San Bernardino County is the largest county in the contiguous US by area (20,105 miČ). As of 2005 the population was 1,932,000 (12th in the country but only 4th in the state), largely located in its more populated southwestern portions. The county seat is San Bernardino. The County was formed in 1853 and the Franciscans gave the name San Bernardino to the snowcapped peak in southern California, in honor of the saint and it is from him that the county derives its name. San Bernardino County is one of the few counties in the US to border as many as 8 counties.