La Paz, Baja California Sur
La Paz | |
|---|---|
 Boardwalk of La Paz | |
 Flag  Coat of arms | |
| Country | Mexico |
| State | Baja California Sur |
| Municipality | La Paz |
| Founded | May 3, 1535 |
| named La Paz | 1596 |
| Government | |
| • Municipal president | Lic. Esthela Ponce Beltran (PRI) |
| Elevation | 27 m (89 ft) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • City | 215,178 |
| • Urban | 215,178 |
| Data source: INEGI | |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Website | http://www.lapaz.gob.mx |
| Source: Enciclopedia de los Municipios de México | |
La Paz (, Peace) is the capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and an important regional commercial center. The city had a 2010 census population of 215,178 people,[1] but its metropolitan population is somewhat larger because of surrounding towns such as el Centenario, el Zacatal and San Pedro. Its surrounding municipality, which is the fourth-largest municipality in Mexico in geographical size, reported a population of 251,871 persons living on a land area of 20,275 km2 (7,828 sq mi).[2]
History
La Paz was first inhabited by Neolithic hunter-gatherers at least 10,000 years ago who left traces of their existence in the form of rock paintings near the city and throughout the Baja California Peninsula. On May 3, 1535, Hernán Cortés arrived in the bay by La Paz and named it Santa Cruz; he attempted to start a colony but abandoned his efforts after several years due to logistical problems.[3] In 1596 Sebastián Vizcaíno arrived, giving the area its modern name, La Paz.
From January 10, 1854 to May 8, 1854 it served as the capital of William Walker's Republic of Sonora. The project collapsed due to lack of US support and pressure from the Mexican government to retake the region.
La Paz is featured in the John Steinbeck novel The Pearl (1947) and mentioned extensively in his travelogue The Log from the Sea of Cortez (1951). The city is also the setting of the children's novel The Black Pearl (1967) by Scott O'Dell, chosen as a Newbery Honor Book in 1968.[4]
Climate
La Paz has a desert climate. The climate of La Paz is typically dry, warm and sunny with a year around average of between 24 and 33 °C (75 and 91 °F). Summer months (July–September) are typically between 34 and 36 °C (93 and 97 °F) and can be humid. The winter months (December–February) are the coldest with temperatures dropping below 15 °C (59 °F) at night, but mostly maxima are from 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F). Breezes from Bahía de La Paz moderate the temperature. The bay also acts as a barrier against seasonal storms in the Gulf of California.
Rainfall is minimal at most times of year, although erratic downpours can bring heavy rains. Rain tends to be concentrated in a short, slightly rainier season that peaks in August and September, following the pattern of the North American Monsoon. The driest season, where it is common to have no rain, occurs March through June. La Paz averages over 300 days of sunshine annually and it's known to be very hot in the summer.
During the summer the cooling Coromuel winds, a weather phenomenon unique to the La Paz area, blow during the night from the Pacific over the Peninsula and into the Bay of La Paz.
As with most of the Gulf of California, the temperature of the water changes substantially over the course of the year, with temperatures around 68 °F during winter and around 85 °F during summer.[5][6][7][8]
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 °F
20 °C |
66 °F
19 °C |
68 °F
20 °C |
72 °F
22 °C |
75 °F
24 °C |
79 °F
26 °C |
82 °F
28 °C |
84 °F
29 °C |
86 °F
30 °C |
84 °F
29 °C |
79 °F
26 °C |
72 °F
22 °C |
| Climate data for La Paz (1951–2010) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 35.2 (95.4) |
37.4 (99.3) |
38.2 (100.8) |
41.0 (105.8) |
41.0 (105.8) |
43.0 (109.4) |
43.0 (109.4) |
43.0 (109.4) |
43.0 (109.4) |
43.5 (110.3) |
38.5 (101.3) |
36.0 (96.8) |
43.5 (110.3) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 23.6 (74.5) |
24.9 (76.8) |
27.3 (81.1) |
30.3 (86.5) |
33.4 (92.1) |
35.6 (96.1) |
36.6 (97.9) |
36.2 (97.2) |
35.0 (95.0) |
32.6 (90.7) |
28.3 (82.9) |
24.4 (75.9) |
30.7 (87.3) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 17.4 (63.3) |
18.1 (64.6) |
19.7 (67.5) |
22.1 (71.8) |
24.5 (76.1) |
27.1 (80.8) |
29.7 (85.5) |
30.2 (86.4) |
29.3 (84.7) |
26.2 (79.2) |
22.0 (71.6) |
18.6 (65.5) |
23.7 (74.7) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 11.2 (52.2) |
11.3 (52.3) |
12.1 (53.8) |
13.9 (57.0) |
15.7 (60.3) |
18.6 (65.5) |
22.9 (73.2) |
24.1 (75.4) |
23.5 (74.3) |
19.9 (67.8) |
15.7 (60.3) |
12.8 (55.0) |
16.8 (62.2) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 2.0 (35.6) |
2.5 (36.5) |
3.0 (37.4) |
4.5 (40.1) |
8.5 (47.3) |
10.0 (50.0) |
11.5 (52.7) |
13.0 (55.4) |
12.0 (53.6) |
10.0 (50.0) |
6.5 (43.7) |
2.0 (35.6) |
2.0 (35.6) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 14.2 (0.56) |
5.3 (0.21) |
2.3 (0.09) |
0.8 (0.03) |
0.9 (0.04) |
1.3 (0.05) |
14.5 (0.57) |
37.2 (1.46) |
58.4 (2.30) |
12.1 (0.48) |
7.4 (0.29) |
14.8 (0.58) |
169.2 (6.66) |
| Average rainy days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 1.8 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 2.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 18.2 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 66 | 60 | 58 | 55 | 55 | 54 | 58 | 61 | 63 | 63 | 64 | 66 | 60 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 200 | 234 | 271 | 292 | 332 | 322 | 287 | 258 | 257 | 272 | 233 | 190 | 3,148 |
| Source 1: Servicio Meteorológico National (humidity 1981–2000)[9][10][11] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: Deutscher Wetterdienst (sun, 1961–1990)[12][a] | |||||||||||||
Economy
The population of La Paz has grown greatly since the 2000 census; in 2010 it was 215,178.[13] This growth is largely because the city enjoys one of the highest standards of living and quality of life in Mexico, with average wages in the range of 27 USD per day, when compared to the country overall where minimum wages stand at closer to $4.25 USD per day. For this reason many workers migrate to La Paz and other areas in Baja California Sur, to enjoy a better life without leaving the country while still able to remit portions of their incomes to their families in their home states.
Eco-tourism is by far the most important source of tourism income in La Paz as people come to enjoy its marine wonders, as well as its diverse and often unique terrestrial species endemic to the region. Tourists also visit the city's balnearios. There are some 900 islands and inlets in the Gulf of California with 244 now under UNESCO protection as World Heritage Bio-Reserves and the Isla Espíritu Santo group, which borders the northeast portion of the Bay of La Paz and are considered the crown jewels of the islands of the Gulf (also referred to as the Sea of Cortez/Mar de Cortes), the primary tourist destination of the area. Its diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are considered world class.
La Paz is also favored by water enthusiasts for its marinas, boat yards, marine supply stores and cruiser club activities. The surrounding waters provide adventure for experienced boat captains and their customers. Novice captains enjoy the nearby island coves for day and overnight trips. A wealth of experienced sailors and boaters willing to share their expertise are readily available.
Industries include silver mining, agriculture, fishing and pearls. Tourism is also an important source of employment for this coastal community.
Along with the area's marinas, new developments are emerging because of the proximity to the USA (2 hour flight from Los Angeles), the mild weather, the city services, and the peaceful atmosphere.[citation needed]
When Aero California existed, its headquarters were in La Paz.[14]
Transportation
La Paz is served by Manuel Márquez de León International Airport with flights to the most important cities of Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey. Airlines flying into La Paz include Aeroméxico Connect, Volaris and VivaAerobus. Two ferry services operate from the port of Pichilingue outside the city, connecting the Baja California peninsula to the mainland at Mazatlán and Topolobampo, near Los Mochis.
Roads
Running along the coast in front of La Paz is a 5 km long Malecon Road. The main purpose of this road is to allow easy movement across the city. However, it quickly became the focal point of tourist related activities with a large number of bars, restaurants and shops opening along its length. Since 2004 extensive development has taken place which included a large sidewalk which offers safety for large numbers of people to walk along the coastal front of La Paz.
In September 2011, a bicycle lane was added to the Malecon road, providing cyclists protection from cars and pedestrians.
La Paz is served mainly by two highways; Mexican Federal Highway 1 that links the south of the state from Cabo San Lucas to the north of the peninsula to Tijuana, and Mexican Federal Highway 19, that connects La Paz with the population of the south pacific towns such as Todos Santos and El Pescadero. It is also served by two secondary roads, the Los Planes highway (286) that connects La Paz with towns such as La Ventana, Ensenada de los Muertos and Los Planes. The other is the Pichilingue highway which links La Paz with its maritime port.
Demographics
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 24,253 | — |
| 1970 | — | |
| 1980 | — | |
| 1990 | 136,759 | — |
| 1995 | 154,314 | +12.8% |
| 2000 | 162,954 | +5.6% |
| 2005 | 189,178 | +16.1% |
| 2010 | 215,178 | +13.7% |
| sources:[15][16] | ||
Education
La Paz is the state capital and center of commerce, as well as the home of the three leading marine biology institutes in Latin America (UABCS, CIBNOR & CICIMAR), largely because it sits on the Gulf of California, which is home to exceptional marine biodiversity. It also supports several other university-level institutes of learning, such as the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur.
In literature
John Steinbeck visited La Paz in 1940. He describes the town in his books The Pearl and The Log from the Sea of Cortez.[17]
In The Black Pearl by Scott O'Dell, La Paz is the home of the main character.
Sister cities
References
- ^ "La Paz". Catálogo de Localidades. Secretaría de Desarrollo Social (SEDESOL). Retrieved 23 April 2014.
- ^ Template:Es icon Los Municipios con Mayor y Menor Extensión Territorial, Instituto Nacional Para el Federalismo y el Desarrollo Municipal, SEGOB (Mexico.) Accessed on line 15-II-2008.
- ^ Chapter 2, vol. 1, History of California, Theodore Henry Hittell, San Francisco: N. J. Stone & Company, 1897.
- ^ Newbery Medal and Honor Books, 1922-Present, ALSC, American Library Association. Accessed on line 15-II-2008.
- ^ "The Gulf of California - A Physical, Geological and Biological Study" By Rebekah K. Nix
- ^ http://www.deepmexico.com/es/ocean_dives.html
- ^ http://redalyc.uaemex.mx/redalyc/html/479/47942204/47942204.html
- ^ http://www.seatemperature.org/central-america/mexico/la-paz-january.htm
- ^ "NORMALES CLIMATOLÓGICAS 1951-2010". Servicio Meteorológico National. 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2013.
- ^ "Extreme Temperatures and Precipitation for La Paz (DGE) 1940-2010" (in Spanish). Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. Retrieved 6 May 2015.
- ^ "NORMALES CLIMATOLÓGICAS 1981–2000" (PDF) (in Spanish). Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. Retrieved 6 May 2015.
- ^ "Station 76405 La Paz, BCS". Global station data 1961–1990—Sunshine Duration. Deutscher Wetterdienst. Retrieved 3 May 2015.
- ^ 2010 census tables: INEGI
- ^ "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. 2007-03-27. p. 46.
- ^ "MEXICO: Baja California Sur". Citypopulation.de. 2012-01-08. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
- ^ http://www.inegi.org.mx/sistemas/TabuladosBasicos/LeerArchivo.aspx?ct=993&c=16762&s=est&f=1
- ^ Steinbeck, John (2000). The Log from the Sea of Cortez. London: Penguin. pp. 84–105. ISBN 978-0-14-118607-8.
Notes
- ^ Station ID for La Paz, BCS is 76405 Use this station ID to locate the sunshine duration
External links
Media related to La Paz, Baja California Sur at Wikimedia Commons
La Paz (Mexico) travel guide from Wikivoyage- Official Ayuntamiento de La Paz (Municipality of La Paz) website—Template:Es icon
 State of Baja California Sur | ||
|---|---|---|
La Paz (capital) | ||
| Topics |  | |
| Municipalities and municipal seats | ||
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
- La Paz, Baja California Sur
- Capitals of states of Mexico
- La Paz Municipality (Baja California Sur)
- Populated places in Baja California Sur
- Gulf of California
- Port cities and towns on the Mexican Pacific coast
- Populated coastal places in Mexico
- Populated places established in 1535
- 1535 establishments in Mexico