California

California is the third largest US state. It is located on the west coast of North America, along its entire length (more than 1200 kilometers) in contact with the Pacific Ocean. It borders Oregon to the north, Arizona, and Nevada to the east, and Baja California, which is part of Mexico, to the south.

The area of ​​the state exceeds 420 thousand square kilometers, while it deepens into the mainland by about 400 kilometers. The state territory is cut through by a large number of geological faults, the most famous of which is the San Andreas.

Population

The largest city in California is Los Angeles, however, the capital is Sacramento. The population of California today is approximately 39 million people, which is 12% of the total US population. There is no ethnic majority in this state as such. Most of all, whites and Hispanics live in its territory, followed by African Americans, Asians, and Indians. The religious preferences of the locals are as disparate as their ethnic composition.

Economy of California

In terms of economy, California ranks first in the United States. Its GDP today exceeds $2.3 trillion, which is about 13% of the total gross domestic product of the United States.

California's economy is based on commerce (IT, technology, and machinery), financial services, and agriculture. In addition to the agricultural sector, the state occupies a leading position in the entertainment industry, information technology, and aerospace industry. The world-famous "Silicon Valley" is located just in California.

Landmarks in California

Among the sights of California, special attention should be paid to the Fort Ross Museum-Reserve, Yosemite National Park, and the Avenue of Stars in San Francisco. One of the unique places in the state is also the famous Death Valley in the Mojave Desert - the driest and lowest place concerning sea level in North America.

It is also worth mentioning the former prison island of Alcatraz, the Cathedral of Mercy, the Golden Gate Bridge, and others.