California became the 31st state on Sept 9th 1850. California is affectionately referred to as the Golden State -- gold was discovered there in the mid 19th century and also the fields of wild golden poppies that bloom in the spring, giving a golden glow to the land.
Origin of state's name: The word California comes from the Spanish word "califia," which is a "mythical romantic paradise".
Capital City: The capital city is Sacramento and the state is bordered by Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and the Pacific Ocean. The state has 840 miles of coastline.
Population: The state has a population in excess of 33 million people and growing.
Economy: Agriculture includes fruits and nuts especially almonds, grape growing and wine making and nursery stock. California is known as one of the three dairy states, the other two are New York and Wisconsin.
Industry includes computer and computer software manufacture primarily based in California's Silicon Valley, tourism and of course film production.
State Motto: the state motto is "Eureka" or "I have found it".
State Flower: the state flower is the California poppy or Eschscholtzia calilfornica which is characterized by a deep golden color and grows wild throughout the state.
State Song: The state Song is "I love you, California" that sings the praises of this great state.
State Bird: the state bird is the California quail or Lophortyx californica and this game bird is characterized by its hardy nature.
State Tree: The state tree is the Redwood or toxodiaceae Sequoia which grow to heights of over 300feet.