California

California is a large state in the Western United States that lies along the Pacific Coast. It shares borders with Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and the Mexican state of Baja California to the south. California is the most populous U.S. state, with nearly 40 million people living across its wide and varied landscapes.

Before European explorers arrived, California was home to many different Native American groups with their own languages and cultures. Later, it became part of the Spanish Empire, then Mexico, and finally the United States after the Mexican-American War. The discovery of gold in 1848 brought a huge influx of people and forever changed the state's population and history.

Today, California is known for its important cities such as Los Angeles and Sacramento, its diverse geography—from coastal areas to mountain ranges—and its strong economy. The state leads the country in agriculture, technology, and entertainment, making it a key part of both the United States and the world.

Etymology

Main articles: Etymology of California and Island of California

The name "California" comes from early Spanish explorers who called the area Las Californias. This name started with the peninsula of Baja California in Mexico and later grew to include lands further north, which became the U.S. state of California, known as Alta California.

The word "California" likely came from a fictional island in an old story about Queen Calafia. In this tale, the island was a faraway place full of gold and pearls, where strong women, much like the Amazons, lived and used griffins in battles. The name appeared on maps by 1541, probably from a Spanish sailor.

Short ways to write the state's name include CA, Cal, Cali, Calif, and US-CA.

History

Further information: History of California before 1900

Indigenous tribes

Main article: Indigenous peoples of California

California was one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse areas in pre-Columbian North America. Historians generally agree that there were at least 300,000 people living in California before European colonization. The Indigenous peoples of California included more than 70 distinct ethnic groups, inhabiting environments ranging from mountains and deserts to islands and redwood forests.

A map of Indigenous Californian tribes and languages at the time of European contact.

Living in these diverse geographic areas, the indigenous peoples developed complex forms of ecosystem management, including forest gardening to ensure the regular availability of food and medicinal plants. This was a form of sustainable agriculture. To mitigate destructive large wildfires from ravaging the natural environment, indigenous peoples developed a practice of controlled burning. These groups were also diverse in their political organization, with bands, tribes, villages, and, on the resource-rich coasts, large chiefdoms, such as the Chumash, Pomo and Salinan.

Spanish period

Main articles: Province of Las Californias and Spanish missions in California

The first Europeans to explore the coast of California were the members of a Spanish maritime expedition led by Portuguese captain Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542. Cabrillo was commissioned by Antonio de Mendoza, the Viceroy of New Spain, to lead an expedition up the Pacific coast in search of trade opportunities; they entered San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542, and reached at least as far north as San Miguel Island. The Portolá expedition of 1769–70 was a pivotal event in the Spanish colonization of California, resulting in the establishment of numerous missions, presidios, and pueblos.

Mexican period

Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo claiming California for the Spanish Empire in 1542

Main articles: Alta California and Ranchos of California

In 1821, the Mexican War of Independence gave the Mexican Empire independence from Spain. In 1822, the California's first legislature was formed, known as the Diputación de Alta California. The California mission system was secularized by 1834 and became the property of the Mexican government.

U.S. conquest and the California Republic

Main articles: Conquest of California and Bear Flag Revolt

In 1846, a group of American settlers in and around Sonoma rebelled against Mexican rule during the Bear Flag Revolt. Afterward, rebels raised the Bear Flag at Sonoma. The Republic's only president was William B. Ide, who played a pivotal role during the Bear Flag Revolt. This revolt by American settlers served as a prelude to the later American military invasion of California and was closely coordinated with nearby American military commanders.

Junípero Serra conducting the first Mass in Monterey Bay in 1770

The California Republic was short-lived; the same year marked the outbreak of the Mexican–American War (1846–1848).

Early American period

Following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (February 2, 1848) that ended the war, the westernmost portion of the annexed Mexican territory of Alta California soon became the American state of California.

In 1848, only one week before the official American annexation of the area, gold was discovered in California, this being an event which was to forever alter both the state's demographics and its finances. Soon afterward, a massive influx of immigration into the area resulted, as prospectors and miners arrived by the thousands. The population burgeoned with U.S. citizens, Europeans, Middle Easterns, Chinese and other immigrants during the great California gold rush.

The Spanish founded Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1776, the third to be established of California's missions.

1900–present

Main article: History of California (1900–present)

In the 20th century, thousands of Japanese people migrated to California. The state in 1913 passed the Alien Land Act, excluding Asian immigrants from owning land. During World War II, Japanese Americans in California were interned in concentration camps; in 2020, California apologized.

Migration to California accelerated during the early 20th century with the completion of transcontinental highways like the Route 66. From 1900 to 1965, the population grew from fewer than one million to the greatest in the Union.

To meet the population's needs, engineering feats like the California and Los Angeles Aqueducts; the Oroville and Shasta Dams; and the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges were built.

During the 20th century, two great disasters happened: the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and 1928 St. Francis Dam flood remain the deadliest in U.S. history.

In the 21st century, droughts and frequent wildfires attributed to climate change have occurred. From 2011 to 2017, a persistent drought was the worst in its recorded history. The 2018 wildfire season was the state's deadliest and most destructive.

One of the first confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. occurred in California on January 26, 2020. A state of emergency was declared in the state on March 4, 2020, and remained in effect until Governor Gavin Newsom ended it in February 2023. A mandatory statewide stay-at-home order was issued on March 19, 2020, which was ended in January 2021.

Geography

Main article: Geography of California

Further information: Northern California and Southern California

California is the third-largest state in the U.S. by area, covering 163,696 square miles (423,970 km²). It is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and shares an international border with the Mexican state of Baja California to the south.

The state is divided into Northern and Southern California, with the Central Valley lying between the Sierra Nevada and coastal mountain ranges. The Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys are important agricultural areas, and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is a key water supply hub. Notable features include Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S., and Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth. California's diverse landscapes include forests, deserts, and coastal regions.

Climate

Main article: Climate of California

Further information: Climate change in California

Most of California has a Mediterranean climate, with cool, moist winters and dry, warm summers. The state's mountain ranges create varied climates, from alpine conditions in the Sierra Nevada to desert climates in the east. Coastal areas benefit from the cool California Current, which brings fog and cooler temperatures. Northern parts of the state receive more rainfall than the south. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of droughts, affecting water supply and agriculture.

Ecology

Main articles: Ecology of California and Environment of California

California is one of the ecologically richest regions in the world, with many endemic species. Its diverse landscapes support a wide range of plant and animal life, from desert flora to coastal forests. Threats to these ecosystems include urbanization, logging, overgrazing, and invasive species. Conservation efforts aim to protect endangered species and habitats.

Flora and fauna

California's varied climates and terrains support a rich variety of plant and animal species. The state is home to the largest and oldest trees, such as the giant sequoias. Native plants include the California poppy, the state flower, and the Joshua tree. Wildlife ranges from coastal sea lions to mountain mammals. Many species face threats from habitat loss and climate change, leading to conservation efforts to protect biodiversity.

Rivers

Main article: List of rivers of California

California's major rivers include the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, which flow from the Sierra Nevada through the Central Valley to the Pacific Ocean. Other significant rivers include the Klamath, Eel, Salinas, Mojave, and Santa Ana Rivers. These rivers are crucial for agriculture and water supply, with many being dammed as part of large water projects.

Regions

Main article: List of regions of California

Cities and towns

California has 483 incorporated cities and towns. Sacramento became the first incorporated city in 1850. The state's major metropolitan areas include Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Riverside-San Bernardino, San Diego, and Sacramento. These cities are centers of economy, culture, and population.

Average temperatures and precipitation for selected communities in California
Location	August (°F)	August (°C)	January (°F)	January (°C)	Annual precipitation (mm/in)
Los Angeles	83/64	29/18	66/48	20/8	377/15
LAX/LA Beaches	75/64	23/18	65/49	18/9	326/13
San Diego	76/67	24/19	65/49	18/9	262/10
San Jose	82/58	27/14	58/42	14/5	401/16
San Francisco	67/54	20/12	56/46	14/8	538/21
Fresno	97/66	34/19	55/38	12/3	292/11
Sacramento	91/58	33/14	54/39	12/3	469/18
Oakland	73/58	23/14	58/44	14/7	588/23
Bakersfield	96/69	36/21	56/39	13/3	165/7
Riverside	94/60	35/18	67/39	19/4	260/10
Eureka	62/53	16/11	54/41	12/5	960/38
Death Valley	115/86	46/30	67/40	19/4	60/2
Mammoth Lakes	77/45	25/7	40/15	4/ −9	583/23

Largest cities or towns in California Source:
Rank	Name	County	Pop.	Rank	Name	County	Pop.
1	Los Angeles	Los Angeles	3,898,747	11	Stockton	San Joaquin	320,804
2	San Diego	San Diego	1,386,932	12	Riverside	Riverside	314,998
3	San Jose	Santa Clara	1,013,240	13	Santa Ana	Orange	310,227
4	San Francisco	San Francisco	873,965	14	Irvine	Orange	307,670
5	Fresno	Fresno	542,107	15	Chula Vista	San Diego	275,487
6	Sacramento	Sacramento	524,943	16	Fremont	Alameda	230,504
7	Long Beach	Los Angeles	466,742	17	Santa Clarita	Los Angeles	228,673
8	Oakland	Alameda	440,646	18	San Bernardino	San Bernardino	222,101
9	Bakersfield	Kern	403,455	19	Modesto	Stanislaus	218,464
10	Anaheim	Orange	346,824	20	Moreno Valley	Riverside	208,634

Largest metropolitan statistical areas in California
CA rank	U.S. rank	Metropolitan statistical area	2020 census	2010 census	Change	Counties
1	2	Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA MSA	13,200,998	12,828,837	+2.90%	Los Angeles, Orange
2	12	San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA MSA	4,749,008	4,335,391	+9.54%	Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo
3	13	Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA MSA	4,599,839	4,224,851	+8.88%	Riverside, San Bernardino
4	17	San Diego-Carlsbad, CA MSA	3,298,634	3,095,313	+6.57%	San Diego
5	26	Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA MSA	2,397,382	2,149,127	+11.55%	El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Yolo
6	35	San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA MSA	2,000,468	1,836,911	+8.90%	San Benito, Santa Clara
7	56	Fresno, CA MSA	1,008,654	930,450	+8.40%	Fresno
8	62	Bakersfield, CA MSA	909,235	839,631	+8.29%	Kern
9	70	Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA MSA	843,843	823,318	+2.49%	Ventura
10	75	Stockton-Lodi, CA MSA	779,233	685,306	+13.71%	San Joaquin

Largest combined statistical areas in California
CA rank	U.S. rank	Combined statistical area	2020 census	2010 census	Change	Counties
1	2	Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA Combined Statistical Area	18,644,680	17,877,006	+4.29%	Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura
2	4	San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA Combined Statistical Area	9,714,023	8,923,942	+8.85%	Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Merced, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus
3	23	Sacramento-Roseville, CA Combined Statistical Area	2,680,831	2,414,783	+11.02%	El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba
4	45	Fresno-Madera, CA Combined Statistical Area	1,317,395	1,234,297	+6.73%	Fresno, Kings, Madera
5	125	Redding-Red Bluff, CA Combined Statistical Area	247,984	240,686	+3.03%	Shasta, Tehama

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of California

California is the most populous state in the United States, with almost 40 million people. As of the 2020 U.S. census, the population was 39.54 million, making it the largest state by population. The state has seen steady growth over the years, though recently, the population growth has slowed, and some people have moved out due to high living costs and other factors.

The state includes major cities like Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the U.S., and San Francisco, known for its density. California’s population is very diverse, with significant groups from Latin American and Asian countries. The state also has a variety of languages spoken, with English as the official language, though many people speak Spanish and other languages at home.

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1850	92,597	—
1860	379,994	310.4%
1870	560,247	47.4%
1880	864,694	54.3%
1890	1,213,398	40.3%
1900	1,485,053	22.4%
1910	2,377,549	60.1%
1920	3,426,861	44.1%
1930	5,677,251	65.7%
1940	6,907,387	21.7%
1950	10,586,223	53.3%
1960	15,717,204	48.5%
1970	19,953,134	27.0%
1980	23,667,902	18.6%
1990	29,760,021	25.7%
2000	33,871,648	13.8%
2010	37,253,956	10.0%
2020	39,538,223	6.1%
2025 (est.)	39,355,309	−0.5%
Sources: 1790–1990, 2000, 2010, 2020, 2024 Chart does not include indigenous population figures. Studies indicate that the Native American population in California in 1850 was close to 150,000 before declining to 15,000 by 1900.

Racial and ethnic composition as of the 2020 census
Race and ethnicity	Alone
Hispanic or Latino	—	39.4%
White (non-Hispanic)	34.7%	38.3%
Asian (non-Hispanic)	15.1%	17.0%
African American (non-Hispanic)	5.4%	6.4%
Native American (non-Hispanic)	0.4%	1.3%
Pacific Islander (non-Hispanic)	0.3%	0.7%
Other (non-Hispanic)	0.6%	1.3%

California Racial Breakdown of Population
Racial composition	1950	1960	1970	1980	1990	2000	2010	2020
White	93.7%	92%	89%	76.2%	69%	59.6%	57.6%	41.2%
Black	4.4%	5.6%	7%	7.7%	7.4%	6.7%	6.2%	5.6%
Asian	1.7%	2%	2.8%	5.3%	9.6%	10.9%	13%	15.4%
Native American	0.2%	0.2%	0.5%	0.9%	0.8%	1%	1%	1.6%
Pacific Islander	—	—	—	—	—	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%
'Some other race'	—	0.1%	0.7%	10%	13.2%	16.8%	17%	21.2%
Two or more races	—	—	—	—	—	4.8%	4.9%	14.6%
Hispanic or Latino (Any race)	7.2%	9.1%	13.7%	19.2%	25.8%	32.4%	37.6%	39.4%
Non-Hispanic White	86.5%	82.9%	76.3%	66.6%	57.2%	46.7%	40.2%	34.7%
Non-Hispanic Black	—	—	—	7.5%	7.0%	6.4%	5.8%	5.4%
Non-Hispanic Asian	—	—	—	5.3%	9.1%	10.8%	12.8%	15.1%
Non-Hispanic Native American	—	—	—	0.9%	0.6%	0.5%	0.4%	0.4%
Non-Hispanic Pacific Islander	—	—	—	—	—	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%
Non-Hispanic 'some other race'	—	—	—	0.5%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.6%
Non-Hispanic two or more races	—	—	—	—	—	2.7%	2.4%	4.1%

**Languages spoken in California by more than 100,000 persons**
Language	Population (as of 2021)	%
English	20,763,638	56.08%
Spanish	10,434,308	28.18%
Chinese	1,244,445	3.36%
Tagalog	757,488	2.05%
Vietnamese	544,046	1.47%
Korean	356,901	0.96%
Arabic	231,612	0.63%
Persian	221,650	0.6%
Armenian	211,614	0.57%
Hindi	208,148	0.56%
Russian	178,176	0.48%
Punjabi	156,763	0.42%
Japanese	135,992	0.37%
French	126,371	0.34%

Culture

Main article: Culture of California

Media and entertainment

Further information: Media in Los Angeles, Media in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Music in California

Hollywood and Los Angeles are central to the global entertainment industry, with major film studios and television networks based there. Google, located in Mountain View, is one of the world’s largest tech companies. California is also known for its music scene, with many famous genres and labels starting here. The state is home to many technology companies, including three of the “Big Five” firms.

Sports

Main article: Sports in California

California has many professional sports teams, including five in the San Francisco Bay Area and ten in the Greater Los Angeles Area. The state has hosted the Summer and Winter Olympics, with Los Angeles holding the Summer Games in 1932, 1984, and upcoming in 2028. California is also where sports like surfing and skateboarding began. Popular sports in the state include golf, tennis, and motorsports.

Team	Sport	League
Los Angeles Rams	American football	National Football League (NFL)
Los Angeles Chargers	American football	National Football League
San Francisco 49ers	American football	National Football League
Los Angeles Dodgers	Baseball	Major League Baseball (MLB)
Los Angeles Angels	Baseball	Major League Baseball
San Diego Padres	Baseball	Major League Baseball
San Francisco Giants	Baseball	Major League Baseball
Golden State Warriors	Basketball	National Basketball Association (NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers	Basketball	National Basketball Association
Los Angeles Lakers	Basketball	National Basketball Association
Sacramento Kings	Basketball	National Basketball Association
Golden State Valkyries	Basketball	Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks	Basketball	Women's National Basketball Association
Anaheim Ducks	Ice hockey	National Hockey League (NHL)
Los Angeles Kings	Ice hockey	National Hockey League
San Jose Sharks	Ice hockey	National Hockey League
Los Angeles Galaxy	Soccer	Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes	Soccer	Major League Soccer
Los Angeles FC	Soccer	Major League Soccer
San Diego FC	Soccer	Major League Soccer
Angel City FC	Soccer	National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
San Diego Wave FC	Soccer	National Women's Soccer League
San Diego Legion	Rugby union	Major League Rugby

Education

Main article: Education in California

California has the most school students in the United States, with over 6.2 million students in the 2005–06 school year. Public secondary schools, known as high schools, offer a variety of courses in trades, languages, and liberal arts. The state’s public education system is supported by a special rule that ensures funding grows with the economy and student numbers.

California is also home to many famous colleges and universities. The University of California, with its oldest campus at UC Berkeley, is the state’s flagship public university system. Other well-known institutions include Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology, and the University of Southern California, along with many private and arts-focused colleges. The state’s higher education includes three main systems: the University of California, the California State University, and the California Community Colleges, which together serve millions of students.

Economy

Main article: Economy of California

California has a very big economy. In 2025, its total value was $4.250 trillion, making it the biggest economy of any U.S. state. It creates about one-seventh of the entire nation's wealth. California is home to many important companies, including 57 of the biggest 500 companies in the United States. The state also has many ports, such as the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, which help move goods around the world.

The state’s largest jobs are in trading, transportation, and many service industries. California grows lots of food, like milk and cream, almonds, and grapes, even though it doesn’t use as much farmland as before. Some areas, like Silicon Valley, are very wealthy, while others, like the Central Valley, have less money. California works hard to use energy wisely and has many solar and wind power projects. The state also has many highways, airports, and public transportation systems to help people travel around.

Government and politics

Main article: Government of California

California's capital is Sacramento. The state has three branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive branch includes the governor and other elected officers. The legislative branch consists of the Assembly and Senate. The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court and lower courts. California also allows ballot propositions, letting voters decide on laws directly.

The executive branch includes the governor and seven other elected officers, each serving four-year terms. The legislative branch has a 40-member Senate and an 80-member Assembly. Senators serve four-year terms, while Assembly members serve two-year terms. The judicial branch is based on English common law but includes features from Spanish civil law. It has the largest court system in the U.S., with over 1,600 judges.