Alabama

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
• State Fish:

  Largemouth Bass
• State Insect:

  Monarch Butterfly
• 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
• 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