Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States, located on the southern coast of California. It was founded by Spanish settlers in 1781 under a lengthy name meaning «The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels», later shortened to «Los Angeles». The city passed from Spanish to Mexican rule before becoming part of the United States in 1848.

The Capital of Hollywood and Global Cinema

By the early 20th century, Los Angeles's sunny climate drew the fledgling American film industry, and the great Hollywood studios were established there, turning the city into the global capital of the entertainment industry. The famous «Hollywood» sign, erected on the city's hills since 1923, has become a worldwide symbol of the film industry and the American dream.

  • The Hollywood sign has stood on the hills since 1923
  • The city has hosted the Summer Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1984, and will host them again in 2028
  • The Getty Center holds an extensive European and world art collection
  • One of the world's most demographically and culturally diverse cities

Los Angeles today is known for its sprawling beaches and diverse neighborhoods, from upscale «Beverly Hills» to lively «Venice Beach», alongside its status as a global hub for music, fashion, and media.