31 Must-Know Tijuana Facts Before You Make A Plan To Travel There

As of 2004, 1,500,852 people lived in Tijuana, which is projected to have increased to 1,707,591 by 2018.

Tijuana is also the economic center for the metropolitan area of Tijuana-Tecate-San Diego-El Cajon combined with all its municipalities and has a population of over 3 million people. Tijuana is also known to have many nightclubs and playhouses that attract tourists with their enjoyable shows.

Tijuana has many sculptures, museums, art galleries, and churches that bring culture and tourism to the city. The summer months usually bring out music festivals that include concerts from major popular acts.

As a nation of immigrants, the city of Tijuana has had Spanish, Italian, and English-speaking people in its culture since the 1700s. Over the years, other groups such as French, German and Japanese have also settled and had made a presence in the city.

In 1868 during the period of Mexican- American war, many Mexican military men were lured across the border from Mexico to Tijuana to become citizens.

During World War II, many young Mexican men were drafted into combat for their country to fight for peace. Many women joined combat units after being drafted into the military as well.

In the ’20s and ’30s Mexican women were involved in the feminist movement led by painter Rosario Castellanos that later resulted in 'The Siqueiros Law', which gave women the right to vote.

To enjoy the local culture, you need to visit the Plaza fiesta. Also, you can enjoy delicious food in restaurants in Tijuana. Agua Caliente is a place that has multiple condos.

History Of Tijuana

The area now called downtown Tijuana was inhabited by the Otomi tribe as early as 500 AD. In 1531, Hernan Cortes arrived in the region with his army to conquer the Aztec Empire.

He founded the settlement of San Diego de Alcalá, which later became part of the Mexican state of Baja, California. During the Mexican–American War (1846-48), American forces captured the territory from Mexico. After the war, the United States annexed the land into the newly created State of California.

The city was first founded by Spanish colonists on July 31, 1832, as 'San Diego de Alcalá de Tecate'. The city was named after Tecate, a small native village that became an important military and cultural post for the Nahua people who originally resided in the valley. 

The original center of the city, known as 'Pueblo de los Angeles', was located at what is now Avenida Revolución and Calle Internacional Boulevard (former 'Argonauta street') between Avenida Constituyentes and Avenida Revolución.

This place is incorrectly identified as 'downtown' or 'center'. It was the first settlement in the area, and its houses were built on several hills to avoid regular floods that would occur on the flat valley floor. 

From 1854 to 1873, during the American Civil War and California Gold Rush, San Diego was San Diego County's seat of government, a position it held until 1873. It was also a major city in California until a change in political status forced it to become part of Baja California.

In 1853, the first railroad line reached Tijuana. The town began to grow rapidly after the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1862. By 1900, Tijuana had become one of the most important ports on the Pacific coast.

At this time, the city also became an industrial center, producing textiles, furniture, and other goods.

In 1914, the construction of the Tijuana River International Bridge began. This bridge connected the United States and Mexico for the first time. The bridge opened to traffic in 1921 and helped boost the growth of the city.

After the war, Tijuana continued to develop into a major port city. Today, Tijuana is home to many industries, including manufacturing, tourism, transportation, and trade.

Tijuana is the largest city on the U.S.-Mexico border and is one of the busiest land ports in North America.

It was established in 1889 as a military outpost to guard against Indian uprisings, so it sometimes goes by its original name, Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles de Porciuncula (Town of Our Lady of Angels).

Initially, it was not much more than a sprawling mudflat carved out by riverbanks over time, but as of today, the city has grown into one of the most important centers for trade between Mexico and San Diego County. Tijuana, Baja California means 'Tijuana, Border of California'.

Geography & Climate

Tijuana is a coastal city on the Mexico-US border. It has a subtropical climate with hot summers and warm, dry winters. The average highest recorded temperature during the summer is 86 F (30 C), while the average low during winter is 59 F (15 C). In winter, it gets cold and foggy, with an occasional rainstorm.

In January, the high temperature reaches a maximum of 67 F (19 C), and the minimum temperature is 55 F (12 C). In July, the high temperature reaches a maximum of 85 F (30 C), and the minimum temperature is 70 F (21 C).

The annual mean precipitation is 14.7 in (373 mm). The wettest month is February, with an average rainfall of 3.3 in (83 mm) and the driest month is May, with average rainfall being 0.2 in (4 mm).

The maximum rainfall ever in 24 hours was recorded on April 15, 1994, when it received 4.42 in (112 mm).

Tijuana has no major seismic activity, although minor earthquakes do occur. The city lies just above the convergent boundary between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates.

Economy

Tourism is indeed the primary source of income for Tijuana. Many tourists visit the city's famous beach resorts, such as Playas Las Americas, Zona Río, and Puerto Nuevo. Other popular tourist destinations include SeaWorld, Disneyland, and Legoland.

Other industries include manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors. The city is also a central commercial hub for trade between North America and Asia.

Tourism accounts for about 30% of the city's gross domestic product. Many restaurants and hotels have been built near the international border. There are numerous shopping malls, department stores, movie theatres, and nightclubs.

Agriculture plays a small role in the local economy. Most farmers live in rural areas outside the city limits. About half of the crops grown in the city are consumed locally.

Crime Record

According to the FBI, there were 3,933 violent crimes reported in Tijuana in 2011. These included murder, rape, robbery, assault, and burglary. Property crime reports totaled 9,742 cases.

There were 5,632 property crimes reported in 2010. Burglary was the most common type of property crime.

There were 2,827 violent crimes reported in Tampico in 2008. Crimes included murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.

There were 4,039 property crimes reported in Tijuana in 2009. Theft was the most common type.

There were 8,074 property crimes reported in Tampoco in 2007. Robberies were the most common type, followed by theft and burglary.

There were 7,814 property crimes reported in Tijuanense in 2006, and theft was the most frequent type of crime.

As of 2012, the city's population was estimated at approximately 1 million people.

Other Miscellaneous Facts

The city borders Mexicali, Baja California toward its west, and Tecate to the east. The Tijuana River runs through the city, emptying into the Pacific Ocean between the cities of Imperial Beach and Rosarito Beach.

As per the records, the population of the city proper was about 1,694,239, making it Mexico's sixth-largest city. Additionally, it is Mexico's largest border city. Its municipality is one of Mexico's largest municipalities.

It is larger than U.S. cities such as New York City or Chicago in terms of area but smaller in population (the 2010 census population of New York City was 8,336,698 and Chicago was 2,695,598).

The city is the most populous in Mexico and is one of the most important cultural and economic centers in the country. It has a very large number of tourists, including Americans, due to its proximity to San Diego.

Tijuana's many manufacturing plants produce a wide variety of products, including electronics, automobiles, and packaged foods. Tourism is a significant component of the city's economy, with one million people visiting the city every year.

The Tijuana metropolitan area comprises a third of Baja California state's population and has a GDP (PPP) of $50 billion, making it Mexico's second-largest metropolitan area after Monterrey ($80 billion).

The economy of the Tijuana metropolitan area has traditionally been based on agriculture, but since its industrialization, in recent decades, it has become known as an important center for the high-tech industry. The leading sector is manufacturing, with over fifty companies.

Tijuana city is also popular for medical tourism.

FAQs

What is Tijuana known for?

Tijuana is famous for its nightclubs, resorts, beaches, high rises with a golf course, restaurants, and Caesar salad. The famous Caesar salad was first prepared by Caesar Cardini, hence the name 'Caesar salad'.

What does the name Tijuana mean?

The name Tijuana is derived from Tijuana, meaning close to the sea.

Is Tijuana the most visited city in the world?

Yes, Tijuana is one of the most visited cities in the world and is famous for its beaches, resorts, nightclubs, and food trucks.

How far apart are Tijuana and San Diego?

Tijuana and San Diego are around 14.92 mi (24 km) apart.

Does Tijuana have snow?

Yes, Tijuana has snow; however, it is not very heavy.

Do they speak English in Tijuana?

Yes, English is spoken in Tijuana. However, Spanish is the dominant language in Tijuana.