California

California is a state located on the west coast of the United States. It is the most populous state in the U.S., as well as physically the most diverse, with the highest and the lowest points in the lower 48 states located within 150 miles of each other. If California were an independent nation, it would have the fifth largest economy in the world (see economy of California). The state's official nickname is "The Golden State" in reference to California's 1849 Gold Rush. {{ref|origin_of_nickname}} California's U.S. postal abbreviation is CA, and its Associated Press abbreviation is Calif.

References

• {{note|econ}} {{Web reference date format | title=Cal Facts 2004 | work=California Legislative Analyst's Office | URL=http://www.lao.ca.gov/2004/cal_facts/2004_calfacts_econ.htm | date=2005-08-02}}
• {{note|native_grasses}} United States Department of Agriculture article on California's perennial native grasses
• {{note|origin_of_nickname}} The California Secretary of State's statement on the origin of 'The Golden State' as California's nickname.