Basic Information
Georgia, located in the southeastern United States, is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Capital
- Atlanta
Largest City
- Atlanta
Area
- 59,425 sq mi
Population
- 10,711,908 (2020)
Demographics
Georgia's population is diverse, with a mix of urban and rural communities and significant cultural influences.
Ethnic Composition
- White:57.8%
- African American:32.6%
- Hispanic:10.5%
- Asian:4.1%
- Native American:0.3%
Languages
- English:87.3%
- Spanish:8.5%
- Other:4.2%
Age Distribution
- Under 18:24.3%
- 18-64:61.9%
- 65+:13.8%
Population Growth
- Annual Rate:1.1%
- Natural Increase:70,000
- Migration:40,000
Economy
Georgia's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and the film industry.
GDP
- $650 billion (2022)
Major Industries
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
- Film and Television
- Technology
- Healthcare
Employment Rate
- Employed:96.0%
- Unemployment:4.0%
Major Companies
- Coca-Cola
- Delta Air Lines
- Home Depot
- UPS
- Aflac
- Southern Company
- Chick-fil-A
Key Ports
- Port of Savannah
- Port of Brunswick
Climate
Georgia has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Seasons
- Summer:Hot and humid (avg. 90°F)
- Winter:Mild (avg. 50°F)
- Spring/Fall:Warm
Rainfall
- 45-55 inches/year
Hurricanes
- Occasional impact from Atlantic hurricanes
Visiting Georgia
Georgia offers a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring/Fall:Mild temperatures and outdoor activities
- Summer:Festivals and events
Transportation
- Major Airports:Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Train Routes:Amtrak Crescent
- Highway System:Interstate 75, Interstate 85, Interstate 20
Accommodation
- Hotels:Various options in cities and resorts
- Bed & Breakfasts:Historic options in Savannah and other towns
- Average Hotel Rate:$120-$200/night
Tourist Information
- Visitor Centers:Located throughout the state
- Tourism Website:Explore Georgia
- Info Hotline:1-800-VISIT-GA
Popular Attractions
Georgia's attractions range from historical landmarks to natural wonders and cultural institutions.
Historical Sites
- Savannah Historic District
- Andersonville National Historic Site
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park
- Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
Museums & Culture
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- High Museum of Art
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Outdoor Attractions
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
- Stone Mountain Park
- Okefenokee Swamp
- Amicalola Falls State Park
Urban Attractions
- Downtown Atlanta
- Midtown Atlanta
- Savannah's River Street
- Athens' music scene
History
Georgia's history is marked by early Native American settlements, colonial development, and its role in the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement.
Early History
- Native American Tribes:Cherokee, Creek
- Spanish Exploration:16th century
- English Settlement:1733 (James Oglethorpe)
- Colonial Georgia:1732-1776
Colonial Era
- Trustee Colony:1732-1752
- Royal Colony:1752-1776
- American Revolution:Significant battles and events
19th Century
- Statehood:1788
- Antebellum Period:Growth of plantations and slavery
- Civil War:Major battles and Sherman's March to the Sea
- Reconstruction:Social and political changes
20th Century
- Industrialization:Growth of Atlanta and other cities
- Civil Rights Movement:Significant events and leaders
- World War II:Military bases and industrial contributions
- Modernization:Economic and social changes
Recent History
- Growth of Atlanta:Urban development and economic expansion
- Film Industry:Rise of "Y'allywood"
- Political Influence:Key role in national elections
- Environmental Conservation:Efforts to protect natural resources
State Symbols
Georgia has adopted various official state symbols that represent its natural and cultural heritage.
State Animals
-
State Bird:Brown Thrasher
-
State Fish:Largemouth Bass
-
State Insect:Honeybee
-
State Marine Mammal:Right Whale
State Plants
-
State Flower:Cherokee Rose
-
State Tree:Live Oak
-
State Fruit:Peach
-
State Vegetable:Vidalia Onion
Cultural Symbols
-
State Colors:Red, White, and Blue
-
State Song:"Georgia on My Mind"
-
State Motto:"Wisdom, Justice, Moderation"
Other Symbols
-
State Gemstone:Quartz
-
State Fossil:Shark Tooth
-
State Crop:Peanut
State Facts
Interesting and unique facts about Georgia that showcase its distinctive character and achievements.
Geographic Facts
-
Highest Point:Brasstown Bald (4,784 ft)
-
Longest River:Chattahoochee River
-
Largest Lake:Lake Lanier
-
Lowest Point:Sea level (along the coast)
Records & Rankings
- Largest state east of the Mississippi River
- Major hub for transportation and logistics
- Significant film and television industry
- Known for its agricultural products
Notable Firsts
- First public university chartered in the U.S. (University of Georgia)
- Significant role in the Civil Rights Movement
- Early development of peanut farming
Unique Features
- Diverse landscapes, including mountains, swamps, and coastlines
- Rich cultural heritage with Southern traditions
- Significant economic and political influence
- Home to major corporations and industries
Government & Politics
Georgia has a constitutionally mandated structure encompassing Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.
Governor
- Brian Kemp (as of 2023)
Legislature
- Bicameral:State Senate and House of Representatives
Political Trends
- Historically Democratic, shifting Republican trends
Key Political Issues
- Economic Development
- Education Funding
- Healthcare Access
- Voting Rights
Major Political Parties
- Republican Party
- Democratic Party
Electoral Votes
- 16
Time Zones
Georgia observes Eastern Time Zone (ET), with daylight saving time observed.
Standard Time
- Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC -5)
Daylight Saving
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC -4)
Education
Georgia has a public education system that includes K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities.
Major Public Systems
- University System of Georgia
- Technical College System of Georgia
- Atlanta Public Schools
Notable Private Institutions
- Emory University
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
- Mercer University
- Agnes Scott College
K-12 System
- Public school system with local control
Key Educational Initiatives
- STEM education focus
- Early childhood education programs
- Workforce development initiatives
Average Teacher Salary
- $58,000
Culture & Festivals
Georgia's cultural scene is rich with Southern traditions, music, and festivals celebrating its heritage.
Major Festivals
- Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade
- Atlanta Dogwood Festival
- Macon Cherry Blossom Festival
- Atlanta Film Festival
- Bragg Jam (Macon)
Music & Arts
- Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- High Museum of Art
- Fox Theatre
- Georgia O'Keeffe Museum (Savannah)
- Variety Playhouse (Atlanta)
- 40 Watt Club (Athens)
Cultural Influences
- Southern traditions and hospitality
- African American cultural heritage
- Music genres like blues, country, and hip-hop
- Film and television industry influences
Food & Drink
- Southern cuisine (fried chicken, barbecue, collard greens)
- Peach-based dishes
- Seafood along the coast
- Craft breweries and distilleries