Sonora

Sonora is a state in northwestern Mexico, bordering the states of Chihuahua to the east, Sinaloa to the south, and Baja California to the northwest. To the north Sonora borders the U.S. state of Arizona; to the west it borders the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez).

Sonora is important economically for its cattle production and mining, and popular among tourists for its fine beaches. Culturally it is important as a source of a style of music known as the Norteña.

Cities with airports that serve as points of entry include Hermosillo (the state capital), Ciudad Obregón and Guaymas. Smaller towns popular with tourists that have airports include Puerto Peñasco and Álamos. Border crossings include: the city of Nogales, across the border from Nogales, Arizona; the town of Agua Prieta, across from Douglas, Arizona; and Sonoyta, opposite Lukeville, Arizona.

The Yaqui people are Native Americans who live in the state of Sonora. Sonora y Sinaloa was the name of the constituent state of the Mexican Republic under its Constitution of 1824. On 30 September 1830 that state was divided into two – the states of Sonora and Sinaloa. Father Eusebio Kino is important in the state's history.

Eduardo Bours Castelo, a member of the PRI, is the current governor of the state (2003–09).

The Sonoran Desert and the Sierra Madre Occidental covers much of the state. Its climate is dry and reaches extreme temperatures. The Colorado River Runs through the northern border region. The ISO 3166-2 is MX-SON.

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