Los Angeles

Los Angeles
Name	Los Angeles
Coordinates	34°03′N 118°15′W

Los Angeles. Los Angeles is a megacity and the county seat of Los Angeles County in the U.S. state of California. Located in Southern California, Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and the second-most populous city in the United States, with a population of approximately 3.99 million as of 2020. The city's metropolitan area is home to approximately 13 million people, making it the third-largest metropolitan area in the United States.

History

Los Angeles was founded on September 4, 1781, by Felipe de Neve y Loya, as El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, and it became a part of Mexico after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. Following the Mexican-American War, Los Angeles was captured by the United States in 1848 and became part of the United States of America. During the California Gold Rush, Los Angeles experienced significant growth, and it became a municipality in 1850. The city experienced rapid growth during the 20th century, driven by the Hollywood film industry, World War II, and the construction of the Interstate Highway System.

Geography

Los Angeles is located in Southern California, in the Los Angeles Basin, a basin surrounded by the San Gabriel Mountains to the east and the Santa Monica Mountains to the west. The city's elevation ranges from 260 to 1,850 feet (79 to 564 meters) above sea level. Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The city is prone to earthquakes, due to its location near the San Andreas Fault and the Hayward Fault.

Demographics

As of 2020, the population of Los Angeles is approximately 3.99 million people, with a population density of 8,112 people per square mile (3,130 people per square kilometer). The city has a diverse population, with Hispanic and Latino Americans making up approximately 47% of the population, followed by non-Hispanic whites (28%), Asian Americans (15%), and African Americans (8%). The median household income in Los Angeles is approximately $62,000, and the per capita income is approximately $34,000.

Economy

The economy of Los Angeles is driven by a diverse range of industries, including entertainment, technology, aerospace, and tourism. The city is home to Hollywood, the center of the American film industry, and The Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, and Warner Bros. are all based in Los Angeles. The city is also a major hub for international trade, with the Port of Los Angeles being one of the busiest ports in the world. The Los Angeles International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and it serves as a major hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

Culture

Los Angeles is known for its diverse cultural scene, with a wide range of museums, theaters, and music venues. The city is home to the Getty Center, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, among others. Los Angeles is also known for its cuisine, which reflects the city's diverse cultural heritage, with popular dishes including Mexican, Chinese, and Korean food. The city hosts a number of cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Academy Awards, the Grammy Awards, and the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Government and politics

The city of Los Angeles is governed by a mayor and a 15-member city council. The city's budget is approximately $10 billion, and it provides a range of public services, including police and fire departments, public transportation, and parks and recreation. Los Angeles is a strong mayor city, with the mayor serving as the chief executive officer. The city has a city attorney and a city controller, who are responsible for providing legal and financial oversight, respectively. Eric Garcetti served as the mayor from 2013 to 2022, and Kate García has been serving as a city council member since 2020.

Category: Cities in California