California is located on the western coast of the United States, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east, and Arizona to the southeast. It is the third-largest state by area, covering 163,696 square miles, and the most populous, with over 39 million residents. California’s geographic position along the Pacific Coast and its proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Mojave Desert contribute to its diverse climate and ecosystems. The state's capital is Sacramento, and its largest city is Los Angeles.
Explore where is California located in US map to know its precise location in United States of America.
California Latitude and Longitude
California is situated between the latitudes of 32.5° N and 42° N and longitudes of 114° W and 124.5° W, placing it along the western edge of the United States. The state stretches over 800 miles from north to south, with its northernmost point at approximately 42° N latitude, near the border with Oregon, and its southernmost point at about 32.5° N latitude, near the border with Mexico. The state's longitude spans from the eastern border with Nevada at roughly 114° W to the Pacific coastline at around 124.5° W. This geographic positioning gives California a diverse range of climates and ecosystems, from the coastal areas to the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Mojave Desert. The state's central geographic coordinates are approximately 37° N latitude and 119° W longitude, near the city of Fresno.
Significance of California Location for the United States
California's location on the western edge of the United States, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, has made it a significant hub for economic, cultural, and environmental activity. The state's coastline, stretching over 840 miles, has positioned California as a gateway for international trade, with major ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach handling more than 40% of the nation's containerized imports. This access to the Pacific has also fostered strong economic ties with Asia, contributing to California's status as the largest state economy in the U.S. and the fifth-largest in the world.
Additionally, California's diverse geography, ranging from the fertile Central Valley to the tech-rich Silicon Valley, has supported a wide array of industries, including agriculture, technology, entertainment, and tourism. The state's strategic location along significant fault lines, such as the San Andreas Fault, also makes it a focal point for seismic research and disaster preparedness, influencing building codes and urban planning across the region.
Moreover, California's proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains and its extensive desert regions play a crucial role in water management and energy production, with hydroelectric power and solar energy contributing to the state's efforts to lead in renewable energy. The state's location also positions it as a cultural and technological leader, with cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles being global centers for innovation and entertainment.
