Mexicali

Mexicali, city, northwestern Mexico, capital of Baja California State, in the Mexicali Valley (the lower part of the Imperial Valley), opposite Calexico, California. A railroad and border tourist town, Mexicali is also a trade center for the surrounding irrigated valley, which produces cotton, alfalfa, vegetables, grapefruit, and dates. Cotton, fruits, hides, minerals, and chili are exported. Industries in the city include cotton ginning, flour and cottonseed-oil milling, brewing, and the manufacture of soap and lard. Located here is the Autonomous University of Baja California (1957). Population (2005 estimate) 855,962.