California

The Golden State
State flag of California featuring a grizzly bear on a white field with a red stripe and a red star
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Quick Stats

39.2M Population
#1 Rank
1850 Joined
163.6k Area (mi²)

California Map

Geographical map showing the layout of California, the most populous U.S. state, bordering the Pacific Ocean

Explore the geographical position of California and its borders with Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Mexico.

Seal and Motto

Official seal of California featuring Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, a grizzly bear, and a bay with ships
"Eureka"

Additional Information

Abbreviation CA
Motto Origin

Greek for "I have found it."

Adopted 1849/1963.

Official Website California.gov

Population Growth

Overview

California, the "Golden State," is a global powerhouse and the most populous U.S. state, famed for its extraordinary diversity of landscapes and cultures. From the towering redwoods and foggy cliffs of the north to the vibrant sun-soaked beaches of the south, it is a world-leader in technology, entertainment, and agriculture.

Historical Significance

California officially joined the Union on September 9, 1850, as the 31st state, following the transformative chaos of the 1848 Gold Rush. Its history is a narrative of rapid expansion, from Spanish mission origins to becoming a global center of innovation and a cornerstone of the American economy and cultural identity.

Top Cities & Hubs

1

Los Angeles

Population: ~3.8M

A global metropolis and the center of the world's film and television industry, world-famous for Hollywood, its diverse cultural districts, and iconic coastal neighborhoods like Venice and Santa Monica.

2

San Diego

Population: ~1.4M

Known for its idyllic climate and stunning waterfront, it is a major hub for biotechnology and the U.S. Navy, while also hosting world-class attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.

3

San Jose

Population: ~970,000

The "Capital of Silicon Valley," this booming tech hub is headquarters to some of the world's most influential technology giants and is a leading center for global innovation and research.

4

San Francisco

Population: ~800,000

A world-renowned cultural and financial epicenter, famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, its iconic cable cars, and as a cradle of progressive movements and high-tech entrepreneurship.

5

Fresno

Population: ~540,000

Located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, it serves as the agricultural capital of the state and a gateway to the spectacular Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.

Neighbors

Oregon Nevada Arizona Mexico

Region: West

Key Landmarks & Economy

Golden Gate Bridge: An architectural wonder and global symbol of California, this suspension bridge is one of the most photographed structures in the world.
Silicon Valley: The world's leading center for high-tech innovation, home to thousands of startup companies and global giants like Apple, Google, and Meta.
Hollywood: The historic heart of the American film industry, symbolizing the state's massive global influence on entertainment, media, and popular culture.

Did You Know?

  • California has the largest economy of any U.S. state; if it were a sovereign nation, it would rank as one of the world's top five economies.
  • The state is home to both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S.: Mount Whitney and Death Valley, respectively.
  • California's Giant Sequoias are the largest trees on Earth by volume, with some specimens estimated to be over 3,000 years old.

Demographics