California is one of the most diverse destinations in the world, and the most visited state in America. Below are some common and little-known facts about The Golden State.
Statehood: September 9, 1850, the 31st state
Nickname: Golden State
Population: 33,871,648 (2003)
Area: 411,470 square kilometers or 158,693 square miles (3rd largest)
Borders: Nevada on the east, Arizona (southeast), Mexico (south), Pacific Ocean (west), Oregon (north)
Capital: Sacramento
Largest Cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Long Beach
Highest Point: Mount Whitney, 4,418 meters or 14,494 feet
Lowest Point: Death Valley, -86 meters or -282 feet
Motto: Eureka (I have found it)
Song: I Love You, California, by F.B. Silverwood
Dance: West Coast Swing
Bird: California Quail, Valley Quail
Flower: Golden Poppy
Tree: California Redwood
Animal: Grizzly Bear
Fish: Golden Trout
Insect: Dogface Butterfly
Mammal: Gray Whale
Gemstone: Benitoite
Mineral: Gold
Color: Yale Blue and Golden Yellow
Top Attractions: Disneyland, Golden Gate Bridge/Alcatraz, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, San Diego Zoo
Sources of information: California Blue Book, Statutes of California, California Government Code
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