California is often called the Golden State of America. Why did she get such a nickname? Where is California located? What is interesting about this region of North America?
State geography: where is California located?
California is the most populous state in the country. About 39 thousand inhabitants live here. In terms of area (423.9 sq. Km), the state ranks third in the US. Sacramento is the capital of California. The largest cities are also Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Fresno, San Jose.
So where is California? The state is located in the western United States. Its coast is washed by the Pacific Ocean. In the north, the state is adjacent to Oregon, with Arizona in the southeast, in the east with Nevada, and in the very south, Mexico is its neighbor.
The state is significantly extended along the seashore. The length from north to south (1240 km) is almost three times the length from west to east (400 km). In size, California in the United States surpasses only Alaska and Texas.
The proximity of the ocean significantly affects weather conditions, primarily by forming fogs along the entire coast. There is a lot of rain in winter, and drought and heat dominate in summer. Not the last place is played by mountains that hold humid air off the coast. Such conditions create a real paradise for tourists. In summer, many beaches are open for them, and in winter ski resorts operate.
History
California was granted state status only in 1850. Up to this point, many important events have happened. In the area where the state of California is located, about 70 different groups of Indians used to live. The first European to visit these lands was Juan Cabrillo in 1542, after which Francis Drake arrived here in 1579 , establishing the settlement of New Albion.
For a long time the territory was ruled by the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Then the largest cities of the state were built. Until 1730, California was considered an island, until Francis de Ulloa proved that it was a peninsula.
At the end of the 18th century, with the beginning of the Russian-American campaign, the Russians were developing these lands. And the Fort Ross settlement is considered the southernmost outpost of the Russian Empire. He was later sold to John Sutter.
Meanwhile, the influence of Spain is weakening, the land is becoming subordinate to Mexico. In 1847, America fought with Mexico, and the territory where California is located is divided between these countries. For some time, the state manages to gain independence and proclaim a republic. The Navy of America soon corrected this and subjugated the lands of the United States.
In 1848, quite by accident in the future state discover gold deposits. The search boom begins, the population of California in just a couple of years grows several times. Later it will be called the Golden State.
sights
In America, there are few people who do not know where the California Peninsula is. It is here that the most famous US attractions are located . The warm climate and proximity to the ocean only add to the attractiveness of this area. Tourism is an important economic industry in California.
On the sunny coast of this state is located Hollywood - a district of the city of Los Angeles, where there are a huge number of film studios. San Francisco is home to the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. Not far from the city is Silicon Valley - a place where outstanding minds work to create high technology.
Despite the very hot climate, there are many natural attractions in the state of California. In the Sequoia National Park, you can see giant trees up to 100 meters high.
Near San Francisco is the Redwood National Park. It served as the backdrop for the filming of the planet Endor in the movie Star Wars. Disneyland is located in Anaheim, while Sea World is located in San Diego. It regularly hosts a real performance in which killer whales, penguins, walruses and polar bears participate.