According to The World in Maps and state wildlife regulations, only a few states permit the ownership of kangaroos without a permit. These include Wisconsin, West Virginia, and South Carolina. In these states, exotic animal restrictions are looser, though owners must still comply with animal welfare laws.

Some states allow kangaroo ownership with permits, usually issued through state wildlife or agriculture departments. These include Texas, Washington, Idaho, Maine, and New Hampshire. Permits typically require proof of proper enclosures, veterinary care, and safety measures.

The majority of U.S. states—including California, New York, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio— ban private kangaroo ownership outright. Wildlife agencies cite reasons such as animal welfare, public safety, and ecological risks.

For example, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibits kangaroos and wallabies under its restricted species laws, classifying them as exotic and potentially dangerous animals.

Experts say kangaroos are not domesticated animals and require specialised care. The Humane Society of the United States warns that exotic pets like kangaroos can face health issues in captivity and pose risks to humans due to their powerful legs and unpredictable behaviour.

Kangaroos are also protected under international wildlife trade agreements, including CITES, which regulates the import of exotic species.

Recent data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) show that the Golden State’s nominal gross domestic product (GDP) reached about $4.1 trillion in 2024 .

California’s economic lift has been well known for years, but it wasn’t until April 2025 that the state officially overtook Japan. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office announced that California’s nominal GDP of $4.1 trillion was ahead of Japan’s $4.02 trillion and left California behind only the United States ($29.18 trillion), China ($18.74 trillion) and Germany ($4.65 trillion).

Newsweek confirmed the IMF and BEA figures, noting that the comparison places California fourth in global rankings. The state’s growth rate of 6 % in 2024 also outpaced the top three economies (U.S. 5.3 %, China 2.6 %, Germany 2.9 %).

Why California’s economy is so big

California is the largest sub‑national economy in the world. Finance, business services, government and manufacturing are among the most dominant sectors.

Major coastal cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are centres for media (Hollywood), technology and trade, while the Central Valley’s agriculture industry produces over half of America’s fruits, vegetables and nuts.

California also hosts many of the world’s most valuable companies . Silicon Valley is home to Apple, Alphabet, Nvidia and scores of other technology giants, and 78 of the Fortune 100 companies are headquartered in the state. This concentration of innovation attracts venture capital and skilled labour, feeding a self‑reinforcing cycle of economic growth.

Governor Newsom attributes the state’s prosperity to investments in people, sustainability and innovation. California has been the top U.S. state for new business starts and access to venture capital, while also leading the nation in agricultural production.

More than 36,000 manufacturing firms employ about 1.1 million Californians . Even as production costs rise, these firms continue to create industries spanning aerospace, electronics and zero‑emission vehicles.

While California now sits above Japan, its position is not guaranteed. Japan’s economy is projected to rebound by about 4 % in 2025, and India, the world’s fastest‑growing large economy, is expected to continue climbing.

Governor Newsom’s office cautions that India could surpass California as early as 2026. Economic rankings can also shift due to currency fluctuations, recession or policy changes. For example, California’s ranking rose partly because Japan’s growth slowed in 2024, illustrating how relative performance matters.

Below are the top 10 universities in the world:

University of Oxford

Oxford leads the rankings with a remarkable score of 98.5%. Dating back to 1096, it is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Located in the historic city of Oxford, it boasts an alumni network of over 250,000, including 120 Olympic medallists, 26 Nobel Prize winners, seven poets laureate, and over 30 prominent world leaders such as Bill Clinton, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Indira Gandhi.

Stanford University

Standford follows closely with a score of 98%. Founded in 1885 and situated in California’s Silicon Valley, Stanford is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and large campus. Its alumni network includes 30 living billionaires, 17 astronauts, and 18 Turing Award recipients. Stanford-affiliated companies contribute over $2.7 trillion annually, representing the 10th largest economy globally. It also remains a leading producer of US Congress members.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT scores 97.9%. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT was established in 1861. It is celebrated for its pioneering achievements in technology and science, such as the first chemical synthesis of penicillin and the discovery of quarks. The university’s living alumni have founded over 30,000 active companies, generating approximately $1.9 trillion in annual revenue, making this ‘MIT Nation’ comparable to the 10th-largest economy worldwide.

Harvard University

Harvard ranks fourth with a score of 97.8%. Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the US. Harvard, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, boasts the world’s largest academic library and has connections to over 45 Nobel laureates and 48 Pulitzer Prize winners. It has more than 323,000 living alumni, including 13 US presidents who have received honorary degrees from the institution.

University of Cambridge

Cambridge scores 97.5% and is the fifth oldest university globally, having been founded in 1209. Located in Cambridge, England, it is a collegiate public research institution with 31 autonomous colleges. Cambridge serves over 18,000 students and houses over 100 libraries containing more than 15 million books.

Princeton University ,

Princeton established in 1746, scores 96.5%. As one of the oldest US universities, Princeton has educated two US presidents and many distinguished figures including Michelle Obama and Jeff Bezos. It is recognized for its significant research contributions, with connections to over 40 Nobel laureates.

California Institute of Technology

Caltech receives a score of 95.1%. Located in Pasadena, California, Caltech is renowned for its strong emphasis on science and technology. The university has won 39 Nobel Prizes and is known for its high research output and competitive admissions.

Imperial College London

Imperial College scores 94.9%. This leading UK institution focuses on science, engineering, medicine, and business. It has approximately 15,000 students and 8,000 staff, with notable alumni including Nobel Prize winners like Sir Alexander Fleming.

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley has a score of 94.6%. As a prominent public research university in the US, Berkeley is known for its significant contributions to various fields, with faculty members who have won 19 Nobel Prizes.

Yale University

Yale scores 94.2%. Established in 1701, Yale is the third-oldest higher education institution in the US. It boasts a substantial endowment exceeding $25 billion and a library with over 15 million volumes, ranking it among the largest in the US.