has more than 2000 soils due to the state's variety of valleys, foothills, mountains, coastal area and deserts.

Capital: Sacramento

Population: 39,538,245

Founded: September 9, 1850 (31st)

State Bird: California quail

State Tree: Redwood

State Flower: Poppy

Number of Counties: 58

Largest City: Los Angeles - 3,822,238

Nickname: The Golden State

Number of Farms: 69,000

Average Farm Size: 351 acres

Total Farmland: 24.2 million acres

Area: 163,696 square miles

more than 400 crops!

• almonds

• artichokes

• celery

• garlic

• raisins

• kiwi

• honeydew melons

• nectarines

• olives

• pistachios

• plums

• prunes

• walnuts

• The first 'motion picture' theater opened in LA in April of 1902

• The oldest active sailing ship is in San Diego. It is 157 years old and still seaworthy

• Blue jeans originated in Europe but came to the US through San Francisco

• Over 1/3 of the country's veggies and 2/3 fruits and nuts are grown in California

• Gold was discovered in 1848

• The largest living organism on earth and the world's massive tree is the "Giant Segouia". California is also home to the tallest trees, the Redwood.

• California produces 80% of the world's almonds

• Death Valley is North America's hottest desert and driest place

• California has a Volkswagen car graveyard

• The state animal, the California Grizzley bear is now extinct

• San Bernardino County is larger than 9 states. It is 20,105 sq mi and is the largest county in the US.