14.1: Introduction
California is the most populous state in the United States, and if it were an independent country, it would rank 34th in population in the world. The state has had a long history of immigration, with the first major wave occurring during the California Gold Rush of 1848-1849. This event attracted miners, businessmen, farmers, loggers, and their supporters from all over the world.
The Gold Rush also led to a significant gender imbalance in California, as there were far fewer women than men in the state. In 1850, there were only about 10,000 females in a total population of 120,000 residents. This imbalance persisted for over a century, as immigration from other states continued to favor men due to the nature of the labor force present.
In recent years, California's demographics have changed significantly. The state is now home to a large and growing Hispanic population, and in 2000, it became the second state in U.S. history (after Hawaii) to have a non-white majority when excluding Hispanic whites. In 2014, California also became the first state to have a Latino plurality, meaning that Latinos made up the largest single ethnic group in the state.
The future of California's demographics is uncertain, but the state will continue to be a diverse and dynamic place. The state's history of immigration has shaped its culture and identity, and it is likely that this trend will continue in the years to come.