The city of Tijuana, Mexico, is located immediately south of the United States/Mexico border on the east coast. As a 2010 census discovered, Tijuana is the 5th largest city in Mexico with a current population estimated at 1,784,034. Therefore, Tijuana should be classified as a Regional Metropolis in terms of the Central Place Theory, although some could also consider it a Regional City.
Tijuana, a very popular destination, offers a wide variety of services that would not be found in smaller places such as towns or villages. Although a substantial amount of poverty does exist within the Tijuana area, recently there has been an increase in affluence throughout the region. There is a surprising number of banks, clubs, restaurants, shops, and other popular establishments such as a country club and complex citywide services. Tijuana offers all sorts of public transportation, including an airport. The city, however, lacks a port. In a smaller, and less popular region, the majority of the establishments and services in Tijuana would not be offered. In less densely populated areas, the amount of places such as these is decreased, with the focus primarily on necessities such as the occasional bank, mail center, or grocery store. However, Tijuana doesn't compare to Mexico City (the nation's federal capital) which is home to many government services.
