California’s Amazing Economy - we deserve our own nation

By Hank Pellissier

California has the world’s 4th largest economy, behind only the USA, China, and Japan. We’re slightly ahead of efficient, hard-working Germany, even though we’re only half the size of its population.

The Golden State performs exceptionally well, primarily because we’re diversified; we’re ranked extraordinarily high in a wide variety of categories. Here’s a list below:

Venture Capital and Innovation Ecosystems - California places #1 internationally in this arena, with our tech wealth in companies like Apple, Google, Nvidia, Meta, OpenAI. Our creative state, especially Silicon Valley, is a global hub for AI, semiconductors, cloud, biotech, social media, software, intellectual property, services, and digital platforms.

Entertainment and Media - We’re #1 in the world in film/TV production, and streaming content exports, generating $150-$200 billion annually via Hollywood, Netflix, Disney, streaming, music, gaming and digital content.

Agriculture - California is #6 globally in providing food, with exports of $24 billion. We provide 2/3 of the USA’s fruits and nuts, and 1/3 of the veggies, and we lead in world in pistachios, artichokes, almonds, and wine.

Tourism & Hospitality - California attractions like Disneyland, Napa Valley, Yosemite, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, elevate us to #5 globally in tourism revenue, with $150 billion in annual income.

Finance & Real Estate - Our real estate market - centered in Los Angeles and San Francisco - is worth over $9 trillion, placing us easily in the global Top Ten.

Biotech & Life Sciences - We’re rated #3 in the world as a biotech hub, trailing only Massachusetts and Switzerland, due to our expertise in pharmaceuticals, gene editing, precision medicine.

Green Energy & Climate Tech - Our state is #3 globally in clean-tech leadership (after China and Germany) because we’re in the vanguard of renewables, EV’s, solar, battery storage, and climate policy innovation.

Obviously, we’re more-than-ready to leave the suffocating nest of the USA, and fly gracefully into the future.