How big is California?

California comprises 155,779 square miles of land, making it the third largest American state behind Alaska and Texas. It is divided into 58 counties and is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the east and Arizona to the southeast.

With 840 miles of Pacific Ocean waterfront, California trails Alaska and Florida in most miles of coastline. The state has an estimated population of over 38 million and is the most populous in the Union. Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and San Francisco are the largest cities in California. At 14,495 feet, Mount Whitney is the highest point in California; Death Valley contains the lowest point, at 282 feet below sea level.