France: Pop 67,153,000, Area 247,368 sq mi California: Pop 39,512,223, Area 163,696 sq mi Population density is about the same. 270 vs 240 people per sq mi.

France: Pop 67,153,000, Area 247,368 sq mi California: Pop 39,512,223, Area 163,696 sq mi Population density is about the same. 270 vs 240 people per sq mi. Also running rail through flat low density area's tends to be cheap.