CACalifornia
Golden State · Capital: Sacramento · West (Pacific)
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Bordering states: Oregon, Nevada, Arizona.
4 fun facts about California
- If California were a country, its GDP would rank 4th globally — bigger than the UK, France, or Russia.
- Death Valley once recorded the highest air temperature ever measured on Earth (134°F / 56.7°C in 1913).
- The first McDonald's opened in San Bernardino in 1948; the first Apple computer was built in Los Altos in 1976.
- It's the only state with both the highest point in the lower 48 (Mt. Whitney, 14,505 ft) and the lowest point in North America (Badwater Basin, -282 ft) — within 85 miles of each other.
Frequently asked questions about California
Is California a US state?
Yes, California is one of the 50 US states. It was admitted to the Union in 1850, making it the 31st state. Its capital is Sacramento and its largest city is Los Angeles.
What is the capital of California?
The capital of California is Sacramento. Note that the largest city in California is Los Angeles, not the capital — a common point of confusion.
When did California become a state?
California became a US state in 1850. It is the 31st state admitted to the Union.
What is the abbreviation for California?
The 2-letter USPS abbreviation for California is CA.
How big is California?
California ranks #3 of 50 US states by area — one of the largest US states.
What is the population of California?
California has a population of over 10 million.
What region is California in?
California is in the West region of the United States, per the US Census Bureau.
What time zone is California in?
California observes Pacific Time.
Learn more
→ How to learn the 50 states (full guide)