California - The Golden State
Capital: Sacramento | Abbreviation: CA | Region: West Coast | Population: 39.0 million
Quick Facts
| Population | 39,029,342 |
| Area | 163,696 sq mi (423,970 km²) |
| Population Rank | 1st (most populous) |
| Area Rank | 3rd largest |
| Capital | Sacramento |
| Largest City | Los Angeles (3.98M) |
| Statehood | September 9, 1850 (31st state) |
| Time Zone | Pacific (UTC-8 / UTC-7) |
| State Nickname | The Golden State |
| GDP | $3.9 trillion (1st) |
Interactive Map
🔴 Sacramento (Capital) | Interactive map showing major cities
About California
California, officially the State of California, is located on the West Coast of the United States. With nearly 39 million residents, it is the most populous state in the nation and the third-largest by total area, spanning 163,696 square miles. The state capital is Sacramento, situated in the Central Valley, while Los Angeles stands as the most populous city with nearly 4 million residents within city limits and over 13 million in the greater metropolitan area.
California's economy is the largest in the United States with a GDP of approximately $3.9 trillion. If California were an independent country, it would rank as the world's fifth-largest economy, surpassing nations like India and the United Kingdom. The state is a global leader in technology, entertainment, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Silicon Valley, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, serves as the world's premier technology hub, home to companies like Apple, Google, Facebook (Meta), and thousands of startups.
The state's diverse geography is remarkable, featuring 840 miles of Pacific coastline, the towering Sierra Nevada mountain range, fertile Central Valley farmlands, vast deserts including the Mojave and Colorado, and unique ecosystems from redwood forests to chaparral shrublands. California contains both the highest point in the contiguous United States (Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet) and the lowest point in North America (Death Valley at 282 feet below sea level), with these two extremes located less than 85 miles apart.
Geography & Climate
California's geography is extraordinarily diverse, creating multiple distinct climate zones and ecosystems:
- Pacific Coastline: 840 miles of beaches, cliffs, and coastal ecosystems with Mediterranean climate
- Central Valley: 450-mile agricultural heartland producing over 400 commodities
- Sierra Nevada: Mountain range with peaks over 14,000 feet, major water source
- Mojave & Colorado Deserts: Arid regions including Death Valley, hottest place on Earth
- Cascades Range: Northern volcanic mountains including Mount Shasta
- Climate Zones: Mediterranean coast, alpine mountains, desert interior, temperate forests
- Major Rivers: Sacramento, San Joaquin, Colorado providing water and hydroelectric power
Major Cities
California is home to some of America's largest and most influential cities, spanning diverse industries from entertainment to technology.
Los Angeles
Population: 3,979,576
Metro Area: 13.2 million
Known For: Entertainment capital of the world, home to Hollywood, beaches, diverse neighborhoods, major port, international trade hub
San Diego
Population: 1,423,851
Metro Area: 3.3 million
Known For: Year-round perfect weather, beautiful beaches, US Navy presence, biotech industry, proximity to Mexican border
San Jose
Population: 1,021,795
Metro Area: 2.0 million
Known For: Heart of Silicon Valley, global technology capital, highest median income in California
San Francisco
Population: 873,965
Metro Area: 4.7 million
Known For: Golden Gate Bridge, tech startup ecosystem, cultural diversity, historic cable cars, steep hills
Fresno
Population: 542,107
Metro Area: 1.0 million
Known For: Central Valley agricultural hub, gateway to Yosemite, diverse farming economy
Sacramento
Population: 524,943
Metro Area: 2.4 million
Known For: State capital, government center, historic Gold Rush city, growing tech sector
Long Beach
Population: 466,742
Known For: Major seaport, Queen Mary ship, beaches, oil industry
Oakland
Population: 440,646
Known For: Port of Oakland, cultural diversity, arts scene, Bay Area transit hub
Bakersfield
Population: 403,455
Known For: Oil production, agriculture, country music heritage
Economy & Industry
California's economy is remarkably diverse and globally significant, representing approximately 14% of the entire US GDP. Major economic sectors include:
Technology & Innovation
Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area form the world's premier technology hub, home to Apple, Google, Facebook (Meta), Intel, Oracle, Tesla, and thousands of startups. The tech industry employs millions and drives global innovation in software, hardware, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.
Entertainment & Media
Hollywood and Los Angeles dominate global entertainment, producing the majority of American films, television shows, and music. The industry encompasses movie studios, streaming services, video game development, and digital media production.
Agriculture
California produces over 400 agricultural commodities, leading the nation in farm receipts. The Central Valley is one of the world's most productive agricultural regions, growing fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy, and wine grapes.
Tourism & Hospitality
California attracts over 280 million visitors annually, drawn to Disneyland, beaches, national parks, wine country, ski resorts, and major cities. Tourism generates billions in revenue and employs over 1 million people.
Counties
California is divided into 58 counties, ranging from sparsely populated rural areas to some of the most densely populated counties in the nation. Major counties by population:
Population: 10.0M
Largest county in US
Population: 3.3M
Southernmost county
Population: 3.2M
Home to Disneyland
Population: 2.5M
Fast-growing Inland Empire
Population: 2.2M
Largest county by area
Population: 1.9M
Silicon Valley core
Population: 1.7M
East Bay region
Population: 1.6M
State capital region
National Parks & Natural Attractions
California boasts 9 national parks, more than any other state, showcasing incredible natural diversity:
Yosemite
Iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias. El Capitan and Half Dome draw climbers and hikers worldwide. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Joshua Tree
Unique desert landscape where Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Famous for distinctive Joshua trees and rock climbing.
Death Valley
Hottest, driest, lowest place in North America. Extreme landscape with salt flats, sand dunes, and colorful badlands.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Home to the world's largest trees including General Sherman Tree. Deep canyons and high Sierra peaks.
Redwood
Towering coast redwoods, tallest trees on Earth. Old-growth forests along the northern coast.
Channel Islands
Remote island chain with unique wildlife and marine ecosystems. Accessible only by boat or plane.
History & Culture
California has a rich and complex history spanning thousands of years. Native American tribes including the Chumash, Miwok, and Yokuts inhabited the region for millennia before European contact. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, establishing missions along the coast from 1769 to 1823.
The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in 1848 triggered the California Gold Rush, bringing hundreds of thousands of prospectors and transforming California practically overnight. The state was admitted to the Union in 1850 as part of the Compromise of 1850, becoming the 31st state.
The 20th century saw California emerge as an economic and cultural powerhouse. The development of Hollywood created the global entertainment industry. World War II brought massive defense manufacturing. The post-war era saw the rise of aerospace, the counterculture movement of the 1960s, and the birth of Silicon Valley in the 1970s-80s.
Today, California is extraordinarily diverse, with no single ethnic majority. The state is home to the largest populations of Mexican Americans, Chinese Americans, Vietnamese Americans, Korean Americans, Filipino Americans, and many other immigrant communities. This diversity shapes California's vibrant food scene, arts, and cultural landscape.
Interesting Facts
- California's economy alone would rank as the 5th largest in the world
- Home to both highest (Mt. Whitney) and lowest (Death Valley) points in contiguous US
- Produces over 90% of American wine
- More than 100 languages spoken in Los Angeles
- State has more national parks (9) than any other state
- San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge was world's longest suspension bridge when built
- Hollywood produces the majority of American entertainment content
- Silicon Valley birthed Apple, Google, Facebook, Intel, HP, and countless others
- State capital Sacramento was major Gold Rush destination
- California has 280+ days of sunshine annually in most regions
- Home to the world's tallest trees (coast redwoods) and largest trees (giant sequoias)
- Disneyland in Anaheim was Walt Disney's first theme park (1955)
- State produces over 400 different agricultural commodities
- Death Valley holds the world record for hottest temperature: 134°F (1913)
Neighboring States & Borders
California shares borders with three US states and international borders with Mexico. It also has 840 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline.
Also borders: Mexico (Baja California - South) | Pacific Ocean (West)
Compare California with Other States
See how California compares to other states in population, area, economy, education, and quality of life metrics.
Compare California