Meet California (CA), one of the 50 States in the United States. The state is yet another state that exudes class and is very popular all over the world. And in this article, we will be discussing some of those interesting things that it is famous for.
The state of California was acquired by Mexico in 1848 and was never ruled as a territory until the acquisition. However, it was on September 9, 1850, that it officially became the 31st State in the USA.
The Capital of California is Sacramento, a city one can call one of the most interesting places to visit or live due to the abundance of untapped opportunities. However, despite that, the Largest city is Los Angeles which is inarguably one of the most popular cities not just in the United States, but in the world.
In the recent past, we have come across different theories about how California got her name, but the one that stood out is that the state got its name from a popular Spanish novel at that time (1510), “Las Sergas de Esplandián” authored by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo. The novel centers on a warrior queen named Calafia.
There is also another theory that claims “California” is a Latin phrase for “Hot Furnace. In Latin, it means Calida Fornax while another claimed it is a Spanish phrase for “hot furnace” which is Caliente horno in Spanish. There was also a man with another theory, a Californian by the name, Josefa Carrillo de Fitch, who also asserted that California was an indigenous word.
The motto of the state of California is Eureka. The state’s nickname is Golden State. English is the most spoken language in the state, while Spanish is another language that the state is known for.
Land Area and Population
California is the 3rd largest state in the United and is situated in the Western United States. Bordered by Arizona and Nevada to the east, Oregon to the north, Baja California State of Mexico to the south, and the coastline along the Pacific Ocean to the west.
The total area of California is 163,696 sq mi – the land area is 155,959 sq mi while the water area is about 7,737 sq mi. When compared with some countries, the state is the 59th largest country by area out of around 200 countries, bigger than Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and many more.
The population of California according to the recent census that took place in the US is 39,538,223, a figure that makes the state the most populous state in the State.
California State Flag
Let’s talk about one of the flags with the boldest details. Flag of California has a strong design to the extent that it will be easier for anyone to get at least a vague idea of what the message is.
The bear flag is what the official flag of California is often called. The flag has a white-filled background with a grizzly bear on green grass atop the inscription “California Republic” and a big red stripe at the bottom. In the top left of the background, there is also a single red star.
The original design was by William Todd, who was first bred up at Sonoma. However, the official California flag was designed by Donald Graeme Kelley and was inspired by the flag flown during the Bear Flag Revolt from June 14 to July 9, 1846. The flag was adopted on February 3, 1911, but was standardized in 1953.
The California flag has deep meanings, the brown California grizzly bear shows the strength and valor of the region. The star represents freedom. The red-filled color of the star and the stripe shows bravery and the white field (background) means purity.
Most Popular Cities in California, USA
Check out some of the best and most interesting cities in beautiful California. Being the most populous state in the US, there must be positive reasons and vibes why people keep visiting or moving into the city.
1. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a beautiful city no doubt, the most populous in the state of California and the second in the USA with a population of 4,041,707 in the 2022 population count.
The city is often referred to as L.A by residents or people who are used to the life of the city. It is a beautiful place with lots of history, tradition, and the never-ending development all-rounder.
The City of Los Angeles is situated in Southern California and has a total area size of 501.55 sq mi. If you have been to New York City before, it is easy to think that no city comes closer except Los Angeles. There are so many reasons why anyone would think such and they include the bubbling atmosphere, the ever-ending pedestrian on the bus routes, the megacity feel, traffic, and many more.
As a visitor, you are never short of options of where to visit. There are Los Angeles’ beaches with bright sunshine on their day that could make your pictures even better and beautiful if you want to keep some memories. You can consider beaches such as Venice Beach, and Santa Monica.
Aside from that, you can also visit Universal Studios Theme Park, Hollywood, or Disneyland if you are with your kids. And if you are considering where to stay, you should have several good options because the city is known to get its fair share of visitors and they are well prepared for it.
2. San Francisco
A beautiful atmosphere and charming neighborhood are among the various ways to describe the beauty of the city called San Francisco.
The city is a land of culture, and also fully more like a financial hub for the state. It is blessed and more reasons why it continues to amass a large number of people. When you visit for the first time, you are probably going to be in awe when you see some of the best restaurants in the USA along with museums, shopping centers, and some businesses which you need no one telling you that the place transcends when it comes to commerce.
San Francisco in CA occupies a large area, estimated to be 231.89 sq mi, and has about 873,965 people in the region according to the last population census which makes it the 4th most populous city in California and 17th in the United States.
The entertainment industry in the city of Los Angeles has been thriving to the extent that the place is even considered its birthplace. Also in the area of trading, it is doing well.
Visitors can have the feel of the city by taking a stroll around. It is easy to walk around due to how compact the city is. Nob Hill and Telegraph Hill should be a delight to watch for anyone visiting for the first time.
San Francisco is blessed with good restaurants and cafes. the Marina has a variety of meals and you will also find the Mission District for exquisite dining especially if you are tagging with someone. When it comes to restaurants, it is almost difficult to see any city with such an edge.
Your kids are with you? Even better as you have some ample choices to choose from, we will be more comfortable with you going for Aquarium of the Bay and Fishermen’s Wharf.
3. San Diego
San Diego, CA is yet another, a very popular city in the beautiful state of California known for fine beaches with some touch of pleasant weather that makes it even more fun especially if you are around the beach
The city is the second most populous in California and the eighth-most populous city in the US with a population estimated to be 1,386,932 according to a recent population census. The total area size of San Diego is 372.42 sq mi.
If you are new in the city of san diego and do not know where to turn to. There are several attractions that abound in the city, you can check out San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Safari Park, and Balboa Park. The beaches are also an option which is sure to be more than enough for any tourists.
For the outdoor activities, sailing, cycling, and kayaking are among the best that will surely take you into another dimension when it comes to fun.
4. Sacramento
Not the biggest in terms of area size as the total area size is just 99.77 sq mi, there is a lot more that makes the city an interesting place to be. The population of the state capital is 524,943, which makes it the sixth-largest city in California.
As a first-timer, you have loads of interesting things you can try out in Sacramento. Take a stroll around the historic old town. Along with these towns, it is safe to say you are now taking the routes other tourists have taken before you.
And if you are not sure where to begin, you can bring out your notebook, and wrote down some of the best attractions of the state capital. They are California State Park, Crocker Art Museum, Old Sacramento Historic Park, Fairytale Town, State Capitol Building, and many more.
And for your kids or any underaged with you, the California State Railroad Museum should be a good one.
5. Oakland
Oakland is another California City that you are just going to love. Not only because it is a trade center where you can get to come across multiple opportunities, but other interesting things that keep the city going and a place to be.
The total area size of Oakland in the State of California is 78.03 sq mi. The population of the City stands at 440,646, with the figure, it is ranked 8th in California and 45th in the United States.
The people from Oakland or residents are usually referred to as Oaklander. If you stay too long in the city, it is just a matter of time before you are called one.
It is a wonderful place to settle in. In the city, you should not be short of many things to do including lots of good eateries. The various dishes ranging from Indian, Thai, and many more.
And if you are also looking to add some fun whether as a visitor or someone who recently moved into Oakland, the monthly Oakland Art Murmur event is a good way to start, and then popular festivals which include Eat Real Festival, and Art + Soul Oakland.
10+ Interesting Facts About California
1. You will not find more national parks in any other state except California. The state has about nine national parks you can explore and enjoy the lovely atmosphere.
2. One of the popular cities, San Francisco in California is often referred to as “The City of Dogs.” Amazingly, there are over 120,000 dogs in the city, even more than children.
3. The world’s largest tree by volume can be found in California’s Sequoia National Park. The tree is named General Sherman and measures 52,500 cubic feet by volume, and its circumference at the ground is 102.6 feet.
4. California was purposely renamed “the Grizzly Bear State” due to a large number of bears in the state. As humans believed them to be too dangerous, they were hunted for sport which led to their extinction. Hence, the nickname “the Grizzly Bear State” was changed to “the Golden State.”
5. As at the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s that hit all over the world, San Francisco survived it. No bank in the city was affected.
6. California is known for exporting Almond. They are top exporters when it comes to almonds and most of them are grown in the Central Valley.
7. The state of California is the 3rd largest state in the United States, after Alaska and Texas.
8. There are about three cities in California that made the list, of “the top 10 biggest cities in America.” They are San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Jose.
9. California is the first state to reach one trillion dollars in GDP which is quite a great feat considering there are other 49 states in the US.
10. California is second to Alaska as the state with more earthquakes. In a year, the state gets about two to three strong quakes to cause noticeable damage.
11. The State of California (CA) is famous for being the state with the best minds. A lot of innovation has risen from there including Apple products, Barbie dolls, and the internet.
