California
State Motto
California State Information
California is the 31st State in the Union
California, located on the west coast of the United States, is a vibrant and diverse state known for its breathtaking natural beauty, booming economy, and rich culture. With a population of over 39 million, it is the most populous state in the country. California is famous for its iconic cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, which serve as hubs for entertainment, technology, and innovation.
The state is home to a variety of landscapes, from rugged coastlines and fertile valleys to the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. It also boasts famous national parks such as Yosemite and Joshua Tree. California plays a key role in the U.S. economy, with major industries including technology, entertainment, agriculture, and tourism. Known for its progressive policies, California often leads the way in areas like environmental conservation and social justice. Despite its challenges, the state continues to be a symbol of opportunity and remains a cultural powerhouse that has a lasting impact on the nation.
What's in a name?
Named after a mythical island called 'California' in a Spanish novel.
California Geography
Area: | 163,695 sq mi (423,970 km²), 3rd |
Highest Point: | Mount Whitney; 14,505 ft (1,348 m), 2nd |
Lowest Point: | Death Valley; -282 ft (-26 m) |
Bordering States: | Arizona, Nevada, Oregon |
Area Codes: | Area Codes of California |
Zip Codes: | Zip Codes of California |
California is known for its diverse geography, offering a wide range of natural landscapes. The state is famous for its vast Pacific coastline, which stretches over 800 miles and features beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs. Moving inland, the terrain shifts from the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the east, home to peaks like Mount Whitney (the highest point in the contiguous U.S.), to fertile valleys like the Central Valley, one of the most important agricultural regions in the country.
California’s climate varies widely, from the Mediterranean climate of Southern California to the alpine climate of the mountain regions. The state is home to deserts like the Mojave Desert, lush forests in the north, and iconic natural landmarks such as Yosemite National Park, the Redwood and Sequoia forests, and Death Valley, the hottest and driest national park in the U.S. This geographic diversity makes California a place of extraordinary natural beauty and ecological importance.
California Economy
California has the largest and most diverse economy of any U.S. state, and it's often ranked as the world's fifth-largest economy if treated as a separate nation. With a gross domestic product (GDP) over $3 trillion, California's economy is driven by a variety of industries. These include technology and innovation in Silicon Valley, entertainment in Hollywood, agriculture in the Central Valley, and international trade through major ports like Los Angeles.
The state also has a strong tourism sector, aerospace manufacturing, and a growing renewable energy industry. California's economic power is supported by a skilled workforce, abundant natural resources, and a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that helps drive ongoing economic growth and development.
Agriculture
Top 3 crops / livestock for California
- Almonds
- Grapes
- Milk
Industry
Top 3 industries for California
- Technology
- Entertainment
- Agriculture
California State Symbols
State Bird
California Valley QuailState Flower
California PoppyState Tree
California RedwoodState Mammal
California Grizzly BearState Fish
Golden TroutState Insect
California Dogface ButterflyTed Grajeda
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