By Robert Vaux
California is known as the Golden State, and remains one of the most important states in the Union. Its colorful history and bountiful resources have contributed immeasurably to the cultural fabric of the
United States, and its warm climate continues to pull dreamers towards the promise of the West.
Founding
Europeans first set foot in California in 1542. Before that, the area was populated by over 70 tribes of native Americans.
Statehood
California belonged to Spain and Mexico before it joined the United States. It revolted against Mexico in 1846 and was admitted into the union in 1850, following the discovery of gold in the region.
Name and Motto
The name "California " refers to a queen in a 16th-century Spanish novel called "The Exploits of Esplandian." Its motto is "Eureka," which is Greek for "I have found it."
Population
California is easily the most populous state in the union, with three cities--Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego--that qualify as major metropolitan centers.
Economy
California's economy is very diverse--from farming in the Central Valley to technological design in Silicon Valley to the dream factory of Hollywood--and incredibly powerful. If California were an independent nation, its economy would still be one of the ten biggest in the world.
About the Author:
Robert Vaux has been a professional writer and editor since 1995. He has traveled throughout Europe and North America as well as parts of North Africa. Since 2000 he has been a professional movie critic at Flipside Movie Emporium, the Sci-Fi Movie Page and Mania.com. Vaux has a Master of Arts in English literature from Syracuse University.
