Final answer:
Geographical factors for California's population density include its history of immigration due to the Gold Rush, its role as a gateway for Asian immigrants, its fertile Central Valley agricultural region, and urban development impacted by the discovery of natural resources like oil.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geographical reasons for the population density of California are multifaceted, stemming from its rich history, diverse landscape, and economic opportunities. California's large population centers, such as Los Angeles and its metropolitan area, grew substantially due to factors like the discovery of oil. The Pacific Coast, including California, offers a significant urban population far from the North American core, and its mild climate and fertile lands, like that of the Central Valley, make it one of the world's most productive agricultural areas. This, combined with the historical influx of immigrants during events such as the Gold Rush, has contributed to California's dense and diverse population.
Importantly, cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have unique urban morphologies shaped by the different historical migration streams. The lush Central Valley, lying between mountain ranges, is crucial for food production, notably as the largest US producer of several crops, which contributes to the state's dense population. Furthermore, California's political history, the fantasy of instant wealth from the Gold Rush, and being a gateway for Asian immigrants add layers to the puzzle of its high density.