Los Angeles

The City of Los Angeles, meaning the angels, also known as L.A., is the second-largest city in the United States in terms of population, as well as one of the world's most important economic, cultural, and entertainment centers. It was incorporated as a city in California on April 4, 1850, when the city's population was only 1,610, and is the county seat of Los Angeles County. As of the 2000 census, it has a population of 3,694,820, but a May 1, 2005 California Department of Finance estimate shows the city's population at 3,957,875, with the metropolitan area at 17,545,623. The city is also large by geographic standards since it sprawls over more than 465 square miles (1200 square kilometers), making it physically larger than New York City and Chicago. In addition, Los Angeles can be considered to be an "Alpha" world city since it has hosted two Olympic Games (in 1932 and 1984) and is home to world-renowned scientific and cultural institutions.

The city is one of the largest entry points for immigrants to the United States, and it contains people from every nation, making it one of world's most culturally rich places. People are attracted to the city for its warm weather, its vibrant lifestyle, its unique energy, and the opportunity to realize the "American Dream."