A state of western United States on the Pacific Ocean. It was admitted as the 31st state in the 1850. The area was colonized by the Spanish and formally ceded to the United States by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. California is called the Golden State because of its sunny climate and the discovery of gold during its pioneering days.



Sacramento is the capital and Los Angeles the largest city. Population of California 36,600,000. California most populous state in the United States, located in the Far West bordered by Oregon, Nevada and across the Colorado River Arizona, Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.
California leads the nation in the production of the fruits and vegetables, carrots, lettuce, onions, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries and almonds. The state's main 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 field. State also produces the major share of U.S. domestic wine. California's farms are highly productive as a result of good soil.

State's first constitution was adopted in the 1849. The present constitution dating from 1879 is noted for its provisions for public initiative and referendum which have led at times to difficulties in governance and for recall of public officials. State's executive branch is headed by a governor elected for a four year term. Discovery of oil, industrialization resulting from the increase of hydroelectric power and expanding agricultural development attracted more settlers. Los Angeles grew rapidly in this period and in population, soon surpassed San Francisco which suffered greatly after the great earthquake and fire of 1906.

Climate of California varies from the Mediterranean to subarctic. Much of the state has a Mediterranean climate with cool, rainy winters and dry summers. Cool California Current offshore often creates summer fog near the coast. The main prominent rivers within California are the Sacramento River and the San Joaquin River which drain the Central Valley and the flow to the Pacific Ocean through San Francisco Bay.