Culture of California

The culture of California is tied to the culture of the United States as a whole. However, there are features that are unique to California. With roots in the cultures of Spain, Mexico, and the eastern United States, California integrates foods, languages and traditions from all over the world.

Spain had explored the present state of California since the 16th century, although it did not colonize it and exert its cultural influence in earnest until the 18th century. By the 19th century, Spain had built missions throughout all the state and Californios owned huge land extensions (called "ranchos"). From that time to the present, Hispanic Californians have always been among the largest cultural groups in the state. Furthermore, Mexican immigration into California has also resulted in a large share of cultural contributions.

California culture has also been greatly influenced by several other large immigrant populations, especially those from Latin America and East Asia. California is a true melting pot as well as an international gateway to the United States.

California has long been a subject of interest in the public mind and has often been promoted by its boosters as a kind of paradise. In the early 20th Century, fueled by the efforts of state and local boosters, many Americans saw the Golden State as an ideal resort destination, sunny and dry all year round with easy access to the ocean, deserts and mountains. In the 1960s, popular music groups such as The Beach Boys promoted the image of Californians as laid-back, tanned beach-goers.

In terms of socio-cultural mores and national politics, Californians are perceived as more liberal than most other Americans, especially those who live in the inland states. The state, in whole, is perceived as liberal, though the northern region is seen as more liberal than the southern region, and the coast is seen as more liberal than the inland regions. California is also home to many prestigious universities including Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, the University of Southern California and the Claremont Colleges.

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