California

    California is 155,959 square miles.  In 2005, there were approximately 36,132,147 people living in California.  There are 18 national forests and there are 278 state parks and beaches which cover about 1.5 million acres of land.  California became a U.S. state in 1847 when Mexico surrendered it to John C. Fremont.  James W. Marshall discovered gold on January 24, 1848 which then started the California Gold Rush and also brought a tons a settlers to the state.  Some of the major industries are agriculture, manufacturing, transportation equipment, machinery, electronic equipment, biotechnology, aerospace-defense, and tourism.  The main natural resources are timber, petroleum, cement, and natural gas.  Death Valley, located in the southeast and is 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest point in the nation.  There are a couple main attractions in California which are Yosemite National Park, Disneyland, Hollywood, the Golden Gate Bridge, Sequoia National Park, San Simeon State Park, and Point Reyes National Seashore. (Infoplease)