California is the most populous state in the United States.
Area, 158,693 sq mi (411,015 sq km).
Pop. (2000) 33,871,648, a 13.8% increase since the 1990 census.
Capital, Sacramento.
Largest city, Los Angeles
Nickname, Golden State.
Motto, Eureka [I Have Found It]. 
State bird, California valley quail.
State flower, golden poppy.
State tree, California redwood
Ranking third among the U.S. states in area, California has a diverse topography and climate.
California has an enormously productive economy, which for a nation would be one of the ten largest in the world. Although agriculture is gradually yielding to industry as the core of the state's economy, California leads the nation in the production of fruits and vegetables. The state's most valuable crops are grapes, cotton, flowers, and oranges; dairy products, however, contribute the single largest share of farm income, and California is again the national leader in this sector. The state also produces the major share of U.S. domestic wine. 
California's farms are highly productive as a result of good soil, a long growing season, and the use of modern agricultural methods. Fishing is another important industry.
California continues to be a major U.S. center for motion-picture, television film, and related entertainment industries, especially in Hollywood and Burbank. Tourism also is an important source of income. Disneyland, Sea World, and other theme parks draw millions of visitors each year, as do San Francisco with its numerous attractions.
*Information from Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition |