Baja California - Mexico - HISTORY.com Baja California A+E Networks Introduction Tourists flock to Baja California—separated from the rest of Mexico by the Sea of Cortez—to visit its stunning shoreline and test their mettle at sport fishing. The state’s border crossing at Tijuana is the busiest in all of Mexico. The international port of Ensenada, located on the Pacific coast, is a regular stop for cruise ships. Since it is the only deepwater port in Baja California, it acts as the primary hub for importing and exporting goods throughout the region. History Early History Before the Spaniards arrived, the peninsula of Baja California was inhabited by three major ethnic groups: the Cochimí in the north, the Guaycura in the central section and the Pericú on the southern cape. Archaeological artifacts suggest that these tribes inhabited the peninsula and Cedros Island as early as 9,000-10,000 years ago. The Cochimí, who lived on the mainland, were hunters and gatherers, but an isolated group of Cochimí living on Cedros Island developed a fairly complex agricultural system. The Guaycura and the Pericú lived by hunting, gathering and fishing.

Their descendants still live in Baja California, primarily on the northernmost part of the peninsula. Did You Know? When the Spaniards arrived in the Baja California area in 1539, they believed they had reached a mythical island of female warriors governed by Queen Calafia. The earliest record of this myth appears in The Exploits of the Very Powerful Cavalier Esplandian, Son of the Excellent King Amadis of Gau, written by Garcia Ordonez de Montalvo 18 years earlier. Middle History After the Spanish conquered the Mexican mainland early in the 16th century, they began searching westward for a fabled island of gold. In 1532, the conquistador Hernán Cortés dispatched two fleets of ships to look for the island. When they failed to find it, Cortés decided to lead the search himself. In 1535, he landed north of La Paz (near the southern end of the Baja California peninsula) where he discovered black pearls but no gold. Cortés and his men returned to the mainland, only to launch another expedition in 1539 under the leadership of Captain Francisco de Ulloa.

This time the Spaniards sailed the full length of the Sea of Cortés, discovering that Baja was actually a peninsula. Conflicting reports state that Ulloa was stabbed to death or lost at sea the following year; in either case, Cortés returned to Spain in 1541 without fully exploring or colonizing Baja California. In 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo ventured into the region, but it proved to be the last exploration for 50 years. Later, as trade grew between Mexico and the Philippines, it became clear that a supply station on the western coast of Baja California would provide a welcome refuge for ships arriving from the long Pacific voyage. Beginning in 1592, Sebastián Vizcaíno undertook two expeditions to establish such a station, but he was unsuccessful because of repeated native resistance. In fact, a supply station would not be established in the area until 1730. In January 1683, the Spanish government provisioned three ships with 200 men and gave them a mandate to colonize the peninsula.

The expedition, led by Sinaloa’s governor Isidro de Atondo y Antillón, sailed into the Sea of Cortés and attempted its first settlement at La Paz; however, hostility from local tribes forced the expedition to move on. When a second settlement failed for the same reason, the expedition returned to the mainland. Twelve years later, in 1695, a Jesuit priest named Juan María Salvatierra established the region’s first permanent Spanish settlement, the Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto, which quickly became the peninsula’s religious and administrative capital. Its success enabled other Jesuits to introduce more missions throughout the area—a total of 23 over the next 70 years. However, King Carlos III of Spain became wary of the Jesuits’ growing power and, in 1767, ordered that they be expelled at gunpoint and returned to Spain immediately. The Franciscans moved into the vacuum left by the Jesuits, and—under the authority of Father Junipero Serra—they closed or consolidated several of the existing missions and established one of their own, San Fernando Velicatá.

At the direction of the Spanish government, Father Serra continued to move north, where he established 21 new missions in Alta California (present-day California). In the late 1700s, the Dominicans became active in Baja California. By 1800, they had established nine new missions in the northern part of Baja and continued to oversee the existing Jesuit missions. The independence movement in Mexico began in 1810, but Baja California’s involvement was minimal, given its small population. The Spanish presence on the peninsula consisted primarily of missions, and the missions were closely linked to the Spanish crown. The end of Spanish rule in Mexico spelled the end of the missions’ administrative authority as well. After gaining its independence in 1821, Mexico established Baja California as a federal territory; in 1832, the governor converted all the missions into parish churches. Recent History The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) had major repercussions in Baja California. The war began after Mexico refused the United States’ offer to buy California, Nevada , Utah and parts of Colorado , Arizona , New Mexico and Wyoming .

In the treaty ending the war, Mexico gave in to U.S. demands and ceded the vast territory in exchange for $15 million. The original draft of the treaty included Baja California in the sale, but the United States eventually agreed to omit the peninsula because of its proximity to Sonora , which is located just across the narrow Sea of Cortés. In 1853, an American named William Walker invaded the peninsula with 50 mercenaries, intent on annexing the land for the United States. Although he had no support from the U.S. government, Walker sailed from San Francisco to La Paz, arrested the governor, took possession of the public buildings and raised the flag of a new republic. He even declared himself president and installed cabinet members. Without reinforcements, however, Walker was forced to retreat, first to Cabo San Lucas and eventually back across the border. Being so distant from Mexico City, Baja California was relatively insulated from much of the political and social turmoil that plagued Mexico during the latter part of the 19th century. However, the territory did play a pivotal role in the Mexican Revolution .

In 1911, a group called the Partido Liberal Mexicano (Liberal Mexican Party) organized a rebellion against the extended presidency of dictator Porfirio Díaz. Under Francisco Palomares and Pedro Ramirez Caule—both supporters of Francisco Madero, who initiated the Mexican Revolution in 1910—the rebel army took control of Mexicali in January 1911, followed by Tijuana in May. The success of the Partido Liberal Mexicano undermined the credibility of Díaz and the federal forces, encouraging rebel troops in other regions to join the fight. As the revolution drew to a close in 1921, Baja California aligned itself with the new president, Venustiano Carranza. Throughout the remainder of the 20th century, the state’s cititens chose their leaders from the dominant political party, the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party), with the exception of Ernesto Ruffo, who was elected in 1989 as a representative of the PAN party.

On December 31, 1952, Baja California officially became Mexico’s 29th state, and in 1953 the state’s constitution was adopted. Previously, the region’s official name was Territorio Norte de Baja California, or Northern Territory of Baja California. Under the new constitution, Braulio Maldonado Sández of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) became the state’s first governor, presiding over a government whose unicameral legislative branch comprised 25 members. Baja California Today The state’s economy is bolstered by agriculture, maquiladoras (manufacturing assembly plants), mining and tourism. The state is also well known as a tourist destination, thanks to its countless beaches and proximity to the United States. With six border crossing points into the U.S. state of California, Baja California sees many thousand crossings each day. In 2000, an estimated 180,000 cars crossed the international border daily. Tijuana is the largest Baja California city. Its population continually fluctuates as people arrive from the United States and Latin America countries while others depart for the United States.

Baja California`s sports fans enjoy proximity to several professional teams: the Mexicali Suns (basketball), the Mexicali Eagles (baseball), the Tijuana Colts (baseball) and the Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles (soccer). Facts and Figures Major Cities (population): Tijuana (1,410,700) Mexicali (855,962) Ensenada (413,481) Tecate (91,021) Playas de Rosarito (73,305) Size/Area: 56,017 square miles Baja California | state, Mexico | Britannica.com Baja California Alternative Title: Baja California Norte Related Topics Sebastián Vizcaíno Bay Baja California, also called Baja California Norte , estado (state), northwestern Mexico , bounded to the north by the United States ( California and Arizona) , to the east by the state of Sonora and the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), to the west by the Pacific Ocean , and to the south by the state of Baja California Sur .

Its capital city, Mexicali , lies on the U.S.-Mexico border, opposite Calexico , California. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The state occupies the northern half of the Baja California peninsula and consists of rugged granitic mountains, the Sierra de Juárez and the Sierra San Pedro Mártir . Much of the state is occupied by a westward extension of the Sonoran Desert . Coastal plains are narrow except in the extreme northeast, where the Colorado River has formed a delta. However, the Colorado is now used so heavily upstream (mainly to supply crop irrigation and the population centres north of the border) that its remaining waters typically evaporate or seep into the desert before reaching the gulf. Although the state of Baja California has long been inhabited, settlement of the area has been sparse. The peninsula remained in Spanish possession until 1822, the year after Mexico gained its independence. In 1887 the peninsula was divided into two federal districts; the first capital of northern Baja California was at Ensenada . The district was redesignated as a federal territory in 1931 and became a state in 1952.

The name was changed to Baja California Norte in 1974 to distinguish it from the newly created state of Baja California Sur, but by 1979 it was again officially called Baja California. State government is headed by a governor elected to a single six-year term. Members of the unicameral House of Deputies serve terms of three years. The legislature can levy taxes, but in reality the state depends on the federal government for most of its revenue. Baja California is divided into five local governmental units called municipios (municipalities), each of which is headquartered in its largest town. Similar Topics Baja California - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up) A state of northwestern Mexico, Baja California occupies the northern half of the Baja (or Lower) California peninsula. It is also called Baja California Norte. The state of Baja California Sur covers the southern part of the peninsula. Baja California also borders the U.S. states of California and Arizona to the north, the Mexican state of Sonora and the Gulf of California (also called the Sea of Cortez) to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Its capital city, Mexicali, lies across the U.S.-Mexico border from Calexico, California. Article History Baja California Baja California Pronunciation: BAH-hah kah-lee-FOHR-nee-ah. Origin of state name: The name "California" comes from a 16th-century Spanish novel. California was an island close to paradise. Baja comes from the Spanish word for lower. (The US state of California was once known as Alta California, with Alta meaning higher.) Capital: Mexicali. Entered country: 1952. Coat of Arms: The emblem represents the past, the present, and the future of the state. The upper part depicts the Sun, symbol of light, the main element of nature and an inexhaustible source of energy, heat, and life. On each side, two human figures, with hands joined in the middle, project a beam of light, symbol of energy. The man is holding a book, representing culture. The woman is holding items representing intellectual activities and science. The central silhouette represents the missionaries who came to the region during the conquest and evangelized the indigenous population. The planted field in the upper left corner represents the agriculture of the present.

On the horizon, a mountain range suggests the possibilities of mining. The silhouette of a factory and a cog (gear tooth) represent industry and the future. In the middle is the desert, and on the bottom is the Colorado River, which flows to the sea. Two waves on either side symbolize the western and eastern coasts. Holidays: Año Nuevo (New Year's Day—January 1); Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day—February 5); Benito Juárez's birthday (March 21); Primero de Mayo (Labor Day—May 1); Revolution Day, 1910 (November 20); and Navidad (Christmas—December 25). Flag: There is no official state flag. Time: 4 AM = Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). 1 Location and Size Baja California lies on the Baja California peninsula, a long finger of land in western Mexico extending south from the US state of California. The state of Baja California covers the northern part of the peninsula and has an area of 71,576 square kilometers (27,635 square miles). It is slightly larger in area than the US state of West Virginia.

Its north-south length is similar to the state of Florida. Baja California is bordered on the north by California, on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by the Golfo de California and the Colorado River, and on the south by Baja California Sur. Baja California is divided into 5 municipalities. The capital, Mexicali, is © Robert Frerck/Woodfin Camp South of Loreto, the Sierra de la Giganta. located in the north on the border with California. The peninsula is covered with mountains (sierras), with broad valleys lying between the mountain peaks. The larger cities and towns, including Mexicali, Las Palmas, Tijuana , Guadalupe, and Real de Castillo, lie in valleys. Water runs down the slopes of the mountain ranges into the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortés, which is part of the Golfo de California. Due to its geological formation and to long-lasting droughts, the state of Baja California has no large rivers. Springs are scarce and offer little water. There are 35 islands, most of them lying in the Golfo de California. A few islands lie close to the west coast.

Guadalupe Island lies 94 kilometers (150 miles) west of Baja California in the Pacific Ocean. 2 Climate The climate is dry, with annual rainfall averaging 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches). Fog and winter rains are typical in the coastal area around Tijuana near the border with the United States. In the northeast and the south, the climate has wide temperature differences between the hot days and the very cold nights. The center of the state is cooler, with cold © Robert Frerck/Woodfin Camp Cabo San Lucas harbor and marina. winters (when most of the rain falls) and cool summers. 3 Plants and Animals Tourists enjoy watching gray whales give birth in the protected waters along the coast. Many species of ducks and other marine birds find habitat in the coastal areas. In the mountains, there are coyotes, white-tailed deer, puma, lynx, wild sheep, and many species of snakes. Species of eagles and red-tailed hawk soar above the mountain peaks.

Plants of the state may be categorized by their environments: salt marshes; coastal dunes; chaparral scrub; and forest, which is found in the mountains. Of a total of 450 important plant species in Mexico, 211 (47%) are found in Baja California. Jojoba and palmilla (also called soaptree yucca) are both widespread because they tolerate dry growing conditions. Jojoba seeds have many commercial uses, such as in lubricants, cosmetics, and medicines. The mountainous regions have alpine plants and pine forests. Coastal areas have various low-growing shrubs and cactus. 4 Environmental Protection The government is concerned about improving air and water quality. Management of hazardous waste is also a concern. Water quality is a particular concern in the Colorado River basin, where untreated sewage and power plant waste are a problem.

5 Population, Ethnic Groups, Languages Baja California had a total population of 2,487,367 in 2000; of the total, 1,252,581 (just over 50%) were men and 1,234,786 (just under 50%) were women. The population density was 35 people per square kilometer (91 people per square mile). In 2000, the capital of Mexicali had 764,902 residents. As of 2000, almost all residents speak Spanish as their first language; about 2% of the citizens of Baja California speak one of the Amerindian languages. Since the 1980s, hundreds of thousand of people have migrated from the states of southern Mexico to find work in Baja California. Many hope to eventually cross the border into the United States. 6 Religions According to the 2000 census, 66% of the population, or 1.6 million people, were Roman Catholic; 6%, or 158,874 people, were Protestant.

That year there were also 6,653 Seventh-Day Adventists, 6,334 Mormons, 41,472 Jehovah's Witnesses, and nearly 155,000 people who reported no religion. 7 Transportation Baja California has about 11,000 kilometers (7,000 miles) of roadways. Four-lane highways connecting the 4 main cities make up just over 500 kilometers (200 miles). Four international airports—Tijuana, Mexicali, San Felipe, and Enseñada—provide commercial air service. 8 History Before the first Spaniards reached the region in 1533, different groups of hunters and gatherers occupied Baja California. The Yumano and Cucapás civilizations reached a considerable level of religious and artistic development prior to 1533. Spaniard Hernán Cortés (1485–1547) led two expeditions to Baja California in 1535 and 1536. He wanted to conquer what he believed was an island. In 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno (c.

1550–1616) led an expedition that renamed the old Santa Cruz port with its modern name, La Paz. Although there were some efforts to establish a Spanish colony in the 1600s, the first permanent nonindigenous settlement was a Jesuit (an order of the Roman Catholic Church) mission created in 1697. Jesuit priests introduced new crops and helped the natives with agricultural techniques. The Spaniards enslaved the native people and brought diseases from home. These two factors combined to decimate (greatly reduce) the native population throughout the 1700s. The Jesuits were expelled from Mexico in 1767 by a decree issued by the Spanish crown. This allowed Franciscan monks (from another order of the Roman Catholic Church) the freedom to move in to populate Baja California. Together with Alta California (now the US state of California), Baja California was made a Spanish province in the mid-1700s. It then officially merged with Alta California to create a territory of the Spanish viceroyalty (territory ruled by Spain) of Mexico.

© Robert Frerck/Woodfin Camp Carnival the week before the Christian holiday, Ash Wednesday, in Ensenada. In 1804, Baja and Alta California were divided again into two separate provinces. Because of their physical isolation, the people living in Baja California did not join in the drive for independence in 1810. Governor Fernando de la Toba declared Baja California's independence in 1822. A constitution was created in 1824. Baja California and Alta California were once again merged into a Mexican province, with San Diego as its capital and José María de Echandía as governor. In 1829, the provincial capital was moved to La Paz, which is the modern-day capital of the state of Baja California Sur. During the Mexican-American War (1846–48), Baja California was disputed territory. Mexican patriots fought against US soldiers. In the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, Mexico ceded Alta California to the United States, and it became the state of California. Mexico kept Baja California. Conflicts over control of Baja California persisted.

American pirate William Walker attacked Baja California in 1853 and occupied La Paz and Cabo San Lucas. He declared independence and claimed to be president of the new republic. He was later expelled and deported to the United States. From 1876 to 1910, Baja California witnessed widespread persecution of native indigenous groups. Lands of the native people were taken by the government for agricultural use in the name of Mexican progress and development. The International Company of Mexico, a Connecticut-based corporation, was granted almost half of the territory for different economic initiatives starting in 1886. The Mexican Revolution took place from 1910 to 1920. Revolution sympathizers attacked Mexicali in 1911. Political instability in the rest of Mexico led many on both sides of the California border to push for the annexation of Baja California to the United States. Some activists in the United States promoted a movement for Baja California to secede (break away) from Mexico. Opposition from Mexican patriots who wanted to keep Baja California as part of Mexico prevented this from happening. After the Mexican Revolution, a new constitution established the country of Mexico, but the government was not stable.

The new Mexican government took control of Baja California and discouraged the idea that Baja California join the United States. Baja California was a territory of Mexico for the next 35 years. Baja California was restructured into the Baja California Norte (North) and Baja California Sur (South) territories in 1952. The central Mexican government appointed governors in Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur, solidifying the division of the peninsula into two different provinces. In 1952, Baja California became Mexico's 29th state, while Baja California Sur remained a territory. Braulio Maldonado Sandez , a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), became the first state governor under the new constitution. 9 State and Local Government Baja California became Mexico's 29th state officially on December 31, 1952. Its constitution was accepted in 1953. Braulio Maldonado Sandez, a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), became the first state governor under the new constitution.

In 2001, Eugenio Elorduy Walther of the National Action Party (PAN) won the election to become the 12th governor. His 6-year nonrenewable term will expire in 2008. A unicameral (single chamber) legislature is comprised of a 25-member Chamber of Deputies. The deputies are elected for a nonrenewable 3-year term. Sixteen of the deputies are elected from single-member districts and 9 are elected at large. The governments of Baja California's 5 municipalities enjoy limited autonomy (self-government). The municipal president is elected to a nonrenewable 3-year term. The president governs with a local municipal council. The state legislature has the power to intervene in municipal government under certain circumstances. By controlling budget allocation, the state government exerts immense influence over local authorities. 10 Political Parties The 3 main political parties in all of Mexico are the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the National Action Party (PAN), and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD).

As in the rest of Mexico, the PRI was the most powerful and influential party in Baja California until the late 1980s, controlling the state and most municipal governments. In 1989, PAN leader Ernesto Ruffo became the first non-PRI state governor. In 1995, Hector Terán won the state for the PAN again . Eugenio Elorduy Walther obtained a third consecutive PAN victory in 2001. 11 Judicial System The Supreme Tribunal of Justice is comprised of 13 justices elected for nonrenewable 6-year terms. The Supreme Tribunal president is elected by the 13 justices for a nonrenewable 2-year term. Justices are appointed by a two-thirds majority in the legislature from among a list of nominees presented by the Supreme Tribunal. Only qualified lawyers can be appointed to the Supreme Tribunal. In addition, there is a tribunal of electoral justice comprised of 3 members elected for 3-year terms. Local tribunals complete the state judicial system. 12 Economy Agriculture, maquiladora (manufacturing assembly plants), tourism, and mining are important parts of the economy.

Baja California has 6 highway border crossing points into the US state of California. In 2000, approximately 180,000 cars crossed the border each day. The busiest border crossing is between Tijuana, Baja California, and San Ysidro, California. About 50,000 cars cross the border there each day, with 25,000 people crossing on foot. The Port of Enseñada is located on the Pacific Ocean and provides services for international trade. 13 Industry Baja California has many industrial parks. In Tijuana and Mexicali, there are dozens of industrial parks devoted to auto parts and electronics manufacturing. 14 Labor The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Mexican workers saw their wages increase 17%, from $2.09 per hour in 1999 to $2.46 per hour in 2000. (By comparison, the average American worker earned $19.86 per hour in 2000.) After one year, workers are entitled by law to six days paid vacation.

Amerindian migrant agricultural workers, primarily of Mixtec and Zapotec descent, have been discriminated against throughout the state's history. As of 2004, migrant workers were attempting to organize, through the Independent Confederation of Farm Workers and Peasants (CIOAC), to demand better treatment by their employers and the government. 15 Agriculture Agriculture is important to the state economy. Most agriculture is done in the region around Mexicali. The main products are wheat, tomato, broccoli, alfalfa, cotton, sorghum, and garlic. Other crops include grapes, dates, carob, lemons, and oranges. Agricultural crops grown for export to the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia are chives, radishes, asparagus, melons, celery, lettuce, onions, and watermelon. 16 Natural Resources Fishing in the coastal waters off Baja California is an important economic activity. Principal fish caught include sole, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and lobster. The extraction of salt from ocean saltwater is © Mireille Vautier/Woodfin Camp Tijuana lies on the border with the US state of California. another important activity.

Sport fishing is enjoyed by tourists year round. 17 Energy and Power Electricity is generated by 10 power plants, with a total capacity of 2,285 megawatts. Four of these are geothermal (using heat from the earth's interior), representing 720 megawatts. Baja California generates enough electricity to satisfy the state's needs and to export energy to neighboring Sonora and to the United States. Mexicali has natural gas resources; as of 2004 a pipeline between Mexicali and Tijuana with the capacity to carry 14 million cubic meters (500 million cubic feet) of natural gas per day was under construction. 18 Health The state of Baja California has 20 general hospitals, 220 outpatient centers, and 67 surgical centers. Most of the Mexican population is covered under a government health plan. The IMSS (Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social) covers the general population. The ISSSTE (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de Trabajadores del Estado) covers state workers.

© Mireille Vautier/Woodfin Camp Baja California | peninsula, Mexico | Britannica.com Baja California list of presidents of Mexico Baja California, English Lower California, peninsula, northwestern Mexico , bounded to the north by the United States , to the east by the Gulf of California , and to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean . The peninsula is approximately 760 miles (1,220 km) long and 25 to 150 miles (40 to 240 km) wide, with a total area of 55,366 square miles (143,396 square km). Politically, it is divided into the Mexican states of Baja California and Baja California Sur . Satellite image of Baja California, northwestern Mexico. MODIS Rapid Response System/NASA Tijuana, Mex., on the Baja California peninsula. Johntex The basic geologic feature is a fault block rising precipitously on the gulf side and dropping gently into the Pacific, crowned by a chain of rugged peaks trending in a northwest-southeast direction.

The granitic Juárez and San Pedro Mártir mountains, the latter rising to 10,154 feet (3,095 metres) above sea level, form the divide in the north, with lower parallel ranges much interrupted by erosion along both coasts. The centre of the peninsula is dominated by volcanoes and vast lava flows extending westward in a subpeninsula. Volcanoes include Las Tres Vírgenes (6,548 feet [1,996 metres]), last reported active in 1746. In the vicinity of the city of La Paz , the mountains disappear in a low, narrow isthmus, after which they reemerge in a final, lofty (7,100-foot [2,150-metre]) granite range. The most extensive plains are along the Pacific shore in the south, from near La Paz to Ojo de Liebre (Scammon’s) Lagoon. At the head of the Gulf of California is a delta formed by the alluvium of the Colorado River . Satellite image of Baja California, northwestern Mexico.

MODIS Rapid Response System/NASA Mexico: Physiographic regions Baja California has 2,038 miles (3,280 km) of coastline, with many islands on both sides. There are sheltered deepwater harbours on the western coast as well as on the gulf. With the exception of the Colorado River, which flows intermittently along the extreme northeast part of the peninsula, surface water is confined to a few streamlets in the northwest and extreme south and to rare springs forming oases elsewhere. Learn about the elephant seals of Guadalupe Island, off the northwestern coast of Baja California, … Contunico © ZDF Enterprises GmbH, Mainz Learn about the Guadalupe fur seals of Guadalupe Island, off the northwestern coast of Baja … Contunico © ZDF Enterprises GmbH, Mainz Similar Topics Cape Cod Three zones of climate determine the region’s plant and animal life. The northwestern corner of the peninsula receives winter cyclonic cold fronts bringing rain and fog from the north.

Precipitation in this part ranges from 5 to 11 inches (130 to 280 mm) annually, and the vegetation and fauna are similar to those of southern California in the United States. Southward from El Rosario and east of the Juárez–San Pedro Mártir mountains is an excessively arid zone extending through the waist of the peninsula to La Paz. Parts of this great central desert are quite barren, but most of it is covered with forests of plants adapted to arid conditions, notably the giant cactus, or cardon (Pachycereus), and two other species, the boojum tree (Idria columnaris) and the elephant tree (Bursera microphylla). The region south of La Paz receives late summer tropical rains averaging 5 inches (130 mm) annually on the coast and 25 inches (635 mm) or more in the higher mountains, with desert shrub in the lowlands and semideciduous forests in the more humid mountains. Lowland temperatures in the peninsula range from below freezing (even in the south) to higher than 100 °F (38 °C).

The gulf coast is hot and humid in summer, while the Pacific side is much cooler. World Tour Humans first moved into Baja California from the north perhaps 9,000 or 10,000 years ago, when the climate was more humid and huge Pleistocene mammals roamed the area. When the Spaniards landed in 1533, they found what were among the most primitive cultures in the Americas. An estimated 60,000 to 70,000 Indians lived at that time in small groups, each exploiting a definite territory for hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants. Attempts to colonize the peninsula were fruitless until Jesuit missionaries established the first of a number of permanent settlements at Loreto in 1697. These missionaries congregated, clothed, and catechized the Indians and taught them agriculture and livestock husbandry, but the Indians were practically exterminated in a series of epidemics unwittingly introduced by the Spaniards. In 1768 the Jesuits were replaced by Franciscans, who in turn left the peninsular missions to the Dominican order five years later.

By this time few Indians remained in the southern part of the peninsula, and the Dominicans concentrated on founding new missions in the north to convert the still undecimated tribes there. Independence from Spain was recognized in Baja California in 1822. The missions were gradually abandoned, and the vanished Indians were replaced by a sparse population of mestizo farmers and cattlemen. After the Mexican War (1846–48), the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo gave California proper to the United States and assigned Lower California—i.e., the Baja peninsula—to Mexico. Britannica Stories Want the Truth About Baja California Mexico. Can You Handle It!? - YouTube Want the Truth About Baja California Mexico. Can You Handle It!? Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Oct 25, 2011 The News Tells you TO BE AFRAID OF BAJA MEXICO!

Baja Mexico is a dangerous place! You would be crazy to travel to Baja Mexico. Who do you believe? Even your friends tell you not to go to Baja Mexico...but how many of them have been here lately? Would the Media LIE TO YOU ABOUT BAJA MEXICO? Are our friends telling you the truth? IF you are READY for the truth and want to see the Baja Mexico that I have lived in for the last 6 years then watch this video. Category Vive un México diferente, Descubre Baja California HEALTH TOURISM BUSINESS & CONVENTIONS TOURISM Baja California is known for its excellent reputation in the medical field on both sides of the border, to the point where it has established itself as one of the top binational medical destinations in the world. Read more ADVENTURE TOURISM Deserts and valleys, beaches, forests and mountains… Baja California is a feat just waiting to be conquered. Come, live the adventure! Read more GASTRONOMIC TOURISM The benefits of the Pacific, the Sea of Cortez and the flora and fauna of the region have propelled Baja into the most renowned and attractive culinary region in Mexico to date.

Read more HEALTH TOURISM Baja California is known for its excellent reputation in the medical field on both sides of the border, to the point where it has established itself as one of the top binational medical destinations in the world. Baja California Real Estate Learn More Baja California Real Estate is a professional real estate sales and marketing company for property located within the Tijuana/Ensenada corridor, including the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's premiere wine country. Vacation property sales are one of our main specialties. Whether you are a seller looking for a buyer or a buyer looking for property, our services will benefit you. Baja California is a beautiful part of Mexico. It's coast is both rugged and beachfront. The hilly terrain going east from the coast is magnificent with its peaks and valleys where you will find small villages and towns, boutique wineries, restaurants and hotels dotted among its agricultural landscape. The Valle de Guadalupe is growing rapidly as greater attention is given to this part of the world for wine production. Many vintners are experiencing bountiful and prize winning harvests. The Valle de Guadalupe is another specialty of ours. It's a very special and magical place to live or retire.

The relaxed culture of art, beauty, wine, food and friends is a lifestyle you will enjoy forever. Residential areas from Rosarito, La Mision, Bajamar, El Sauzal, Ensenada, Punta Banda and La Bufadora along the Pacific coast offer a variety of types of real estate from high rise condominiums, to single family homes, ranch property, beachfront and leased land homes for every budget. The economy is good and getting better all the time with new international manufacturing plants bringing in business throughout the northern territory of Baja. This part of Mexico is of extreme value due to it's proximity to California and Arizona. It can be just minutes or a few hours drive or flight from many parts of the US including California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and other states making this an ideal location for all. Real Estate ​Attorneys WELCOME TO BAJA CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE Title and Escrow Guadalupe Valley is wine country Guadalupe Valley is Wine Country Located in the northern part of the State of Baja California , Baja California's Wine Country is blessed with the ideal Mediterranean climate for growing grapes.

There are few microclimates in Mexico that combine the unique characteristics of elevation, soil, seasons, and temperature. And, of course, love for the art of winemaking. The Kiliwa and Kumiai native people originally settled this region of Baja California. The Kumiai are still present in the communities of San Antonio Nï¿½cua and San Josï¿½ de la Zorra. The first outsiders were Spanish missionaries and settlers from other parts of Mexico , followed by immigrants from Russia and the rest of Europe . These diverse influences contribute to the unique character of the Baja California Wine Country. The valleys of Calafia, Guadalupe, and San Antonio de las Minas, make up the heart of the Baja California Wine Country. Also important are the Valleys of Santo Tomï¿½s and San Vicente Ferrer to the south, as well as Valley De Las Palmas to the north.

Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes are cultivated primarily for making excellent white wines, while Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Genache, Carignan, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Zinfandel are used for making our award winning reds. Baja California's Wine Country offers a wide array of attractions, which go from tiny family wineries to large-scale winemakers. Gourmet restaurants located alongside family eateries, arts & crafts centers and museums make for interesting visits. Elegant B&Bs, campgrounds and RV Parks give the visitor the option of staying in the heart of it all without straying far form the Ensenada Resorts. Visitors to this region can enjoy an interesting getaway in a safe and affordable place that is close to home. Baja California Wine Country is the unique destination for fun or relaxation.

Question: Baja California is part of which country?
Answer: Mexico