CALIFORNIA
- Origin of name: Probably derived from a popular Spanish novel published in 1510 which describes a fictional island paradise named California – Las Sergas de Esplandian, by Garcia Ordonez de Montalvo
- Capital: Sacramento
- Largest city: Los Angeles
- Population: 38,332,521 (2013 est) Ranked 1st in the US
- Nicknames: The Golden state
- Highest point: Mount Whitney, 14,494 ft.
- Admission to union: September 9, 1850 (31st)
- State motto: Eureka.
- State song: I love you, California
- State tree: California redwood
- State flower: Golden poppy
- State bird: California valley quail
- Area: 163,696 SQ MI. Ranked 3rd in the US.
Did you know……...
1) Totalling nearly three million acres, San Bernardino County is the largest county in the country.
2) Sequoia National Park contains the largest living tree. Its trunk is 102 feet in circumference.
3) There are more than 300,000 tons of grapes grown in California annually.
4) The highest and lowest points in the continental United States are within 100 miles of one another. Mount Whitney measures 14,495 feet and Bad Water in Death Valley is 282 feet below sea level.
5) Death Valley is recognized as the hottest, driest place in the United States. It isn't uncommon for the summer temperatures to reach more than 115 degrees.