Puerto Peñasco is also known as Rocky Point, or even Rocky Point Mexico. People commonly refer the seaside resort town by these different names. However, what commonly gets left out by tourists is the name of the state. So, if you are curious to learn a thing or two about the beautiful state of Sonora, you are in the right place.
There is even another layer to people overlooking the place. You could consider it a state of confusion. Every year, many visitors to Sonora enter through the Lukeville, Arizona Port of Entry. This leads them directly into the border town of Sonoyta in Northern Sonora. However, people often mistakenly confuse the names of the border town of Sonoyta and the state of Sonora.
Sonora – The 12th Mexican State
Last month, Sonora celebrated its 200th birthday as a state. It officially became the 12th Mexican state on January 10, 1824. Today, Mexico has a total of 31 states. They make up what is called the Federal Entities of Mexico.
Sonora is the second largest state in the country by size with an area of 69,249 square miles. Only Chihuahua, its neighbor to the east, is larger. (By some 25,000 square miles). The state of Baja California is the only land to its west. Sinaloa is the state just south of Sonora. It shares the eastern coast along the Gulf of California. Meanwhile, to the north in the United States, Sonora has Arizona and New Mexico as bordering neighbors.
Governor
Native son, Dr. Alfonso Durazo Montaño became Governor of Sonora in September of 2021. He is set to turn 70 years old in July 2024. The governor is a member of the National Regeneration Movement, commonly known as the (MORENA) political party. Prior to assuming the Sonora Governor’s office, Dr. Durazo had built a well-known profile nationally. He became a strong figure in Mexico politics while serving as the private secretary and chief spokesperson of former President Vicente Fox.
Cities and Population in Sonora
There are 72 municipalities in Sonora. Hermosillo is the capital and is strategically in the center part of the state. It is also the largest city in the state by far. Hermosillo has an estimated population of 855,000. That accounts for roughly 30 percent of the state’s 3-million people. Furthermore, Hermosillo has over a half million more residents than the second largest city of Ciudad Obregón.
The city of Puerto Peñasco is the 9th largest in the state. However, it is the most popular tourism destination in Sonora. Beach destinations like Rocky Point and San Carlos account for many of the visits made by American tourists every year. Thanks to its proximity to the U.S. Mexico border, Puerto Peñasco is the “go to” beach resort town of choice for Americans from California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Protected Wildlife Areas
A little more than 10% of the land in Sonora is designated as protected wildlife areas. It covers 7,129 square miles to be exact, about twice the size of Puerto Rico. The state’s most popular protected area is the El Pinacate biosphere reserve. It is part of the Altar Desert, and more than likely you pass by it on visits to and from Puerto Peñasco. The El Pinacate biosphere reserve is stunning nature on display. It features massive volcanic (which are dormant not active). The site is frequently visited by researchers and civilians, both Mexico residents and foreign tourists. El Pinacate is well worth your time, especially if you are a photography or outdoors enthusiast.
State Economy
Aside from tourism, the Sonora economy is like other states in the Northwest region of Mexico. Agriculture is very important with farmers producing various forms of grains, fruits, vegetables, and more.
Fishing is also a key industry. In fact, there are often claims of overfishing in the sea. Livestock is another important industry, as is mining. In fact, the state of Sonora has the largest mining surface in all of Mexico.
Nonetheless, the real mining for gold in Sonora is all because of the Sea of Cortez. The state is blessed with over 500 miles of beautiful gulf water coastline. In addition, the warm and sunny weather conditions make it a tourism friendly destination year-round.
Much of the Sonora state economy rides the waves of being located on the shores of the Sea of Cortez. The ripple effect can be seen in an array of industries in Rocky Point and across the state. The sea provides the inspiration for tourism, real estate, investment, and of course tax revenues. From restaurants and retail businesses to multi-million-dollar beachfront resorts like the Sonoran Sun in Rocky Point, the sea is the attraction so many come to see in Sonora.