At an election rally in Tijuana, Mexican presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio is assassinated by Mario Aburto Martínez.

Tijuana: A Dynamic Crossroads on the Pacific

Nestled on the Pacific coast of Baja California, Mexico, Tijuana (pronounced tee-HWAH-nuh in English, [tiˈxwana] in Spanish) stands as a vibrant, rapidly expanding metropolis. More than just a city, it forms an integral part of the sprawling San Diego–Tijuana transborder urban agglomeration, itself a key component of the larger Southern California megalopolis. As Mexico’s second-largest city and the core of its sixth-largest metropolitan area, Tijuana wields considerable influence across various sectors. Its impact resonates strongly in education, politics, transportation, culture, art, and manufacturing, while also serving as a critical migration hub.

Reflecting its swift growth, Tijuana consistently ranks among Mexico's fastest-growing metropolitan regions, recognized by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network as a "High Sufficiency" global city. By September 2019, the city proper was home to an estimated 1,810,645 residents, with its broader metropolitan area encompassing approximately 2,157,853 people as of 2020. Within its urban expanse, an estimated 2,002,000 individuals call Tijuana home. Geographically, Tijuana functions as the municipal seat and the primary cultural and commercial heartbeat of the Tijuana Municipality, encompassing a substantial 70% of its territory and hosting 80% of its population.

Economic and Cultural Powerhouse

Tijuana has firmly established itself as a dominant manufacturing center on the North American continent, hosting significant facilities for numerous multinational conglomerate companies. Notably, the early 21st century saw Tijuana emerge as North America's medical-device manufacturing capital, a testament to its robust industrial infrastructure and skilled workforce. Beyond its economic might, the city is also a flourishing cultural center, increasingly celebrated as an important new cultural mecca. Its dynamic art scene, diverse culinary offerings, and vibrant nightlife contribute to its unique appeal, drawing visitors from across the globe.

The World's Busiest Border Crossing

Perhaps one of Tijuana's most defining characteristics is its status as the world's most visited border city. Sharing a remarkably active border spanning approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) with its sister city, San Diego, California, the connection between these two urban centers is profound. Each year, over fifty million people navigate this international boundary, highlighting the incredible flow of commerce, culture, and daily life. This immense cross-border traffic makes the San Ysidro Port of Entry – one of two primary crossing stations between San Diego and Tijuana – the fourth busiest land-border crossing on Earth. It's estimated that these two border stations alone facilitate an astonishing 300,000 daily crossings, underscoring the deep integration and interdependence of this bi-national region.

Tijuana's geographical significance extends to its position as the 45th largest city in the Americas and proudly, the westernmost city in all of Mexico. While population rankings can fluctuate based on methodology, the 2015 census indicated Tijuana's metropolitan area was Mexico's fifth-largest, with about 1,840,710 residents. The city proper (locality) often ranks as the sixth largest, and its administrative municipality the third largest nationally. Looking broader, the international metropolitan region, a massive bi-national conurbation shared by the US and Mexico, was estimated in 2016 to have over 5.15 million inhabitants. This makes it the third-largest metropolitan area in the historic Californias region and the 19th largest across the entire Americas, a truly monumental urban landscape that is increasingly embracing a suburbanized character, much like its northern neighbor, San Diego.

A Rich History and Enduring Legacy

The modern story of Tijuana dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish explorers first charted the coastlines of the Californias. A pivotal moment in its development arrived with the conclusion of the American occupation of the Mexican capital and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty fundamentally reshaped Tijuana’s international standing, positioning it directly on the border and giving rise to a new economic and political framework. Urban development officially commenced, leading to the city's founding on July 11, 1889. Affectionately known by its common initials, T.J., and widely recognized as the "Gateway to Mexico," Tijuana has a long-standing tradition as a tourist destination, a role it embraced as early as the 1880s, attracting visitors drawn to its unique cross-cultural appeal and vibrant atmosphere.

A Tragic Day in Tijuana: The Assassination of Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta

Tijuana, a city of bustling commerce and cultural dynamism, also bears witness to moments of profound historical significance, sometimes tragic. It was here, on March 23, 1994, that Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta (pronounced [lwis onal.o kolo.sjo murje.ta]), a prominent Mexican politician and economist, met a sudden and tragic end. Born on February 10, 1950, Colosio was the presidential candidate for the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) during Mexico's intensely watched 1994 presidential campaign. He was assassinated at a campaign rally in Tijuana, an event that sent shockwaves throughout Mexico and the international community, forever etching that date into the city's modern narrative and the nation's political memory.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tijuana and Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta

What is Tijuana?
Tijuana is a major city in Baja California, Mexico, and a crucial component of the San Diego–Tijuana transborder urban agglomeration. It’s known for its rapid growth, manufacturing prowess, cultural vibrancy, and its status as the world's most visited border city.
Where is Tijuana located?
Tijuana is situated on the Pacific coast of Baja California, Mexico, making it the westernmost city in Mexico. It shares a border with San Diego, California, in the United States.
When was Tijuana founded?
Tijuana was officially founded on July 11, 1889, marking the beginning of its urban development.
What is Tijuana famous for?
Tijuana is famous for being a dominant manufacturing hub, particularly in medical devices, a growing cultural center, and the world's most visited border city. It's also known by its nickname, "Gateway to Mexico," and its common abbreviation, T.J.
How large is Tijuana's population?
As of September 2019, the city of Tijuana had a population of 1,810,645. Its metropolitan area, as of 2020, contained 2,157,853 people, making it Mexico's second-largest city and the center of its sixth-largest metro area.
Who was Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta?
Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta was a Mexican politician and economist, born on February 10, 1950. He was the presidential candidate for Mexico's Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in 1994.
What happened to Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta in Tijuana?
Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta was tragically assassinated at a campaign rally in Tijuana on March 23, 1994, during his presidential campaign.