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Description
Base map courtesy of the Pergamon World Atlas .

Ever since its discovery and exploration by Europeans in the late 16th century, the island of California has enamored and stumped scientists from around the globe. Thought to have been cut by a massive ice dam in the modern Sea of Ulloa and glacial flooding at the end of the last ice age, the huge cliffs of the Californian east coast remain a scientific mystery in their sheer height and stature. The gap between the two landmasses, in both distance and height, has also proved a boon to native flora and fauna. Since these ledges prevent direct transit between the mainland and California via the Strait of Nevada, humans were prevented from accessing the island for several thousand years. Species such as ground sloths, mammoths, wild horses, camelids, short-faced bears, cuesta sea cows, various big cats, joshua trees, and the elusive teratorn that previously died out in mainland America were spared on this forgotten island. Although Thomas Jefferson wouldn't live to see it, the creatures of the Pleistocene have today been preserved in California's national park system. Having gained its independence from Mexico after the Mexican-American War, the Republic of California is today a close ally of the United States, as a member of both NATO and NAFTA, and has leased several Pacific military bases to the Americans since their joint operations in the Pacific War. Ties to Mexico remain strong too though, as they share a common cultural heritage and language into the present day, and many Mexicans who left Sonora after the American annexation and later during the California Gold Rush still keep in contact with their Mexican relatives. Today, the island sits at a population of approximately 25 million, mostly in the central and southern regions near Sonora and around Los Angeles.

Description
Base map courtesy of the Pergamon World Atlas .

Ever since its discovery and exploration by Europeans in the late 16th century, the island of California has enamored and stumped scientists from around the globe. Thought to have been cut by a massive ice dam in the modern Sea of Ulloa and glacial flooding at the end of the last ice age, the huge cliffs of the Californian east coast remain a scientific mystery in their sheer height and stature. The gap between the two landmasses, in both distance and height, has also proved a boon to native flora and fauna. Since these ledges prevent direct transit between the mainland and California via the Strait of Nevada, humans were prevented from accessing the island for several thousand years. Species such as ground sloths, mammoths, wild horses, camelids, short-faced bears, cuesta sea cows, various big cats, joshua trees, and the elusive teratorn that previously died out in mainland America were spared on this forgotten island. Although Thomas Jefferson wouldn't live to see it, the creatures of the Pleistocene have today been preserved in California's national park system. Having gained its independence from Mexico after the Mexican-American War, the Republic of California is today a close ally of the United States, as a member of both NATO and NAFTA, and has leased several Pacific military bases to the Americans since their joint operations in the Pacific War. Ties to Mexico remain strong too though, as they share a common cultural heritage and language into the present day, and many Mexicans who left Sonora after the American annexation and later during the California Gold Rush still keep in contact with their Mexican relatives. Today, the island sits at a population of approximately 25 million, mostly in the central and southern regions near Sonora and around Los Angeles.