Population: ~5.1 million (2023 estimate) — 24th most populous state
Area: 52,419 sq mi (135,765 km²) — 30th largest state
Flag of Alabama
Geography
Location: Located in the southeastern United States, Alabama is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west.
Major Landforms:
Gulf Coastal Plain: Includes fertile farmland and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
Appalachian Mountains: The northeast is part of this mountain range, offering picturesque scenery.
Black Belt Region: Historically fertile farmland with rich, dark soil.
Coastline: Alabama has 60 miles of Gulf Coast beaches, including Dauphin Island.
Climate: Humid subtropical, with hot summers, mild winters, and significant rainfall throughout the year.
Economy
GDP (2023): ~$250 billion
Major Industries:
Automotive Manufacturing: Home to plants for Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Honda.
Aerospace: NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is in Huntsville.
Agriculture: Major crops include cotton, peanuts, poultry, and catfish.
Steel Production: Birmingham is a hub for the steel industry.
Tourism: Civil rights landmarks, Gulf Coast beaches, and college football.
Major Companies: Regions Financial Corporation and Vulcan Materials Company are headquartered in Alabama.
Demographics
Diversity:
Ethnic Breakdown:
White: 64%
Black/African American: 27%
Hispanic/Latino: 5%
Other/Mixed: 4%
Languages: English is the predominant language, with Spanish also spoken.
Religions: Alabama is predominantly Christian, particularly Baptist, with small Catholic, Methodist, and other faith communities.
History
Pre-Statehood: Home to Native American tribes such as the Creek, Choctaw, and Cherokee.
Civil Rights Movement: Alabama was a focal point for the movement. Events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Selma to Montgomery marches, and the Birmingham Campaign were pivotal.
Civil War: Seceded from the Union in 1861 and was a key state in the Confederacy.
Industrialization: Birmingham, founded in 1871, grew rapidly as a center for iron and steel production.
Culture and Landmarks
Montgomery: The state capital, rich in civil rights history, including the Rosa Parks Museum and the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.
Birmingham: Known as the “Magic City,” it features the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Vulcan Park.
Huntsville: The “Rocket City” houses the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and NASA facilities.
Mobile: Known for its historic architecture and the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S.
Selma: The Edmund Pettus Bridge is a powerful symbol of the civil rights movement.
Gulf Shores: Pristine beaches and family-friendly attractions along the Gulf of Mexico.
Famous People from Alabama
Helen Keller: Activist and author, born in Tuscumbia.
Rosa Parks: Civil rights icon, lived in Montgomery.
Harper Lee: Author of To Kill a Mockingbird, born in Monroeville.
Nat King Cole: Legendary jazz musician, born in Montgomery.
Hank Williams: Country music pioneer, born in Mount Olive.
Condoleezza Rice: Former U.S. Secretary of State, born in Birmingham.
Fun Facts
Alabama introduced the first electric trolley system in the U.S. (Montgomery, 1886).
The state is often called the “Cradle of the Confederacy” and the “Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement.”
College football is a major cultural touchstone, with the University of Alabama and Auburn University having fierce rivalries.
Alabama is the largest producer of cast iron and steel pipe products in the U.S.
The first 911 call in the U.S. was made in Haleyville in 1968.
State Symbols
State Bird: Yellowhammer (Northern Flicker)
State Flower: Camellia
State Tree: Longleaf Pine
State Mammal: American Black Bear
State Insect: Monarch Butterfly
State Song:Alabama
Outdoor Activities
Beaches: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach attract thousands of visitors each year.
Hiking: Trails in Cheaha State Park, including Alabama’s highest point, Cheaha Mountain.
Fishing: Gulf Coast waters and the Tennessee River are popular spots.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Mobile-Tensaw Delta and Little River Canyon offer unique paddling experiences.
Hunting: Deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunting are popular in rural areas.
