Baja California

Territory
Baja California is the twelfth largest state by area in Mexico.  Before becoming a
state in 1952, the area was known as the North Territory of Baja California. It has
an area of 70,113 km2. Its northern limit is the U.S. state of California.

Population
The state has an estimated population of 3,315,766. Over 75% of the population
lives in the capital city, Mexicali, in Ensenada, or in Tijuana. Other important cities
include San Felipe, 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, a large population of Mexicans of Spanish ancestry, and
also a large minority group of East Asian, Middle Eastern and indigenous descent.

Climate
Baja California's climate varies from Mediterranean to arid. The Mediterranean
climate is observed in the northwestern corner of the state where the summers are
dry and mild and the winters cool and rainy. This climate is observed in areas from
Tijuana to San Quintin and nearby interior valleys. The cold oceanic California
Current often creates a low-level marine fog near the coast. The fog occurs along
any part of the Pacific Coast of the state.

Flora and Fauna

Common trees are the Jeffrey Pine, Sugar Pine and Pinon Pine. The flora share
many species with the Laguna Mountains and San Jacinto Mountains in southwest
California. The lower elevations of the Sierra Juárez are characterized
by chaparral and desert shrub.
The fauna in the parks exhibit a large number of mammals primarily: mule
deer, bighorn sheep, cougar, bobcat, ringtail cat, coyote, rabbit, squirrel and more
than 30 species of bats. The park is also home to many avian species like: bald
eagle, falcon, woodpecker, black vulture, crow, several species of Sittidae and duck.

Education
Baja California offers one of the best educational programs in the country, with
high rankings in schooling and achievement.
The State Government provides education and qualification courses to increase the
workforce standards, such as School-Enterprise linkage programs which helps the
development of labor force according to the needs of the industry.
Economy
Baja California's economy has a strong focus on tariff-free export-oriented
manufacturing. As of 2005, 284,255 people are employed in the manufacturing
sector. There are a more than 900 companies operating under the
federal Prosec program in Baja California.

Things to eat and drink in Baja California

Caesar salad
Many people assume the famous Caesar salad originated in Italy, but in fact the
mix that came to be known as Caesar salad was born at Hotel Cesar in Tijuana. 
Clamato
This drink, made of tomato juice and clams, has captivated millions of people
around the world. An American firm popularised it, giving birth to multiple
cocktails, but the original recipe was put together at the Hotel Lucerna in Mexicali,
the capital of the state.
Seafood
Naturally, a land mass surrounded by sea should have a large variety of fish and
seafood in its cuisine. But perhaps less expected is the diversity of Baja California's
seafood, the product of a mix of coldwater streams from Alaska and more
temperate waters.

Abalone
Considered a delicacy in Asian countries, abalone is commercially fished off the
Baja California Peninsula. Most of it is canned for domestic and export
consumption however locals enjoy eating it fresh, ceviche style when they can.

Chimangos 
These are fried wheat-flour fritters that are similar to donuts. They are best eaten
warm with cinnamon sugar and honey.

Fish Tacos
Fish Tacos originated in Baja California. They consist of grilled or fried fish, lettuce
or cabbage, pico de gallo, a sour cream or citrus mayonnaise sauce served on top of
a tortilla for eating with your hands.
Places you must visit in Baja California
Bahia de los Angeles
At Campo Archelon, visitors can rent a palapa right on the waterfront, camp on the
beach and enjoy life “off the grid”.

Ojo de Liebre Lagoon

It is a popular place to go whale watching. The bay is a World Heritage Site which
means visitors can’t swim in the water. Located away from any city life, this bay is a
nice quiet spot to relax after a whale watching tour and star gaze at night.

Mulegé
Mulege is a small town nestled in between the mountains of Baja California.
Although most of the Baja landscape is desert-like and dry, Mulege is a little oasis
with palm tree groves and a river passing through.

Todos Santos
Todos Santos is one of the most up and coming yet under the radar vacation cities
in Baja California. Full of outdoors brunch spots, coffee roasters, juice bars and
yoga studios, it is a blissful city with a laid-back, upscale vibe.

Tortugueros Las Playitas

Tortugueros Las Playitas is a beach on the outskirts of Todos Santos and it’s a
known area for rescuing and releasing endangered sea turtles into the ocean.

Los Barriles
Los Barriles is a popular winter getaway community in Baja California that’s known
for its windsurfing and kitesurfing activities. The more experienced windsurfers go
to Los Barriles with its faster winds and challenging waves.