Where is Baja California located in the United States?
The mainland portion of 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; on the north by the U.S. state of California; and on the south by Baja California Sur .
When did the Europeans come to Baja California?
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,…
Which is the highest point in Baja California?
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 and mediterranean.
Which is the correct spelling Baja California or lower California?
For other uses, see Baja California (disambiguation). Baja California (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈbaxa kaliˈfoɾnja] (listen); (‚Lower California‘), officially the Free and Sovereign State of Baja California (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California), also called Baja California Norte, is a state in Mexico.
Is the Vizcaino Desert part of Baja California?
In the south, the weather becomes drier and gives way to the Vizcaino Desert. The state is also home to numerous islands off 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.
What kind of economy does Baja California have?
Baja California has 32 universities with 19 serving as research centers in fields such as physics, oceanography, and aerospace. Baja California also has a strong economy and is 3.3% of Mexico’s gross domestic product.