California

About California

Welcome to California! Located in the Western part of the United States, California is considered to one of the most popular states in the country. Third largest by land, it is easily the most populous state. It has 8 of the country's most populous cities including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland and Long Beach. This is a state that has always been in the thick of things with the California Gold Rush in 1848 to the modern day Silicon Valley developments. Interestingly, the name 'California' comes from a fictional paradise that was rules by Queen Calafia.

California was the 31st state to join the Federation in the year 1850. The State is famous for its sprawling coast line and for being home to the Silicon Valley. In the past, the State was the cherished goal of hundreds of thousands of treasure hunters who traveled to the State to try and find Gold. Agriculture and Tech related services are the mainstay of the economy of the State.

The state of California is located in the western part of the United States. It is the most popular states in the country and is the third largest by land. The state is extremely famous for the various large metropolis towns that it includes and among the most popular are the cities of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland and Long Beach. These are also considered to be the 8 most populous cities in the state. Interestingly, California has had a rich history and events of global significance have always unfolded here. Starting from the Gold Rush In 1848 to the technology boom that is taking place, California has been a significant player throughout the journey.

State Nickname

The nickname of the state is 'The Golden State', and it was made official in the year 1968. The name stemmed from the historical background of the state as a major center for gold mining and subsequent development of the state's economy from the gold profits.

Climate Summary

The climate of the state depends on the area. Some areas have a climate that can be described as being Mediterranean while some other places have a subarctic climate. The winters are cool and the summers dry.

State Tax Situation

Taxes are very important components of the state's economy. There are income taxes which have a maximum variable rate of 9.3%, real property tax (yearly basis), and that is not to talk of the state sales tax.

Government Summary

The constitution allows for a State Governor who serves a term lasting four years and can be re-elected to office just once. The same provision applies for other constitutional officers in the state.

State Seal

It is the tradition in the United States for every state to have its own seal and California is not an exception. The state's seal has a grizzly bear eating grape vines, a grain sheaf, a miner, ships and the Roman goddess of wisdom, Minerva.

Motto And Description

The motto of the state is quite interesting and dramatic: Eureka...I have found it! It is a thinly-veiled allusion to the discovery of gold in the state. It was added to the seal in 1849.

State Flag

Named the Bear Flag, the state's flag was adopted by the Legislature in 1911. Designed by William Todd, it features a star, a grizzly bear and the words 'California Republic'.

State Bird

The state bird of California is the California valley quail (Callipepla californicus). The bird has a unique dark plume on its head and is known to be quite adaptable. The bird is also referred to as the California partridge.

State Flower

The California poppy (Eschscholtzia californica) is the state's flower. Also called the flame flower, it can be found in all parts of California and was adopted as the state flower in 1903.

State Animal

In 1953, the California grizzly bear (Ursus californicus) was made the state animal. The animal is also found on the state flag. The bear population dwindled drastically as humans settled in the area.

State Song And Description

The state song is titled 'I Love You California' and it was written by Francis Silverwood while Abraham Franklin Frankenstein did the composition. It was approved as the state's song in 1951.

State Colors

There are two colors adopted as the state colors