California Facts

California is one of the largest, most economically successful states, and is one of the most popular places to visit in the world.

People love California’s warm, sunny climate, its beaches, cities, and easy-going lifestyle.

Capital: Sacramento
Population: Approx 38 million
Nickname: The Golden State
Key Cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno
Postal Abbreviation: CA
Major Industries: Computing and technology, agriculture, movie production, tourism

How did California get its name: The name comes from Spanish explorers who believed they had discovered an island, rather than part of mainland USA. The name ‘California’ comes from the 16th century story of Queen Califa, who was the ruler of a mythical island many years ago.
Date admitted to the Union: Monday, September 9, 1850

Size: 155,959 sq. miles
Lowest point: Death Valley at -282 feet
Highest point: Mt. Whitney at 14,494 feet
Counties: 58
Famous locations: Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Hollywood, Beverly Hills

Do you like McDonald’s? Well, the first McDonald’s restaurant was opened in California in 1940! It was located in San Bernardino by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald.
The redwood tree is a massive tree that is most commonly found in northern California – it is so big that you can drive a car through some of them! It can grow to well over 300 feet tall – pretty huge.
California is home to the most famous technology companies in the world – so much so that they have named the area where they are located ‘Silicon Valley’.
California’s economy is larger than the economies of many countries of the world.
It is home to a wide variety of tourist attractions – hilly San Francisco, Disneyworld, San Diego Zoo and many others.
Even though San Francisco and Los Angeles are very famous cities in this state, neither are the capital city of California. The capital is actually the inland city of Sacramento.