California: State Flag, Bird and Facts

About California

With over 39 million residents, California has more people than any other state, and it ranks third in land area. Oregon sits to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, Mexico to the south and the Pacific Ocean along the whole western side. Sacramento is the capital, though Los Angeles is the largest city. The landscape runs from coastal cities to the Sierra Nevada, and from redwood forests to the Mojave Desert.

Spain colonized the region, it became part of Mexico in 1821, and it was handed to the United States in 1848. Gold was found that same year, setting off a rush that reshaped the population. Statehood followed in 1850. The flag is called the Bear Flag, and its roots go back to the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt. Its red star was borrowed from an even older banner, the Lone Star Flag of 1836.

Did you know?

• Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet, is the highest point in California.
• Badwater Basin in Death Valley is the lowest point in California.
• The coast redwood is the official state tree of California.