By the year 1964, California had surpassed New York State to become the most populous of state. One reason for this may be that more immigrants settle in the California area than any other state—more than one-third of the nation's total in the year 1994. Asians and Pacific Islanders led the influx.

California’s leading industries include agriculture, manufacturing (machinery, transportation equipment, and electronic equipment), aerospace-defense, biotechnology, and tourism. Principal natural resources to include: timber, cement, petroleum, and natural gas.

Area: 158,693 sq mi (411,015 sq km)
Pop: (2000) 33,871,648, a 13.8% increase since the 1990 census
Capital: Sacramento
Largest city: Los Angeles
Statehood: Sept. 9, 1850 (31st state)
Highest pt.: Mt. Whitney, 14,491 ft (4,417 m); lowest pt., Death Valley, 282 ft (86 m) below sea level
Nickname: Golden State
Motto: Eureka [I Have Found It]
State bird: California valley quail
State flower: Golden poppy
State tree: California redwood
Abbr., Calif.; CA