California Map

Description: This map shows states boundariesthe state capitalcountiescounty seatscities and townsislandslakesand national parks in California.

Other Maps of California

Californialocated on the west coast of the United Statesextends from the Pacific Ocean to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It borders Oregon to the northNevada to the eastArizona to the southeastand Mexico to the south. Sacramento is the state capitalsituated in the northern part of the Central Valley.

With a population exceeding 39 millionCalifornia ranks as the most populous state in the United States. Major cities include Los Angelesa global hub for entertainment and culture; San Franciscoknown for its finance and technology sectors; San Diegonotable for its maritime and military presence; and San Josethe heart of Silicon Valley and a center for innovation.

Tourism constitutes a significant economic sector in California. Renowned attractions include Disneyland Resort in Anaheimdrawing millions annually. Yosemite National Parklocated in the Sierra Nevadaoffers iconic landscapes and outdoor recreational activities. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco remains a prominent architectural marvel. Coastal destinations like Malibu and Santa Monica attract visitors with their beaches and pier attractions.

In Southern CaliforniaPalm Springs provides a well-known resort getaway famous for its golf courses and spas. Napa Valleysituated north of the San Francisco Bay Areaserves as a premier wine country recognized globally for its vineyards and wineries. AdditionallyLake Tahoestraddling the border between California and Nevadaoffers year-round attractionsincluding skiing in winter and water sports in summer.

Flag of California	Great Seal of California
Capital:	Sacramento
Largest city:	Los Angeles
Area:	163,696 sq mi (423,970 sq km)
Dimensions:	Length 760 mi (1,220 km) Width 250 mi (400 km)
Latitude:	32°32′ N to 42° N
Longitude:	114°8′ W to 124°26′ W
Population (2024):	39,431,263[1]
Density:	251.3/sq mi (97/sq km)
Elevation:	Highest elevation (Mount Whitney) - 14,505 ft (4,421 m)[2] Lowest elevation (Badwater Basin) −279 ft (−85 m)[3]
Official language:	English
Spoken language:[4]	56.1% English 28.3% Spanish 15.6% Other
Religion:	32% - Protestantism 28% - Catholicism 27% - No religion 2% - Judaism 2% - Hinduism 2% - Buddhism
Racial/ethnic groups (2024):[1]	40.4% Hispanic or Latino 34.3% White 16.5% Asian 6.5% Black or African American 4.3% Mixed Race/Multi-Racial 1.7% Native American or Alaska Native 0.5% Pacific Islander
Median household income (2023):	$96,334[1]
USPS abbreviation:	CA
ISO 3166 code:	US-CA
Time zone:	UTC−08:00 (PST) Summer (DST) UTC−07:00 (PDT)
Official website:	www.ca.gov

List of The Largest Cities in California by population

California Beach Towns

Main sights in California

Counties of California

The state of Californiaconsists of 58 counties. Los Angeles Countywith over 10 million residentsranks as the most populouswhile Alpine Countywith fewer than 1,200 residentsremains the least populous. GeographicallySan Bernardino County spans more than 20,000 square milesmaking it the largestwhereas San Francisco encompasses just 47 square miles as both a city and county.

Regions of California:

List of National Parks in California

Geography of California

Californialocated on the west coast of the United States. It encompasses approximately 163,696 square milesmaking it the third-largest state by area. The state stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Sierra Nevada mountain rangeand from the southern Mojave Desert to the dense forests of the northern Coast Ranges.

Key geographical regions include the Coastal Rangehome to iconic locations such as Big Sur and the Redwood National Park. The Central Valleya major agricultural hublies between the Sierra Nevada and the Coast Ranges. The Sierra Nevada mountainswhich include Mount Whitney—the highest peak in the contiguous United States—extend along the eastern edge of the state. The state also contains significant desert regionssuch as Death Valleywhich holds the record for the highest temperature on Earth.

California's coastline runs for approximately 840 milesfeaturing numerous baysbeachesand cliffs. Major rivers like the Sacramento and San Joaquin run through the Central Valleyproviding essential water resources. These varied landscapes contribute to California's unique climate zonesfrom Mediterranean along the coast to alpine in the Sierra Nevadasupporting its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems.

Islands of California

Major Rivers in California

Lakes of California

Mountain Ranges

The 15 highest mountain peaks of California

Brief History of California

California’s history encompasses indigenous culturescolonial periodsand rapid development. Indigenous peoplesincluding the ChumashMiwokand Yurokinhabited the region for thousands of years before European contact. Spanish explorers claimed California in the 16th centuryestablishing missions and settlements by the 18th century. Mexico inherited control after its independence in 1821maintaining governance until the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ceded California to the United States following the Mexican-American War.

The 1848 discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill propelled the Gold Rushleading to significant population growth and economic expansion. California attained statehood on September 91850as the 31st state. Subsequent development included the rise of the agricultural industryestablishment of major urban centersand the growth of the entertainment and technology sectors.

References