California

California is the third largest state in size (behind Alaska and Texas) and the most populous state in the country. Once a territory of Mexico, it became the 31st state following the Mexican War of 1846. Today, California is the movie capital of the world, the destination of countless immigrants, a major agricultural center and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

For some people, California conjures images of bikini-clad blondes on a beach, but both the landscape and the people are surprisingly diverse. Physically, California's landscape encompasses far more than the golden sands of the Pacific. The uncompromising desolation of Death Valley is juxtaposed against the solemn, centuries-old Sequoia trees of the High Sierras. The mysterious ghost towns and abandoned railroads of the Gold Country contrast with the urban wasteland of Los Angeles and the lush movie-star enclave of Hollywood. And, notably, the entire state's existence is precarious. It is perched on a fault line that causes periodic and often serious earthquakes.

Demographically, California is a melting pot of ethnic groups. Hispanics comprise nearly a third of the state's population, Caucasians half, Asians and Pacific Islanders nearly 15 percent, with African-Americans and Native Americans and other groups accounting for the rest of the population. In addition to ethnic diversity, California has a reputation for lifestyle diversity as well. San Francisco is the capital of gay culture--not just in the state, but in the nation.

Within the United States, Californians are famous for their keen environmental sensibilities and health-oriented lifestyles. Only in California do you find so many health food stores, and so many people obsessed with looking good and staying young. If there is a fountain of eternal youth, you can be sure that Californians will discover (or invent) it.

Lastly, one can't visit California without seeing Hollywood. Even if you find its artificiality repulsive, you have to admit that Hollywood movies have played an enormous role in shaping national and international popular culture. Be sure to walk all over the great movie stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!