Baja

Baja is a term that most commonly refers to the Baja California Peninsula and to the two Mexican states that lie on it: Baja California and Baja California Sur. The peninsula extends roughly 1,250 kilometers from the U.S. border in the north to Cabo San Lucas in the south, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) to the east. The region is part of Northwestern Mexico and features deserts, mountains, and coastal landscapes.

Political divisions and capitals: Baja California, the northern state, has its capital in Mexicali. Its major cities include Tijuana, Ensenada, and Mexicali. Baja California Sur, the southern state, has its capital in La Paz, with major urban centers such as La Paz, Los Cabos (including San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas) and Loreto.

Economy and culture: Tourism is a dominant economic activity, especially in the resort areas of Baja California Sur and the border cities of Baja California. The Valle de Guadalupe near Ensenada is a noted wine region. Fishing and agricultural industries also contribute to the economy. Culturally, the region is known for seafood cuisine and the Baja Med culinary style, which blends local ingredients with Mediterranean influences.

Environment and climate: The area includes arid and semi-arid climates, mountain ranges such as the Sierra de Juárez and Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, and rich marine ecosystems in the Sea of Cortez. Conservation areas protect wildlife, including migratory birds and marine species such as whales.

History: Indigenous peoples, including the Kumeyaay and Cochimí, inhabited the region before Spanish exploration and colonization. After Mexican independence, the territory became part of Mexico. Baja California became a state in 1952, while Baja California Sur achieved statehood in 1974.