Basic Information
Alabama, located in the southeastern United States, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.
Capital
- Montgomery
Largest City
- Huntsville
Area
- 52,420 sq mi
Population
- 5.03 million (2020)
Demographics
Alabama's population reflects a blend of cultures and ethnicities, with a significant African American presence.
Ethnic Composition
- White:68.3%
- African American:26.8%
- Hispanic:4.8%
- Asian:1.6%
Languages
- English:94.6%
- Spanish:3.7%
- Other:1.7%
Age Distribution
- Under 18:22.6%
- 18-64:61.2%
- 65+:16.2%
Population Growth
- Annual Rate:0.2%
- Natural Increase:15,000
- Migration:5,000
Economy
Alabama's economy is driven by diverse sectors, including manufacturing, aerospace, and agriculture.
GDP
- $251 billion (2022)
Major Industries
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Aerospace
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
Employment Rate
- Employed:95.3%
- Unemployment:4.7%
Major Companies
- Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
- Boeing
- Regions Financial Corporation
- Austal USA
Climate
Alabama has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, varying slightly across the state.
Northern Alabama
- Avg. Summer:89°F
- Avg. Winter:48°F
- Rainfall:55 inches/year
Central Alabama
- Avg. Summer:91°F
- Avg. Winter:50°F
- Rainfall:56 inches/year
Southern Alabama
- Avg. Summer:90°F
- Avg. Winter:52°F
- Rainfall:65 inches/year
Visiting Alabama
Alabama offers a variety of attractions, from historical sites to natural wonders, making it a diverse destination for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring:March-May
- Fall:September-November
- Peak Season:June-August
Transportation
- Major Airports:5
- Train Routes:Amtrak Crescent line
- Highway System:85,000 miles
Accommodation
- Hotels:5,000+
- Camping Sites:10,000+
- Average Hotel Rate:$120/night
Tourist Information
- Visitor Centers:15+
- Tourism Website:Alabama Tourism Department
- Info Hotline:1-800-ALABAMA
Popular Attractions
Alabama's attractions range from significant historical landmarks to beautiful natural landscapes.
Historical Sites
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park
- Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
- Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
Natural Landmarks
- Gulf Shores Beaches
- Cheaha State Park
- Little River Canyon National Preserve
- Cathedral Caverns State Park
Museums
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center
- Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
- McWane Science Center
- Alabama Museum of Natural History
Cities
- Huntsville
- Birmingham
- Mobile
- Montgomery
History
Alabama's history is marked by early Native American settlements, European colonization, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Early History
- Native Peoples:10,000+ years
- Spanish Arrival:1540
- French Settlement:1702
19th Century
- Territorial Status:1817
- Statehood:1819
- Civil War:1861-1865
20th Century
- Industrial Growth:Early 1900s
- Civil Rights Movement:1950s-1960s
- Space Program Development:1960s+
Recent History
- Economic Diversification
- Tourism Growth
- Cultural Preservation
State Symbols
Alabama has adopted various official state symbols that represent its natural and cultural heritage.
State Animals
-
State Animal:Black Bear
-
State Bird:Yellowhammer
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State Fish:Largemouth Bass
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State Insect:Monarch Butterfly
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State Marine Mammal:West Indian Manatee
State Plants
-
State Flower:Camellia
-
State Tree:Longleaf Pine
-
State Wildflower:Oak-Leaf Hydrangea
-
State Nut:Pecan
Cultural Symbols
-
State Colors:Crimson and White
-
State Song:"Alabama"
-
State Dance:Square Dance
-
State Motto:"Audemus jura nostra defendere" (We dare defend our rights)
Other Symbols
-
State Mineral:Bauxite
-
State Rock:Marble
-
State Fossil:Basilosaurus cetoides
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State Soil:Bama Soil
State Facts
Interesting and unique facts about Alabama that showcase its distinctive character and achievements.
Geographic Facts
-
Highest Point:Cheaha Mountain (2,407 ft)
-
Longest River:Alabama River (318 miles)
-
Largest Lake:Guntersville Lake
-
Coastline Length:60 miles
Records & Rankings
- Significant role in Civil Rights Movement
- Home to U.S. Space & Rocket Center
- Major automotive manufacturing hub
Notable Firsts
- First electric streetcar system in the U.S. (Montgomery)
- Birthplace of Helen Keller
- Significant role in early aviation history
Unique Features
- Rich musical heritage (blues, country)
- Diverse natural landscapes (beaches, mountains)
- Significant historical landmarks
Government & Politics
Alabama has a constitutionally mandated structure encompassing Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.
Governor
- Kay Ivey (as of 2021)
Legislature
- Bicameral:State Senate and House of Representatives
Political Trends
- Historically Republican in recent decades
Key Political Issues
- Education
- Healthcare
- Economic Development
- Social Issues
Time Zones
Alabama observes Central Time Zone (CT), with daylight saving time observed.
Standard Time
- Central Standard Time (CST, UTC -6)
Daylight Saving
- Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC -5)
Education
Alabama has a public education system that includes K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities.
Major Public Systems
- University of Alabama System
- Auburn University
- Alabama Community College System
Notable Private Institutions
- Samford University
- Birmingham-Southern College
- Spring Hill College
K-12 System
- Public school system with local control
Key Educational Initiatives
- Early childhood education programs
- Workforce development initiatives
- STEM education focus
Culture & Festivals
Alabama's cultural scene is rich with music, arts, and festivals celebrating its heritage.
Major Festivals
- Mardi Gras in Mobile
- Alabama Shakespeare Festival
- Hangout Music Festival
- W.C. Handy Music Festival
Music & Arts
- Alabama Music Hall of Fame
- Birmingham Museum of Art
- Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
- Various local art walks and events
Regional Traditions
- Southern hospitality
- Barbecue culture
- College football traditions
Sports & Teams
Alabama has a strong sports culture, particularly in college football, with significant local and national interest.
College Football
- University of Alabama Crimson Tide
- Auburn University Tigers
- Significant local college football rivalries
Minor League Teams
- Birmingham Barons (baseball)
- Huntsville Havoc (hockey)
- Montgomery Biscuits (baseball)
Notable Sporting Events
- Talladega Superspeedway races
- Regions Tradition (PGA Champions Tour)
- Various college sports events
Cuisine & Local Specialties
Alabama cuisine features southern comfort foods, fresh seafood, and barbecue.
Signature Dishes
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Shrimp and Grits
- Barbecue (various styles)
- Pecan Pie
Seafood
- Fresh Gulf seafood
- Oysters, shrimp, and fish dishes
Agricultural Products
- Pecans, Peaches, Cotton, Soybeans
- Various locally grown vegetables
Local Markets
- Farmers markets in major cities
- Local food festivals
Infrastructure
Alabama's infrastructure includes transportation networks, ports, and energy systems.
Highway System
- Extensive network of state and interstate highways
Public Transportation
- Limited public transit options
- Regional airports and Amtrak services
Major Ports
- Port of Mobile (significant for shipping)
- Inland waterway systems
Energy & Utilities
- Mix of coal, natural gas, and nuclear power
- Water and sewage systems managed by local governments
Notable Historical Figures
Alabama has produced many influential figures in history, arts, and sciences.
Historical Leaders
- Helen Keller (author, activist)
- George Washington Carver (scientist, inventor)
- Rosa Parks (civil rights activist)
Music & Arts
- Hank Williams (country music legend)
- Nat King Cole (jazz musician, singer)
- Harper Lee (author of "To Kill a Mockingbird")
Political Figures
- George Wallace (former Alabama governor)
- Condoleezza Rice (former U.S. Secretary of State)
- John Lewis (civil rights leader, U.S. Representative)
State Government Services
Alabama provides a range of public services through various state agencies.
Health Services
- Medicaid, All Kids program
Social Services
- Food assistance, welfare programs
Environmental Agencies
- Alabama Department of Environmental Management
Parks & Recreation
- State parks and recreational areas
- Wildlife management and conservation
Key Historical Documents & Landmarks
Historic documents and sites reflect Alabama's journey through statehood and significant historical events.
State Constitution
- Original 1819 Constitution
- Current constitution with amendments
Historical Sites
- Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
Archival Repositories
- Alabama Department of Archives and History
- University of Alabama Libraries
Environmental Initiatives
Alabama focuses on conservation and management of its natural resources.
Conservation Programs
- Wildlife management and protection
- State park preservation
Air and Water Quality
- Monitoring and regulation of emissions
- Water resource management
Natural Resource Management
- Forestry and agriculture practices
- Coastal management
Major Events & Conferences
Alabama hosts various events and conferences that highlight its culture and industries.
Music Events
- Hangout Music Festival
- W.C. Handy Music Festival
- Various local music festivals
Cultural Events
- Mardi Gras in Mobile
- Alabama Shakespeare Festival
- Local arts and crafts fairs
Sports Events
- Talladega Superspeedway races
- College football events
- Regions Tradition (PGA Champions Tour)
Trade Shows
- Various industry-specific conferences
- Agricultural and manufacturing expos