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Alabama

Alabama
US State
NicknameYellowhammer State; Heart of Dixie; Cotton State
MottoAudemus jura nostra defendere (Latin)
Official languagesEnglish
Spoken languagesEnglish (96.17%)
Spanish (2.12%)
DemonymAlabamian
CapitalMontgomery
Largest cityBirmingham
212,237 (2010 census)
Largest metro areaGreater Birmingham Area
Area
Area Ranked30th
Total52419 sq mi 135765 km2
Width190 mi 305 km
Length330 mi 531 km
% water3.20
Population
Pop. Rank23rd
Total4,779,736 (2010)
4,447,100 (2000)
Elevation
Highest pointMount Cheaha
2413 ft 735.5 m
Mean500 ft 150 m
Lowest pointGulf of Mexico
0 ft 0 m
Other information
Admission to UnionDecember 14, 1819 (22nd)
GovernorRobert J. Bentley (R)
Lieutenant GovernorKay Ivey (R)
LegislatureAlabama Legislature
Upper houseSenate
Lower houseHouse of Representatives
U.S. SenatorsRichard Shelby (R)
Jeff Sessions (R)
U.S. House delegation6 Republicans, 1 Democrat
Timezone
Time zoneCentral: UTC-6/DST-5

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Alabama c-enaudio=en-us-Alabama.oggˌæləˈbæmə is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It 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. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland waterways. The state ranks 23rd in population with 4.7 million residents in 2009.

From the American Civil War until World War II, Alabama, like many Southern states, suffered economic hardship, in part because of continued dependence on agriculture. Despite the growth of major industries and urban centers, white rural interests dominated the state legislature until the 1960s, while urban interests and African Americans were under-represented. Following World War II, Alabama experienced growth as the economy of the state transitioned from agriculture to diversified interests in heavy manufacturing, mineral extraction, education, and technology. In addition, the establishment or expansion of multiple military installations, primarily those of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, added to state jobs.

Alabama is unofficially nicknamed the Yellowhammer State, after the state bird. Alabama is also known as the "Heart of Dixie". The state tree is the Longleaf Pine, the state flower is the Camellia. The capital of Alabama is Montgomery. The largest city by population is Birmingham. The largest city by total land area is Huntsville. The oldest city is Mobile, founded by French colonists.


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