Irvine is a master planned community in the Los Angeles metropolitan area of Orange County, California, United States. The Irvine Company began developing the area in the 1960s, and on December 28, 1971, the town was officially incorporated. The 66 square mile has a population of more than 220,000. A number of companies have their national or international headquarters in Irvine, especially in the technology and semiconductors sectors. Irvine is also home to many institutions of higher education.