Facts

• Capital City: Sacramento (Previous Capitals)
• Size: 158,706 square miles (3rd largest state)
• Population: 37,679,000 - highest state population *
• Nickname: The Golden State
• Motto: Eureka (“I have found it”)
• Statehood: September 9, 1850
• Largest Cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno *
• Border States: Arizona, Nevada, Oregon
• State Animal: California Grizzly Bear
• State Bird: California Valley Quail
• State Flower: Golden Poppy
• State Seal
• State Song: I Love You, California
• All State Symbols
• Quick Facts from the U.S. Census Bureau
• State Parks Facts
• Fun Facts for Kids

* Source: Department of Finance