several groups belonging to the Yuman linguistic family, including the Kiliwa, Paipai, Kumeyaay, Cocopa, and Quechan. These peoples were diverse in their adaptations to the region. The Cochimí of the peninsula's Central Desert were generalized hunter-gatherers who moved frequently; however, the Cochimí on Cedros Island off the west coast had developed a strongly maritime economy. The Kiliwa, Paipai, and Kumeyaay in the better-watered northwest were also hunter-gatherers, but that region supported denser populations and more sedentary lifeways. The Cocopa and Quechan of northeastern Baja California practiced agriculture in the floodplain of the lower Colorado River.

Europeans reached the present state of Baja California in 1539, when Francisco de Ulloa reconnoitered its east coast on the Gulf of California and explored the peninsula's west coast at least as far north as Cedros Island. Hernando de Alarcón returned to the east coast and ascended the lower Colorado River in 1540, and Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo completed the reconnaissance of the west coast in 1542. Sebastián Vizcaíno again surveyed the west coast in 1602, but outside visitors during the following century were few.

The Jesuits founded a permanent mission colony on the peninsula at Loreto in 1697. During the following decades, they gradually extended their sway throughout the present state of Baja California Sur. In 1751-1753, the Croatian Jesuit mission-explorer Ferdinand Konščak made overland explorations northward into the state of Baja California. Jesuit missions were subsequently established among the Cochimí at Santa Gertrudis (1752), San Borja (1762), and Santa María (1767).

After the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1768, the short-lived Franciscan administration (1768-1773) resulted in one new mission at San Fernando Velicatá. More importantly, the 1769 expedition to settle Alta California under Gaspar de Portolà and Junípero Serra resulted in the first overland exploration of the northwestern portion of the state.

The Dominicans took over management of the Baja California missions from the Franciscans in 1773. They established a chain of new missions among the northern Cochimí and western Yumans, first on the coast and subsequently inland, extending from El Rosario (1774) to Descanso (1817), just south of Tijuana.

Nineteenth and twentieth centuries

  • 1804: The Spanish colony of California is divided into Alta ("upper") and Baja ("lower") California at the line separating the Franciscan missions in the north from the Dominican missions in the south.
  • 1848: Alta California is annexed by the United States.
  • 1853: Soldier of fortune William Walker captures La Paz, declaring himself President of the Republic of Lower California. The Mexican government forces his retreat after several months.
  • 1905: The Magonista revolutionary movement begins.
  • 1911: Mexicali and Tijuana are captured by the Partido Liberal Mexicano (PLM), but soon surrender to Federal forces.
  • 1930: Baja California is further divided into Northern and Southern territories.
  • 1952: The North Territory of Baja California becomes the 29th state of Mexico, Baja California. The southern portion, below 28°N, remains a federally administered territory.
  • 1974: The South Territory of Baja California becomes the 31st state, Baja California Sur.
  • 1989: Ernesto Ruffo Appel of the PAN becomes the first non-PRI governor of Baja California and the first opposition governor of any state since the Revolution.

Demographics

The racial make-up of the state is approximately 40% White/European (not limited to Mexican or/and Spanish descent), 36% Mestizo (Mixed Amerindian and European), 9% east Asian (predominantly Chinese, Korean and Japanese), the remaining 15% is Native American (of Mexican and Central American origins, but includes Cherokees from the U.S. long settled in Northwest Mexico since the 1850s) and less than 1% Black African.

Historically, the state had sizable east Asian immigration, esp. Mexicali has a large Chinese community, as well Filipinos from the Philippines both under Spanish and later US rule (1898-1946) settled in the state in much of the 19th and 20th centuries, and Tijuana is a major port of entry for east Asians entering the U.S. ever since the first Asian-Americans were present in California.


Also a significant number of Arabs (esp. from Lebanon and Syria) and Armenians from the Middle East, and east Indians from India or Pakistan settle near the US border and small waves of Russian settlers in the early 20th century, usually members of the Molokan sect of the Russian Orthodox church fled the Russian Revolution of 1917 when the Soviet Union took power, had established a few villages along the Pacific coast south of Ensenada. [citation needed]

In the past two decades large numbers of migrants from southern Mexican states have arrived to work in agriculture (esp. the Mexicali Valley and nearby Imperial Valley, California, US) and manufacturing. The cities of Tijuana and Mexicali grew as a result of migrants, primarily are those who sought US citizenship and those temporary residents awaiting for their entry to America are called Flotillas, which is Spanish for "to float".

There is also a sizable immigrant community from Central and South America, and from the United States and Canada. An estimated 200,000+ American expatriates live in the state, especially in coastal resort towns such as *Rosarito and San Felipe known for affordable homes purchased by retirees whom continued to hold US citizenship. Tijuana also has a large American population (second largest in Mexico next to Mexico City), particularly for its cheaper housing and proximity to San Diego. Most Americans that live in Tijuana work in San Diego, earning higher wages.

Municipalities

Baja California is subdivided into five municipios (municipalities). See municipalities of Baja California.

  • Ensenada
  • Mexicali
  • Tecate
  • Tijuana
  • Playas de Rosarito

Education

  • See Category:Universities and colleges in Baja California.

Economy

As of 2005, Baja California’s economy represents 3.3% of of Mexico’s total gross domestic product or 21,996 million USD[2]. Baja California's economy has a strong focus on export oriented manufacturing (i.e. maquiladora / INMEX). As of 2005, 284,255 people are employed in the manufacturing sector[3]. There are a more than 900 companies operating under the federal INMEX or Prosec program in Baja California. The average wage for an employee in Baja California is approximately 217 pesos per day[4].

See also

  • Spanish missions in present–day Baja California
  • History of the west coast of North America
  • Aztec Brewing Company

Notes

  1. ↑ Baja California, it is sometimes informally referred to as Baja California Norte, to distinguish it from both the Baja California peninsula, of which it forms the northern half, and Baja California Sur, the adjacent state that covers the southern half of the peninsula. While it is a well-established term for the northern half of the Baja California peninsula, however, its usage would not be correct, because Baja California Norte has never existed as a political designation for a state, territory, district or region.
  2. ↑ (2007) Industrial Costs in Mexico - A Guide for Foreign Investors 2007. Mexico City: Bancomext, 86. 
  3. ↑ (2007) Industrial Costs in Mexico - A Guide for Foreign Investors 2007. Mexico City: Bancomext, 86. 
  4. ↑ Baja California Regional Investment Guide. UnderstandMexico. Retrieved 2008-03-09.

Sources

External links

Template:Baja California

Political divisions of Mexico
States of Mexico: Aguascalientes · Baja California · Baja California Sur · Campeche · Chiapas · Chihuahua · Coahuila · Colima · Durango · Guanajuato · Guerrero · Hidalgo · Jalisco · Mexico State · Michoacán · Morelos · Nayarit · Nuevo León · Oaxaca · Puebla · Querétaro · Quintana Roo · San Luis Potosí · Sinaloa · Sonora · Tabasco · Tamaulipas · Tlaxcala · Veracruz · Yucatán · Zacatecas
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Federal District

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