What is the baja peninsula?

- The Mexican state of Baja California occupies most of the peninsula.

- Its northern end is also bordered by the U.S. state of California.

Culture

- Diverse landscape (mountains, desert, beaches)

- Native American groups & Spanish Colonial influence

- Tourism (Mexican cuisine, outdoor activities, art + music festivals)

History

- First people arrived over 10,000 years ago

- European explorer Hernán Cortés claimed it in the early 16th century

- Served as a prison colony

- Became a Mexican territory in 1848

Economy

- Mining, fishing, tourism, and manufacturing are economic drivers.