California The United States Last Updated: 08/25/2023 | |
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is the most populous state in the U.S. and is known for its diverse geography, vibrant cities, cultural diversity, and economic significance. Its population was 38,940,231 in 2023. | |
Geography: California boasts a wide range of landscapes, including coastal areas, mountains, deserts, and forests. It's bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, and Arizona to the southeast. Major Cities: The state's major cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento-the state capital, and San Jose. These cities are known for their cultural contributions, economic activity, and diverse populations. Economy: California has one of the largest economies in the world, driven by industries such as technology, entertainment, agriculture, tourism, and aerospace. Silicon Valley, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a global tech hub. Cultural Diversity: California is incredibly diverse, with a large population of people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This diversity contributes to a rich cultural tapestry, with influences from around the world visible in its food, arts, and traditions. Entertainment Industry: Hollywood, situated in Los Angeles, is the epicenter of the American film and television industry. The state's entertainment influence reaches far beyond the U.S., shaping global pop culture. Natural Beauty: California is home to numerous national parks and natural landmarks, including Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Death Valley, Joshua Tree National Park, and the beautiful coastline along the Pacific Coast Highway. Wine Country: The Napa Valley and Sonoma County regions are renowned for their vineyards and wineries, making California a significant player in the U.S. wine industry. Tech Innovation: Silicon Valley is known for its concentration of tech companies, startups, and research institutions. It has played a crucial role in the development of modern technology and innovation. Environmental Awareness: California has been a leader in environmental policies and sustainability efforts. The state has set ambitious goals to address climate change and promote renewable energy. Higher Education: California is home to several prestigious universities, including Stanford University, the University of California system, and the California State University system. Outdoor Recreation: The state offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains to surfing along the coast to hiking in its many national and state parks. Cuisine: California's diverse population has led to a thriving culinary scene. The state is known for its emphasis on fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and it offers a variety of international cuisines. California's combination of natural beauty, economic importance, cultural vibrancy, and technological innovation has solidified its position as a key influencer both nationally and globally. It continues to attract people from around the world who seek opportunities, culture, and the California dream. |
Badwater Basin Place Β» Outdoors Badwater Basin is an endorheic basin in Death Valley National Park, Death Valley, Inyo County, California. It is the lowest point in North America at 282 ft (86 m) below sea level. The salt flats here cover nearly 200 square miles (518 square km), and are composed mostly of sodium chloride (table salt), along with calcite, gypsum, and borax. 11 views π 1California | |
Mount Lassen Place Β» Outdoors Mount Lassen, located in northern California, is a prominent volcanic peak in the Cascade Range. Officially known as Lassen Peak, it is the southernmost active volcano in the Cascades and part of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen Peak stands at 10,457 feet (3,187 meters). 11 views π 1California | |
Ubehebe Crater Place Β» Outdoors Ubehebe Crater is a prominent volcanic feature located in the northern section of Death Valley National Park, California. It is part of the Ubehebe Craters volcanic field, which includes several overlapping craters formed by explosive volcanic activity. The largest crater is about 800 m (0.5 mi) wide and 250 m (800 ft) deep. 16 views π 1California | |
Smith River Place Β» Outdoors Winding through Californiaβs northwest corner, the Smith River is the crown jewel of the Wild and Scenic River system. Rising in three major forks from the Klamath Mountains and Coast Range, the Smith runs wild and free through towering redwood and Douglas fir forests to the Pacific Oceanβall without a single dam. 14 views π 1California | |
Salton Sea Place Β» Outdoors The Salton Sea is a shallow, landlocked, highly saline endorheic lake in Riverside and Imperial counties at the southern end of the U.S. state of California. It lies on the San Andreas Fault within the Salton Trough, which stretches to the Gulf of California in Mexico. The lake is about 15 by 35 miles (24 by 56 km) at its widest and longest. A 2023 report put the surface area at 318 square miles (823.6 km2). 14 views π 1California | |
Mojave Desert Place Β» Outdoors The Mojave Desert is a desert in the rain shadow of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains and Transverse Ranges in the Southwestern United States. It occupies a significant portion of Southern California and parts of Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. Named after the Mojave Native Americans it occupies roughly 54,000 square miles in a typical Basin and Range topography. 20 views π 1California | |
New Melones Lake Place Β» Outdoors New Melones Lake is a reservoir in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, located in central California. It is part of the Stanislaus River system, spanning portions of Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. The lake was created by the construction of the New Melones Dam, completed in 1979 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, water supply, hydroelectric power, and recreation. 20 views π 1California | |
Tahoe National Forest Place Β» Outdoors Tahoe National Forest includes the 8,587-foot (2,617 m) peak of Sierra Buttes, near Sierra City, which has views of Mount Lassen and Mount Shasta. It includes more than 850,000 acres of public land intermixed with 350,000 acres of private land in a checker board pattern. The Tahoe National Forest is renowned for its rugged beauty, historic sites and exceptional year-round recreation opportunities. 176 views π 1California | |
Cone Peak Place Β» Outdoors Cone Peak is the most spectacular mountain on the Big Sur coast of California. It is the second highest mountain in the Santa Lucia Range. It has a dramatic setting less than 3 miles as crow flies from the Pacific Ocean. Cone Peak is a mountain of marble that has been sculpted by erosion to its present steepness. 305 views π 1California 93920 | |
Keys View Place Β» Outdoors Keys View is a popular scenic overlook in Joshua Tree National Park. Perched on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, it provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. Look for the shining surface of the Salton Sea, which is 230 feet below sea level, on the far left. Looking to the right, the Santa Rosa Mountains are behind Indio and, along with 10,800-foot San Jacinto Peak behind Palm Springs, 51 views π 1California |
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