|
California: A state of the western United States on the Pacific Ocean. It was admitted as the 31st state in 1850. The area was colonized by the Spanish and formally ceded to the United States by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848). California is often called the Golden State because of its sunny climate and the discovery of gold during its pioneering days. Where the name comes from: Named by Spanish after "Califia," a mythical paradise in a Spanish romance, written by Montalvo in 1510
California is bordered by Oregon (N), Nevada and, across the Colorado River, Arizona (E), Mexico (S), and the Pacific Ocean (W).
Facts and Figures
Abbreviation: CA
Capital City: Sacramento
Date of Statehood: Sept. 9, 1850 (31st state).
Population: 33,871,648 (2000 census.)
Time zone: Pacific time: UTC-8/-7
State Motto: Eureka -- I have found it
State Slogan: Find Yourself Here
State Nickname: Golden State
State Song: I Love You, California
State Tree: California Redwood.
State Flower: California Poppy
State Bird: California Valley Quail
State Animal: California grizzly bear; Marine: Gray Whale
State Fish: Golden Trout; marine - Garibaldi
State Insect: California dogface butterfly
Area: 163707 sq.mi. Land 155973 sq. mi. Water 7734 sq.mi.
Highest pt., Mt. Whitney, 14,491 ft (4,417 m)
Lowest pt., Death Valley, 282 ft (86 m) below sea level.
California History:
California Geography:
|
