What is Baja California?

"Baja" is the Spanish word for "Lower" or "South." Officially called "the Free and Sovereign State of Baja California" (Spanish: Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California), Baja California is the northernmost and westernmost state in Mexico, placing it due South of the U.S. state of California.

Before becoming a state in 1952, the area was known as the North Territory of Baja California (El Territorio Norte de Baja California). As of April 2017, the estimated population was over 3 million. Its capital is Mexicali, and its largest city is Tijuana, located just south of the U.S. border.

Baja California's climate is mostly hot and dry. Right along the western coast, the Pacific Ocean creates marine-layer fog that provides mild summers and cool winters. As you travel up from the coast into the mountains, the climate becomes colder. Winters can be below freezing at night, and it is common to see snow from December to April. Further inland, the mountains create a rain shadow, and it is extremely arid and hot. Temperatures can surpass 45-50°C (110-125°F) in the summer.

Baja California's educational system is one of the best in the country. Over 60% of the population age 15 and up is either in high school or has already graduated high school. The state has 32 universities and 53 graduate schools.