California is a peninsula that is located in the western part of the North American continent. It is narrow and long, the length of this part of the land is 1200 km. In the widest places, it diverges by 240 km. The area of the peninsula is about 144 thousand km 2 . Geographically owned by Mexico, it has two states - Northern and Southern California. In the north, the peninsula borders on the American state of the same name, the west coast is washed by the Pacific Ocean, and the east - by the Gulf of California.
The southernmost point is Cape San Lucas. Along the entire length of the peninsula, there is one transport highway - the Transpeninsular highway. The road begins north of the border with the United States, and the final destination is the southern resort town of Cabo San Lucas.
Natural areas
California is a peninsula that is represented by two natural zones. In most of the territory there is a desert, and in the central part there is a mountain range, the southern part of the Sierra Nevada ridge. The peninsula is mostly rocky. Sonora Desert is one of the largest and hottest places on the mainland. The greatest amount of precipitation falls on the spring and winter seasons and does not exceed 350 mm per year. The Lower California desert is located off the southern coast of the peninsula. It is located in the subtropical climate zone. The highest point of the peninsula is the town of Diablo (3 096 m).
Coastline
California is a peninsula whose coastline is severely indented. The east coast differs significantly from the west by its climate. The latter depends on the Pacific cold currents, and therefore the temperature of air and water here is somewhat different from other areas of the peninsula. The east coast is mild in climate similar to the Mediterranean type. This is facilitated by the warm waters of the bay. The average temperature varies between + 20 ... 22 ° C in the summer, and decreases slightly in winter - to + 13 ... 15 ° C. One of the largest rivers in North America, the Colorado River, flows into the Gulf of California.
Climate
California is a peninsula whose prevailing climate is subtropical and very mild. A great influence on it is provided by warm air masses. The air temperature in the southern part of the peninsula is much higher than in the northern part. The hottest month of the year is July. During this period, average temperatures in the north rise above + 24 ° , and in the south - from + 31 ° . In winter, in January, the thermometer does not drop below + 8 ° C in the north and + 16 ° C in the south. Most of the rainfall on the peninsula in the winter falls in the form of rains and showers. Often they cause storms on the peninsula.
Settlements
The territory of the California Peninsula has long been inhabited by Native American tribes. However, by the 16th century, conquistadors came to these lands. The climate of the California Peninsula greatly influenced the placement of the new arrivals. At first, the missionaries tried to bring civilization to the Indian tribes, but due to diseases introduced by the Spaniards, most of the indigenous population died, and the rest simply left these lands. After that, European farmers settled on the lands of the peninsula.
Whose California is it?
For a long time, the United States and Mexico argued about the ownership of the peninsula to a particular state. In the middle of the 19th century, an American-Mexican war took place between the two countries. Under the terms of the peace treaty, California was divided between the two states as follows: the state of California withdrew from the United States, and the peninsula became owned by Mexico.
Population
Now 3 million 700 thousand people live on the peninsula. National and racial composition is represented by mestizos, Indians, Mexicans and Asians. The climate zone of the California Peninsula is perfect for most of the people living here.
sights
The main attraction of the California Peninsula is the El Viscaino Nature Reserve. Most of it is desert. The area is about 25 thousand km 2 . This is the largest biosphere reserve in Latin America. In addition to its invaluable natural significance, it is interesting culturally. Sierra Caves are decorated with ancient cave paintings. There are more than 200 such caves with cave paintings.
The climatic zone of the California Peninsula also greatly affects the flora and fauna. The reserve is a place of migration of gray whales. Also here you can meet flocks of dolphins and seals.
Brief comparative description
On the other, eastern part of North America, another famous mainland peninsula is located - Florida. This land area is smaller than California in size. Let's try to compare them.
The California Peninsula (and Florida, by the way, too) is located in the subtropical climate zone. However, if we compare the weather conditions, they are somewhat different. The reason for this is ocean currents. Gulf Stream and the Caribbean are influencing Florida. But on California - the Pacific cold current.
It is also worth highlighting the features of the relief. As is known from the above information, deserts prevail on the California peninsula, and Florida's territory is flat (the highest point is 99 m). Another thing worth paying attention to is the water area. In the first case, it is the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, and Florida is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.