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State Guide31st StateEst. 1850
California State Flag

California

"The Golden State"

The most populous and economically powerful state in America. From Silicon Valley to Hollywood, Yosemite to the beaches of Southern California, few places on Earth match its diversity, innovation, and natural beauty.

31st
State admitted to the Union
39.2M
Population, largest state
164K
Square miles
5th
Largest economy in the world

About California

California is a state of extraordinary contrasts , snow-capped mountains, scorching deserts, ancient redwood forests, and sunny beaches all within its borders.

It is the most populous state in the U.S. and, if it were a country, would rank as the 5th largest economy in the world. Innovation, entertainment, agriculture, and natural beauty define its identity.

Golden Gate Bridge emerging from morning fog over San Francisco Bay, California

Geography, Four Main Regions

California's geography is incredibly diverse, ranging from coastal redwoods to inland deserts.

Workers and engineers at a modern tech campus in Silicon Valley with glass office buildings and manicured grounds

Economy

California has the largest economy of any U.S. state and would rank as the 5th largest in the world if independent.

Yosemite Valley with El Capitan and Half Dome reflected in the still waters of the Merced River