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. 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 includes large numbers of Mestizo and other large minority groups such as, East Asian, Middle Eastern, African 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.

 Locations in Baja California

Locations in Los Cabos

Apple Vacations Online Quotes & Availability

Pleasant Holidays Online Quotes & Availability

You Decide Travel Guide - The Baja travel guidebook specialist.  Featuring titles on Loreto, Mulege, Santa Rosalia.  Future titles include San Felipe, Ensenada, and La Paz.

Baja Peninsula' The Home Of Sun, Sea And Sands  By : Rachelle Fuentes
When God created earth, he surely must have recreated heaven in some parts: the Baja peninsula is definitely one of them. Snugly nestling between the warm blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, the palms in the Baja peninsula sway to the peaceful songs of the waves. 

 The Baja Blog - A blog about life in Baja, with useful information about La Paz and Los Cabos, and great pictures

Baja Mexico and California Trip   

 At Todos Santos - The Todos Santos, Baja California - website - contains a wide range of information on this dynamic area including great color photos.  See Environmental Issues - on the same website. The Baja peninsula is one of the last places in the world where a variety of eco-systems exist in their original state as they have for thousands of years. The dramatic contrast between the mountains, desert and two very diverse seas, make the peninsula very attractive for tourism and development. Finding a balance between sustainable development and large scale tourist projects often put small villages at odds with their own needs.

Being In Baja - Baja California Sur - The East Cape-Vinorama 
Budget Baja ~ Busing To Three Walking Towns

 Baja California Hotels

Mexico's Boomin' Baja Peninsula

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