Merced   

California is the most populous state of the United States. Located on the Pacific coast of North America, it is bordered by Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Mexico. California is known for its pleasant climate and ethnically diverse population. The name California is most commonly believed derived from a storied paradise peopled by black Amazons and ruled by Queen Califia.

Merced is the county seat of Merced County, California in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. As of 2006, the city had a total population of 76,893. Incorporated in 1889, Merced is a charter city that operates under a council-manager government. It is named after the Merced River, which flows nearby. Merced, known as the Gateway to Yosemite, is less than two hours by car from Yosemite National Park to the east and to the west is Monterey Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and miles of beaches.

In 2005, the city became home to the tenth University of California campus, the University of California at Merced. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 51.4 square kilometers.As of the census of 2000, there were 73,610 people, 20,435 households, and 14,631 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,242.2 per square kilometers.

Merced is definitely one of the popular tourist attractions in California worth paying a visit while touring the country. This place leaves a pleasing and unforgettable memory and justifies the proud cultural tradition of California.