California is the "Golden State". The most populous state in the union, with over 27 million people, it is the third largest in land area. Its long mountainous coastline, central valley area, the Sierra Nevada mountains to the north and desert basins in the south, mark the style and personality of the state. First discovered by Cabrillo in 1542 and Drake in 1579, California was settled by the Spanish and occupied by U.S. forces in 1846 after the Mexican War. California offers visitors many exciting attractions, including Yosemite Valley, Lake Tahoe, the Monterey Peninsula and the ancient red wood forests. Many of the trees in the red wood forests are thought to be the oldest living creatures in the world, dating back 4,600 years and as tall as 362 feet. California is also a great place to live, with long natural beaches, ample affordable housing, agriculture, professional services and a firm industrial base, it is no wonder that California is one of the fastest growing states in the union. @
