The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to the city of Los Angeles:
Los Angeles - city also known as LA or simply "The City of Angels," that has a rich history dating back to the 1780s. The area was first settled by Spanish colonizers, who named it "El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles del Río Porciúncula," which translates to "The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of the Porciúncula River." The city grew slowly during the Spanish and Mexican periods, but began to develop more rapidly after California became a US state in 1850. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, LA became a major center for oil production and manufacturing, and its population exploded as people moved to the area for jobs. The city continued to grow in the second half of the 20th century, becoming a cultural and economic powerhouse with a diverse population. Today, Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in the United States and is known for its entertainment industry, beaches, and diverse neighborhoods.