Los Angeles is a modern, sophisticated city where culture is king. It is located in Southern California on the Pacific Coast. This City of Angels was established by the Spaniards 1781. Los Angeles was merely a ranch town when the US appropriated it from Mexico in 1846, but by the 20th century the film industry shone a spotlight on L.A.

The city of 3.5 million sprawls across 467 square miles of desert basin, mountain canyons, and coastal beaches. If there was one word to describe Los Angles it would have to be diverse; for diversity is not only a characteristic of Los Angeles' geography, but it also describes the approximately 11 million people who call it home. The largest population of Pacific Islanders in the nation lives here, as well as the world's third-largest Hispanic population. Los Angeles is home to people from over 140 countries speaking 96 different languages.

Attractions in this city are numerous and varied. There are more than 2,000 museums, galleries, theaters and other attractions in Los Angeles. Los Angeles features itself as a great hostess providing its visitors with activities such as museums, beaches, restaurants, performing arts, people watching and sports. Take a stroll through vintage Hollywood along the Walk of Fame, stopping to catch a show at Mann's Chinese Theatre, then duck into the Roosevelt Hotel, recently restored to its old Hollywood glory. Rodeo Drive showcases the latest trends. No matter where you travel in and near Los Angeles, there is something exciting to do or see. The area also features dozens of annual events, from parades, to sporting meets to festivals.

Los Angeles has drawn the attention of people from all over, making it the entertainment capital of the world. Hollywood is only a few minutes away with the fabulous wonderland which is known as Universal Studios. Plan an extra day or two to explore Universal with the family. Among its intriguing film sets and sound stages situated in the spectacular Hollywood Hills, there are shows and exhibits to entertain and astound even the most sophisticated.

Los Angeles has not only played a major role in the development of television, music, fashion and art in the past, it is also at the forefront in the present in creating and maintaining a diverse center of pop and traditional culture.