5 Crazy Facts About California

The state of California is located along the western coast of the United States, and borders Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Mexico. Although many think of Hollywood, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or other major cities when thinking of California, there is plenty of interesting facts you can learn about this amazing state. From its nickname change to the state’s population, here are 5 crazy things you may not know about California.

1. California Changed Its Nickname Due to Lack of Bears

The Golden State was originally nicknamed the Grizzly Bear State. However, human population growth exhausted the bear population; and thus the nickname was changed. 

2. Home to Both the Highest and Lowest Points in the Continental 48 States

The highest point is Mount Whitney which reaches an astonishing 14,497 feet; while the lowest point is less than 100 miles away, and located in Death Valley. Badwater Basin is located at 282 feet below sea level; making it not only the lowest point in the Continental 38, but in the entire continent of North America. 

3. The Golden State Is the Most Populated State in the U.S.

Although it may not be the largest in area, the human population of California is over 38.5 million people. That’s equivalent to one out of every eight Americans; and more than the entire country of Canada. 

4. The Governor Doesn’t Accept a Yearly Salary

When Arnold Schwarzenegger became governor he turned down the yearly six figure salary because he already had his own substantial wealth.  

5. A Nuclear Power Plant Was Shut Down Due to Jelly Fish

The California based nuclear plant that uses seawater as coolant, had an interesting time in 2012; when a swarm of jelly fishes clogged the intake screens used to block out marine life.