California

California, the most populous state in the United States, lies on the western coast between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Nevada mountains. It covers roughly 163,700 square miles, encompassing a varied landscape that includes coastal plains, desert regions in the southeast, dense redwood forests in the north, and fertile valleys such as the Central Valley, a major agricultural hub. The state’s climate ranges from Mediterranean along the coast to alpine in the high mountains and arid in the interior deserts.

Admitted to the Union on September 9 1850, California’s early history involved Spanish missions, Mexican governance, and the 1848 Gold Rush, which spurred rapid population growth and statehood. Today, its population exceeds 39 million people, making it a cultural and ethnic mosaic with significant Hispanic, Asian, African‑American, and Native American communities. Major metropolitan areas include Los Angeles, the nation’s second‑largest city, San Francisco, San Diego, and the Sacramento capital region.

California’s economy is the largest of any U.S. state and would rank among the world’s leading economies if measured independently. Key sectors comprise technology—centered in Silicon Valley—entertainment and media in Hollywood, agriculture in the Central Valley, aerospace, tourism, and renewable energy. The state leads in environmental regulation and innovation, though it also faces challenges such as housing affordability, water scarcity, and wildfire management.

Renowned for its universities, cultural institutions, and diverse geography, California influences national politics, economics, and popular culture, while its distinctive blend of natural beauty and urban development continues to attract residents and visitors from around the globe.