California is a large state on the west coast of the United States, known for its diverse geography, big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, and industries such as technology, entertainment, and agriculture.
The name 'California' first appeared in a 16th‑century Spanish romance novel, describing a mythical island ruled by Queen Calafia. Spanish explorers later used the name for the Pacific coast regions they encountered. The word blended legend with geography and stuck to the land we now call California.
California is literally named after a fictional place from a popular book—like if a real country were called 'Narnia.' The Gold Rush, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley all layered new dreams onto that original fantasy. The state’s name reminds you how powerful stories can be in shaping real-world maps.
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