The name 'California' is believed to have been taken from a 16th century novel speaking of a gold laden island paradise named California. In 1848, the first few small nuggets of gold - that was to set off the famous California Gold Rush in 1849, were found in American River at Coloma, near Sacramento.

And perhaps because it all started with gold, California already saw things coming its way. Through the years, gold has been intertwined with the history and development of California. It is but fitting that California today is officially 'The Golden State'. The 'gold' is also spoken of the fields of yellow poppies (official state flower) that bloom in the springtime.

Among U.S. states, California is regarded as 'massive' in terms of population and economy. It is home to some of the nation's largest and technologically advanced cities including Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Ana/Orange County, San Jose, and San Francisco. The Greater Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area are the largest metropolitan areas. The capital, Sacramento is in the Central Valley.

California is also remarkable for possessing the most varied geography as well as the richest ecology, including the most diverse pine species in the country. California contains more forestland than any other state except Alaska. Deserts make up about 25% of the total surface area mostly in the southeastern portion.

Most of the state has a Mediterranean climate, with rainy winters and dry summers. What is common all throughout California is the absence of snow since winter temperatures never freeze.

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