La Paz

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and an important regional commercial center. The city has a population of approximately 163,000 (2000). La Paz is served by Manuel Márquez de León International Airport. Two ferry services operate from the city, connecting the Baja California peninsula to the mainland at Mazatlán and Topolobampo, near Los Mochis. The city is located between the coastal mountains and the Bay of La Paz, on the Gulf of California. Industries include silver mining, agriculture, fishing and pearls. Tourism is also an important source of employment for this coastal community. The city features in the John Steinbeck book, The Pearl.