| La Paz
(Spanish for The Peace) is the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and an important regional commercial center. The city had a 2005 census population of 189,176 persons.[1] Its surrounding municipality, which is the fourth-largest municipality in Mexico in geographical size, reported a population of 219,596 persons living on a land area of 20,275 km² (7,828.2 sq mi).
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 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 Sebastian Vizcaino arrived, giving the area its modern name, La Paz.
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The climate of La Paz is typically dry, warm and sunny with a year around average of between 23C-25C(75F-77F). Summer months (July-September) are often in the 30C’s(90F's) and can be humid. The winter months (December-February) are the coldest with temperatures dropping below 15C(60F), but mostly in the low 20’sC(68'sF). Breezes from Bahia de La Paz keep the temperature mild. The bay also acts as a barrier against seasonal storms in the Sea of Cortez. Rainfall is minimal, although infrequent downpours can bring heavy rains. La Paz usually averages in with over 300 days of sunshine annually.
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.
Economy
La Paz's population has greatly increased from the 2000 census and now stands at approximately a quarter of a million people. 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, whereas minimum wages in the country overall stand at closer to $4.25 USD per day. Many of the poorer southern Mexican States' workers often have to work for half of that. For this reason many migrate to La Paz, and other areas in Baja California Sur, to enjoy a better life without leaving the country and still be able to remit portions of their incomes to their families in their home states.
Eco-tourism is by far the major 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. There are some 900 islands and islets in the Gulf of California with 244 now under UNESCO protection as World Heritage Bio-Reserves and the Espiritu Santos Islands group, which borders the south eastern 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 second to none.
La Paz is also favored by water enthusiasts for its marinas (Paraiso del Mar[1], Costa Baja Marina, Marina de La Paz, Palmira Marina, and Marina Sur, soon to open) as well as its four boatyards, marine supply stores and cruiser club activities. The surrounding waters are full of adventure for experienced captains. Novice captains enjoy its nearby island coves for day or overnight trips along with a wealth of experienced sailors and boaters willing to share their expertise.
Industries include silver mining, agriculture, fishing and pearls. Tourism is also an important source of employment for this coastal community.
La Paz has recently became an ideal place for retirement. Along with its marinas, a new set of developments are emerging due to its relative closeness to the USA (2 hours flight from Los Angeles), the mild weather, the services the city offers, and the relative peace found in this small city.
Transportation
La Paz is served by Manuel Márquez de León International Airport. Airlines flying into La Paz include Alaska, Delta, Alma, AeroMexico Connect, AeroCalifornia and Viva Aerobús starting flights from Monterrey in August 1. Two ferry services operate from the port of Pichilinque outside the city, connecting the Baja California peninsula to the mainland at Mazatlán and Topolobampo, near Los Mochis.
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