CALIFORNIA, an extensive region of North America, extending along its western coast from 22. 48. to 42. N. Lat. and lying between 106. and 124. W. Long. It is bounded on the north and east by the United States' territories and the Gulf of California, and on the south and west by the north Pacific Ocean. It is divided into Old or Lower, and New or Upper California. Previous to the treaty of 1848, by which Upper California was ceded to the United States, they both formed part of the territory of the Mexican Republic. Lower California still belongs to that republic.