Hoe goed ken je Californië?
Van Hollywood tot Silicon Valley en van redwood-bossen tot woestijnen, Californië is een staat der superlatieven. Zes vragen, van makkelijk tot moeilijk, met uitleg.
Wist je dat?
- California has more national parks than any other state — nine in total — ranging from Joshua Tree's desert to Redwood's coastal forests and the volcanic landscapes of Lassen.
- The Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937. At the time, its main span of 4,200 feet (1,280 m) was the longest of any suspension bridge in the world.
- California's state flag is often called the 'Bear Flag'. Its design dates back to the short-lived California Republic of 1846 and was adopted as the official state flag in 1911.
Een staat vol uitersten
California is the most populous US state, home to about 39 million people. Its landscapes range from the Pacific coast and redwood forests to the Sierra Nevada, fertile valleys and hot deserts. This diversity, combined with a history of migration and innovation, has made California a center of agriculture, entertainment and technology.
The Gold Rush
The discovery of gold in 1848 transformed California almost overnight. People arrived from across the United States and from countries such as Mexico, Chile and China. San Francisco grew from a small settlement into a major city, and California became a state in 1850, only two years later.
Hollywood and entertainment
In the early 20th century, filmmakers moved to Southern California for its sunshine and varied scenery. Hollywood became the center of the American film industry, and today Los Angeles remains a global capital of movies, television and music production.
Silicon Valley
The area south of San Francisco became known as Silicon Valley after companies there developed silicon computer chips. It later became home to many of the world's largest technology companies, and it attracts engineers and entrepreneurs from around the globe.
A farming powerhouse
California's Central Valley is one of the most productive farming regions in the world. The state grows about a third of the vegetables and around two-thirds of the fruits and nuts produced in the United States, from lettuce and tomatoes to grapes and oranges.
Living with earthquakes
California sits along the boundary of two tectonic plates. The San Andreas Fault runs for about 750 miles through the state. Earthquakes are a regular part of life, and California has strict building codes and public preparedness programs to reduce the risks.
Coast, mountains and deserts
Few states offer such contrasts. Highway 1 winds along cliffs above the Pacific, the Sierra Nevada rises to Mount Whitney, and the Mojave Desert holds Joshua trees and dunes. In a single day it's possible to drive from snowy mountains to sunny beaches, one reason California attracts travelers, filmmakers and photographers from all over the world.