28 Interesting Facts About California

The American state of California is not just the birthplace of Hollywood and a region with a mild, always pleasant climate. Once, these lands were almost deserted, settled by the first colonists who likely never imagined the scale to which the cities they founded would grow. Today, California is a major hub of life on the West Coast of the United States, and millions of people call this state their home.

Facts About California:

1. Control by Spain and Mexico: California was under Spanish control until 1821, when Mexico gained independence and took over the territory. California remained part of Mexico until the U.S. took control following the Mexican-American War in 1848.
2. The California Republic: In 1846, for a brief period of three weeks, local settlers declared an independent state called the California Republic, also known as the Bear Flag Republic, before it was taken over by the U.S.
3. Hollywood: Hollywood, located in California, is the center of the U.S. film industry and produces more films than anywhere else in the world.
4. California Considered an Island: In the 16th and 17th centuries, European cartographers mistakenly depicted California as an island on maps, a misconception that persisted for many years.
5. Most Populous State: California is the most populous state in the United States, with a population that surpasses that of entire countries, including Canada.
6. Third-Largest State by Area: In terms of area, California is the third-largest state in the U.S., behind only Alaska and Texas.
7. Civil War Allegiances: During the American Civil War, California officially supported the Union. However, the state had a mix of Union and Confederate sympathizers, and some California volunteers fought for the Confederacy.
8. San Andreas Fault: The famous San Andreas Fault, one of the most seismically active fault lines in the world, is located in California, making the state prone to earthquakes.
9. Nearly 500 Cities: California is home to nearly 500 incorporated cities and towns, making it one of the most urbanized states in the country.
10. Active Volcanoes: California has several active volcanoes, including Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak, which are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
11. 12% of U.S. Population: About 12% of the entire U.S. population lives in California, making it a major contributor to the nation’s demographics and economy.
12. Spanish Language in California: Spanish was the predominant language during the Spanish and Mexican periods. Today, Spanish is still widely spoken, and many official documents and signs are available in both English and Spanish.
13. Arnold Schwarzenegger: World-famous actor Arnold Schwarzenegger served as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. Notably, he declined his governor’s salary, which in California amounts to $175,000 per year.
14. Livermore’s Centennial Light: In Livermore, California, there is a famous incandescent light bulb known as the Centennial Light that has been burning continuously since 1901, making it a local attraction.
15. Population Compared to Canada: California’s population is larger than that of the entire country of Canada, highlighting its significance on both a national and global scale.
16. Sequoias: The famous sequoias, including General Sherman—the largest tree on Earth by volume—are located in California. The tallest tree, a coastal redwood named Hyperion, also stands in California at about 379 feet (115 meters).
17. Indigenous Tribes: Before European colonization, California was home to around 70 Native American tribes. Colonization drastically reduced their populations through violence, disease, and displacement.
18. California’s GDP: California has the largest GDP of any U.S. state and ranks among the largest economies in the world, surpassing those of many countries.
19. Most Ethnically Diverse State: California is the most ethnically diverse state in the U.S., with residents representing hundreds of different ethnic groups.
20. Area Comparable to Countries: California’s area is approximately equal to that of countries like Sweden or Uzbekistan, showcasing its vast size.
21. Almond Production: California produces about 80% of the world’s almonds, making it a significant player in the global agricultural market.
22. Strawberry Production: California is the world’s largest producer of strawberries, growing over 1 billion pounds annually.
23. Asian Descent Population: Approximately 15% of California’s population is of Asian descent, contributing to the state’s rich cultural tapestry.
24. Armenian Diaspora in Glendale: Glendale, California, is home to the largest Armenian community outside of Armenia, making it a significant center for Armenian culture.
25. Welfare Recipients: While California has a significant number of welfare recipients, the claim that “every third person on welfare in the U.S. is from California” is exaggerated. However, the state does have a large share of the nation’s welfare cases.
26. Foreign-Born Population: About 25% of California’s population was born outside the United States, reflecting its status as a major destination for immigrants.
27. Poor Road Quality: California’s roads are often criticized for their quality, with research indicating that the state’s infrastructure needs significant improvements compared to other states.
28. Vineyards: Approximately 1% of California’s land area is used for vineyards, making the state a leading producer of wine, both nationally and internationally.