Capital: Sacramento
Population: 39,865,590 (Source: 2012 U.S. Census)
California is the most populous state in the United States and a major center for culture, technology, entertainment, and agriculture. Its diverse population, climate, and economic opportunities make it one of the most influential states in the country.
Major Cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento
Los Angeles is globally recognized for film, entertainment, and cultural diversity. San Diego is famous for its beautiful coastline, naval base, and tourism. San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, a hub of technology and innovation. San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Borders: Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Mexico, Pacific Ocean
California’s location on the western coast of the U.S. provides it with access to the Pacific Ocean and international trade with Mexico and Asia. It also shares borders with Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon, giving it a unique geographic diversity.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): $2,003,479 million (2012 U.S. Department of Commerce)
California boasts the largest economy of any U.S. state, with major contributions from technology, entertainment, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Its GDP rivals that of many countries worldwide.
Key Industries:
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Agriculture, including dairy products, almonds, grapes, tomatoes, avocados, and broccoli
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Computers and electronics
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Food processing and paper production
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Mining and movie production
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Tourism
California’s agriculture is nationally significant, producing a substantial share of the nation’s fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Silicon Valley has positioned California as the global technology leader, while Hollywood remains the world’s center for film and entertainment.
How California Got Its Name:
California was named by Spanish explorers who believed they had discovered an island. The name comes from the Spanish story of Queen Califia, a fictional queen who ruled a mythical island.
California State Symbols
State Nickname: Golden State
California is called the Golden State due to the Gold Rush of 1848 and its history of wealth, opportunity, and sunshine.
State Slogan: Find Yourself Here
State Motto: Eureka (I have found it)
The motto references the Gold Rush and California’s reputation as a land of discovery and opportunity.
State Flower: California Poppy
The California poppy is known for its bright orange color and resilience, thriving across the state’s landscapes.
State Bird: California Quail
The quail is a small, ground-dwelling bird recognized for its distinctive call and plume on its head.
State Fish: Golden Trout (freshwater), Garibaldi (saltwater)
These fish reflect the state’s varied freshwater and marine environments, both popular with anglers and wildlife enthusiasts.
State Tree: California Redwood
California is home to the tallest trees on Earth. Redwood forests symbolize the state’s natural beauty and environmental diversity.
State Mammals: Grizzly Bear, Gray Whale
The grizzly bear, a symbol of strength, appears on the state flag. Gray whales migrate along California’s coast, representing the state’s rich marine life.
State Foods: Wine
California produces world-renowned wines from Napa Valley and other regions, making it a top destination for wine enthusiasts.
Becoming a State
Date Admitted: Monday, September 9, 1850
Number Admitted: 31
Prior Name: Mexican Cession, Alta California
Postal Abbreviation: CA
California became the 31st state of the United States following the Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Its rapid growth during the Gold Rush helped cement its importance in the nation.
The Geography of California
Total Size: 155,959 sq. miles (source: 2003 Census)
California features a wide range of geographic regions, including coastal areas, valleys, deserts, and mountains. Its diverse landscapes support agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation.
Geographical Low Point: Death Valley at -282 feet, Inyo County (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
Geographical High Point: Mt. Whitney at 14,494 feet, Inyo-Tulare County (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
California is home to both the lowest and highest points in the continental United States, highlighting its dramatic topography.
Central Point: Madera County, approx. 38 miles east of Madera (source: U.S. Geological Survey)
Counties: 58 (source: National Association of Counties)
Bodies of Water: Salton Sea, Lake Tahoe, Goose Lake, Mono Lake, Lake Shasta, Sacramento River, San Joaquin River, Colorado River, Pit River, Feather River, San Francisco Bay, Pacific Ocean
California’s waterways are essential for agriculture, recreation, and transportation. Its lakes, rivers, and coastline attract millions of tourists each year.
Famous People from California
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Tom Brady – Professional football player
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Leonardo DiCaprio – Actor and environmental activist
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Joe DiMaggio – Professional baseball player
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Snoop Dogg – Rapper and actor
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Clint Eastwood – Actor and filmmaker
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Robert Frost – Poet
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Jeff Gordon – Race car driver
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Tom Hanks – Actor
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Tony Hawk – Professional skateboarder
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Steve Jobs – Co-founder of Apple Inc.
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Bruce Lee – Actor and martial arts expert
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Marilyn Monroe – Actress
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Richard Nixon – 37th U.S. President
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George Patton – WWII General
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Katy Perry – Singer
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Ronald Reagan – 40th U.S. President, former Governor of California
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Sally Ride – First American woman astronaut
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Lemony Snicket – Author
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Shirley Temple – Child actress
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Shaun White – Professional snowboarder
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Tiger Woods – Professional golfer
California has produced influential figures in sports, entertainment, literature, technology, and politics, reflecting its cultural and economic diversity.
Fun Facts About California
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California has both the highest (Mt. Whitney) and lowest (Death Valley) points in the continental United States.
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Famous attractions include Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, Legoland, and Yosemite National Park.
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You can drive through a giant Redwood tree in Kings Canyon.
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California is home to Silicon Valley, the global hub for technology companies.
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The annual arm wrestling championship is held in Petaluma every October.
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Over half of the U.S.’s vegetables, nuts, and fruits are grown in California.
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San Bernardino County is the largest county in the U.S., covering nearly 3 million acres.
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Redwoods can grow well over 300 feet tall.
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The Gold Rush started in 1848 when James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill.
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The first McDonald’s restaurant opened in San Bernardino in 1940.
Professional Sports Teams
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MLB (baseball): Dodgers, Angels, Athletics, Giants
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NFL (football): Raiders, Chargers, 49ers
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NBA (basketball): Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, Kings
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WNBA (basketball): Sparks
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NHL (hockey): Ducks, Kings, Sharks
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MLS (soccer): Galaxy, Earthquakes, Chivas USA
California has a thriving sports culture, with teams competing in nearly every major league. Sports fans enjoy professional football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer across the state.
California remains a state of innovation, natural beauty, and opportunity. From the entertainment hubs of Los Angeles and San Francisco to the technology centers of Silicon Valley, and from the agricultural valleys to its stunning national parks, California offers a mix of landscapes, culture, and economic power. Its influence extends nationally and globally, making it one of the most iconic and visited states in the United States.