Baja California facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Baja California (pronounced Bah-hah Cah-lee-FOR-nee-ah) is a state in Mexico. Its full official name is the Free and Sovereign State of Baja California. It's the northernmost and westernmost state in Mexico. Before 1952, it was known as the North Territory of Baja California.

This state covers the northern half of the Baja California Peninsula, which is a long strip of land. It also includes Guadalupe Island in the Pacific Ocean. To its west is the Pacific Ocean. To the east, it borders the state of Sonora, the U.S. state of Arizona, and the Gulf of California. To the north, it touches the U.S. state of California. To the south, it borders Baja California Sur, another Mexican state.

Baja California has about 3.7 million people (as of 2020). Most people live in the big cities like Mexicali (the capital), Ensenada, or Tijuana (the largest city). Other important cities are San Felipe, Rosarito, and Tecate. Many people here have moved from other parts of Mexico. There are also many people from the United States who live here because it's close to San Diego and the cost of living is lower.

The state is the 12th largest in Mexico by area. Its landscape is very diverse, with beaches, forests, and deserts. The main mountain range is the Sierra de Baja California, where you'll find Picacho del Diablo, the highest point on the peninsula. This mountain range creates different weather patterns across the state. In the northwest, the climate is like the Mediterranean, with dry summers. East of the mountains, the Sonoran Desert takes over, making it very hot.

History of Baja California

Early Times and Spanish Arrival

People have lived on the Baja California peninsula for at least 11,000 years. There were two main groups: the Cochimí in the south and several Yuman groups in the north, like the Kiliwa and Kumeyaay. These groups lived in different ways. Some were hunter-gatherers, always moving, while others lived in one place and grew crops.

Another group, the Guachimis, created amazing Sierra de Guadalupe cave paintings that are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. They lived here between 100 BC and 1300 AD.

Europeans first arrived in 1539. Francisco de Ulloa explored the east coast, and Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo explored the west coast in 1542. Later, in 1697, Jesuits started the first permanent mission (a religious settlement) in Loreto. They slowly spread their influence north. After the Jesuits left in 1768, Franciscans and then Dominicans took over the missions, building more along the coast.

In 1804, the Spanish rulers divided California into two parts: Alta (Upper) California and Baja (Lower) California.

After Mexico's Independence

After Mexico became independent in 1821, the government wanted to reduce the power of the church. So, they closed many missions in 1833.

After the Mexican American War (1846–1848), the United States took over Alta California. Baja California remained part of Mexico. In 1853, an American adventurer named William Walker tried to take over La Paz, but the Mexican government quickly made him leave.

Modern History

In 1931, Baja California was divided into a Northern and Southern territory. Then, in 1952, the Northern Territory officially became the 29th state of Mexico, named Baja California. The southern part became the state of Baja California Sur in 1974.

In 1989, Ernesto Ruffo Appel became the first governor from an opposition party (not the ruling party for a long time) in any Mexican state since the Mexican Revolution. This was a big moment for democracy in Mexico.

Geography and Nature

Mountains and Deserts

Baja California has a varied landscape. The Peninsular ranges of mountains run through the middle of the state. The most famous ranges are the Sierra de Juárez and the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir. These mountains have forests similar to those in Southern California. Picacho del Diablo is the highest point in the entire peninsula.

Between the mountain ranges, there are valleys like the Valle de Guadalupe, which is famous for producing most of Mexico's wine! East of the mountains, the Sonoran Desert stretches across the land. This area can get extremely hot.

Coasts and Islands

The Pacific Ocean on the west coast brings cool winds, making the climate pleasant all year round. This cool air often creates a low fog near the coast. South of the El Rosario River, the landscape changes from green Mediterranean areas to desert.

Baja California gets a lot of its water from the Colorado River. This river used to flow into the Colorado River Delta and then the Gulf of California, but now much less water reaches the Gulf because it's used in the U.S. and Mexico.

There are many islands off the coast. Guadalupe Island is far out in the Pacific and is home to large groups of sea lions. Other islands include the Coronado Islands and Cedros Island. In the Gulf of California, the largest island is Angel de la Guarda Island.

Climate Zones

Baja California has different climates:

Mediterranean Climate: In the northwest, from Tijuana to San Quintín, summers are dry and mild, and winters are cool and rainy.
Alpine Climate: In the mountains, summers are cool, and winters can be very cold with snow from December to April. Forests of pine, cedar, and fir trees grow here.
Arid Desert Climate: East of the mountains, it's very dry and hot. The Mexicali Valley often has the highest temperatures in Mexico, sometimes over 47°C (117°F) in summer! Along the southern Pacific coast, it's also a desert climate, but milder.

Animals and Plants

Baja California is home to many interesting animals and plants. In the mountain parks like Constitution 1857 National Park and Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park, you can find pine trees and various shrubs.

Animals in these parks include mule deer, bighorn sheep, cougars, bobcats, coyotes, and many types of birds like bald eagles and golden eagles. The waters around Guadalupe Island are protected to help save endangered marine animals and plants, including large colonies of sea lions.

Earthquakes in 2010

On Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, a strong 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the Mexicali Valley. It was felt far away in cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Luckily, only a few people died, but it caused a lot of shaking and damage.

People and Culture

Population and Diversity

Baja California has a diverse population. While many people have European roots, there are also communities of people from East and Southeast Asia, especially a large Chinese community in Mexicali.

Since the 1960s, many people have moved to Baja California from southern Mexican states. They come to work in farming (especially in the Mexicali Valley) and in factories. Cities like Ensenada, Tijuana, and Mexicali have grown a lot because of these new residents.

There are also many immigrants from Central and South America, and a large number of people from the United States and Canada. Over 200,000 Americans live in the state, especially in coastal towns like Ensenada and Rosarito, often because homes are more affordable there.

Education in Baja California

Baja California has a strong education system. The state government offers many programs to help people get the skills needed for jobs. Most children aged 6 to 14 attend elementary school, and many people over 15 have graduated from high school.

The state has 32 universities that offer many different degrees. There are also 19 research centers that study advanced topics like biotechnology, physics, and clean energy. This helps the state develop its own technology and science.

Economy and Jobs

Baja California's economy is a big part of Mexico's overall economy. It's especially focused on manufacturing goods for export, meaning products made here are sent to other countries without extra taxes. Many factories, called maquiladoras, operate in the state, employing a large number of people.

Job Growth

In 2021, Baja California created many new jobs, especially in cities like Tijuana, Mexicali, and Ensenada. The biggest growth was in manufacturing, transportation, trade, and construction. Baja California has one of the highest employment rates in northern Mexico.

Investments

Baja California also receives a lot of money from other countries, called foreign direct investment. Most of this investment comes from the United States, especially for building natural gas pipelines and making cars and trucks.

Buying Land

It's interesting to know that foreigners can buy land in Mexico, even near the borders and coasts. They do this through a special trust with a Mexican bank, which gives them all the rights of ownership. This law was created to encourage more foreign investment and tourism.