Northern California

Northern California is a geographic and cultural region that generally comprises the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. Spanning the state's northernmost 48 counties, its main population centers include the San Francisco Bay Area (anchored by the cities of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland), the Greater Sacramento area (anchored by the state capital Sacramento), and the Metropolitan Fresno area (anchored by the city of Fresno). Northern California also contains redwood forests, along with the Sierra Nevada including Yosemite Valley and part of Lake Tahoe, Mount Shasta (the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range after Mount Rainier in Washington), and the northern portion of the Central Valley, one of the world's most productive agricultural regions.

Geography

The region is bounded to the north by the state of Oregon and to the east by the states of Nevada and Arizona, to the south by the Central Valley, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. Northern California's landscape is as diverse as its culture. The Pacific coastline, the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and the Redwood and Sequoia forests are some of the unique geographical features in Northern California.

Culture

Northern California is home to a number of world-renowned universities including Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of California, San Francisco. The region is known for its progressive and diverse culture, with a strong emphasis on outdoor living and health consciousness. The cuisine of Northern California is celebrated for its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and fusion of multiple culinary traditions.

Economy

The economy of Northern California is dominated by technology, science, health care, education, and the wine industry. The region is home to Silicon Valley, the world's leading hub for high-tech innovation and development, and the renowned Napa Valley, one of the premier wine regions in the world.

See Also

• Southern California
• California Gold Rush
• California Cuisine

Also see

► Healthcare providers in California

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