The most important natural resources of Baja California are the mineral deposits, the flora and the fishing resources.
Baja California is one of the states that make up the United States of Mexico. Located in the north of the country, was founded in 1952 and its capital is Mexicali.
Other important cities are Ensenada and Tijuana. The latter is located on the border with the United States, being one of the most important border points between the two countries.
It has a territory of an extension of 71,576 square kilometers and borders with two seacoasts. In the West is the Pacific Ocean, while on the east it borders the Gulf of California.
Its climate varies from the Mediterranean, to the arid so its natural resources are very varied.
According to INEGI (National Institute of Statistics and Geography), it has nine Natural Protected Areas, 42% of the territory.
Water resources, the threat of scarcity
Despite having mountainous areas in which there are several rivers, the water resources of Baja California are quite poor.
Annual rainfall is scarce, especially in desert areas. In fact, a large percentage of them are concentrated in a single area, the Mexicali Valley, 88% of those in the state.
More than half is provided by a single source the Colorado River. Special mention should be made of coastal areas, where there are many natural resources.
Mineral resources. The subsoil wealth
The State is rich in mineral deposits of several different types. It stands out the one found in the Island of San Marcos, with a hundred million tons of Gypsum.
There are also numerous gold streaks scattered throughout various parts of the region. In addition to Titanium, Tungsten and other minerals, highlight the five million tons per year of salt that are obtained in Guerrero Negro. They have reserves considered inexhaustible.
On the other hand, there are other deposits of nonmetallic minerals, such as those of clay, gravel, kaolin or talc.
Flora. From the Mediterranean to the desert
The flora existing in the State is determined by the two phytogeographical regions in which it is divided.
The first is called the Mediterranean Region, by the type of climate it presents. It has almost 4,5000 different species.
This region includes the area of dunes that run along the coasts of the Pacific and the Gulf, which have a different population.
The second region is the Northwest Desert. This area is much less lush due to its dry climate.
However, some of the best known species of the country appear, such as the Agave and other types of cactus.
Fauna. Maritime wealth
The fauna in Baja California is also very determined by the different climatic zones that compose the State.
In the more humid we find bigger animals, like foxes or deer. However, in desert areas, the population is made up of smaller specimens. Typical of this area are several types of snakes, small mice or coyotes.
The coasts have a great variety of animals. The gray whales have become a great source of income, due to the numerous tourists who are going to see them.
We also found seals or dolphins. Fishing is an activity of great economic importance in that area.
References
- National Institute for Federalism and Municipal Development - Encyclopedia of Municipalities and Delegations of Mexico. Taken from siglo.inafed.gob.mx
- Baja California State Government. Taken from bajacalifornia.gob.mx
- National Institute for Federalism and Municipal Development. Taken from inegi.org.mx
- Dr. Rhoda Richard, Burton, Tony. Geo-Mexico; the geography and dynamics of modern Mexico. Taken from geo-mexico.com.