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SF skyline by Niall Kennedy

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SF Skyline by Niall Kennedy

San Francisco is the fourth most populated city in California, with a population of 744,041 (2006). It is the second most densely populated city in the USA.

San Francisco is located on the West Coast in Northern California in the United States of America. It is across the Bay Bridge from Oakland and sits across the Golden Gate Bridge from Marin and Sausalito. It has characteristically mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. There is very little temperate seasonal difference.

The earliest evidence of inhabitation of the territory of the city of San Francisco dates to 3000 BC. On November 2, 1769, a Spanish exploration party documented the first European discovery of San Francisco Bay. On March 8, 1776, the Spanish formed a fort, which was then followed later by a Mission. The fort gained independence from Spain in 1821 and became a part of Mexico. In 1835, an Englishman by the name of William Richardson set up the first non-Mexican homestead outside of Mission Dolores in what is now considered Portsmouth Square. Working with the Mission, they began the first planning of street layouts and named the area Yerba Buena, attracting more settlers. Commodore John D. Sloat claimed California for the United States on July 7, 1846, during the Mexican-American War, and Captain John B. Montgomery arrived to claim Yerba Buena two days later. Yerba Buena was renamed San Francisco the next year. The Gold Rush brought in a whole mass of wealth as (now)famous companies established roots there, and by the turn of the century, San Francisco was a major city known for its flamboyant style, stately hotels, ostentatious mansions on Nob Hill, and a thriving arts scene. An earthquake in 1906 destroyed nearly three-quarters of the city. The city celebrated a "rebirth" in 1915. Since, it has become a cultural hub, housing famous beatniks, jam bands, political activists, lesbian/gay groups, and numerous other countercultures.

Tourism is the basis of the San Francisco economy, drawing in over 15 million visitors in 2005 alone. Small businesses with fewer than ten employees make up over 85% of the businesses in San Francisco.

The City and County of San Francisco is a consolidated city-county, a status it has had since 1856. It is the only such consolidation in California.

Public Transit is easily accessible within two blocks of any residence in San Francisco. Muni and BART are among the most popular forms of transit and easily link the City to Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, and more. There is an international airport in San Francisco. Bicycling is also a very common form of transportation among residents, as several main roads are marked off with designated bike lanes.

Numerous colleges and universities exist in San Francisco, including a remarkable number of art schools.

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