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California

State Motto

Eureka (I have found it)

State Motto of California

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.

State Nickname of California

California Geography

Map of the State of California

Download maps of California

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 Flag

State Flag of California

State Seal

State Seal of California

State Quarter

State Quarter of California

State Flower

State Flower of CaliforniaCalifornia Poppy

State Fish

State Fish of CaliforniaGolden Trout
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Ted Grajeda

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