California is an exciting, diverse state with a long and interesting history. From being the birthplace of the tech companies that shape our lives to the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coastline, the Golden State has a lot to offer. Here are the top 10 facts about California you should know before visiting or moving to the state. Get ready to learn about the culture, geography, and economy of this vibrant West Coast state.

1. California is the third largest state in America.

California is the third largest state in America.

It’s 163,696 square miles, about 1.7 times bigger than the UK!

Alaska is the biggest state.

2. The capital of California is Sacramento.

The capital of California is Sacramento.

It has a population of 503,482 (as of 2020).

3. The most populous city in California is Los Angeles.

The most populous city in California is Los Angeles.

It has a population of 3,849,297 people (as of 2021).

4. The Flag of California is called The Bear Flag.

The Bear Flag of California is a symbol with a fascinating history.

Back in 1846, during a brief moment of California thinking about independence, the Bear Flag was created. It features a grizzly bear, representing strength and independence, along with a star, a red stripe, and the words “California Republic.”

Although the dream of California as its own nation was short-lived, the Bear Flag remains a powerful symbol of the state’s unique history and spirit.

5. The State flower of California is the California Poppy.

The State flower of California is the California Poppy.

It’s also known as the flame flower, la amapola, and copa de oro (cup of gold), and grows wild throughout the state.

6. The State Sport of California is surfing.

The State Sport of California is Surfing.

Surfing is a surface water sport in which an individual, a surfer, uses a board to ride on the forward section, or face, of a moving wave of water, which usually carries the surfer towards the shore.

Surfing became the State Sport of California very recently in 2018!

7. The State Fruit of California is the Avocado.

The State Fruit of California is the Avocado.

You may not think of avocado as a fruit, but it technically is! It’s been the state fruit of California since 2013.

8. The State Insect of California is the California Dogface Butterfly.

The State Insect of California is the California Dogface Butterfly.

The California Dogface Butterfly is also known as the “dog-head butterfly,” and is found only in California.

The male has markings on its wings resembling a silhouette of a dog’s head. The female is usually solid yellow with a black spot on each upper wing.

It has been the state insect since 1973.

9. The State Tree of California is the California Redwood Tree.

The State Tree of California is the California Redwood Tree.

They are are some of the largest trees in the world.

They are an evergreen species that can live more than 1,800 years. They may reach heights of up to 379 feet (115.5 metres).

The typical fully-grown California redwood tree may be up to 26 feet (7.9 meters) in diameter at the base.

10. The State Motto of California is ‘Eureka’.

The State Motto of California is ‘Eureka’.

Eureka is a word used to celebrate a discovery or invention.

It is famously comes from the Ancient Greek mathematician and inventor Archimedes.

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