California is the most populous US state, the world's fifth-largest economy if it were a country, with Silicon Valley, Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, and landscapes from Death Valley to redwood forests.
Geography & climate
California lies in the West of the United States, set at approximately 37°N, 119.5°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 423,967 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in California all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of California is Sacramento, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Los Angeles, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 39M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
California was admitted to the Union in 1850 as the 31st state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
California is nicknamed “The Golden State”, with the state motto Eureka (I have found it). The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of California is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in California.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, California offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across California can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | CA | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Sacramento | — |
| Largest city | Los Angeles | — |
| US region | West | — |
| Population | 39M | people |
| Area | 423,967 | km² |
| Statehood | 1850 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 31 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Golden State | — |
| Motto | Eureka (I have found it) | — |
| Latitude | 37 | degrees |
| Longitude | -119.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
If California were an independent country, it would have the world's fifth-largest economy — bigger than the UK, France or India.
