Alabama

Alabama is a state in the southeastern United States, bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida to the south, Mississippi to the west, and the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay to the southwest. The capital is Montgomery, and the largest city by population is Birmingham. The state covers a range of environments, from Gulf Coast beaches and wetlands to the Appalachian foothills in the northeast, with major waterways including the Tennessee River and Mobile Bay. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters.

Alabama was admitted to statehood on December 14, 1819, as the 22nd state. It was part of the Confederacy during the Civil War. In the 20th century, the state played a central role in the American civil rights movement, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955–1956 and the 1963 Birmingham campaign; the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches were pivotal in the passage of federal voting rights legislation.

The economy of Alabama is diverse, with aerospace, automotive manufacturing, steel and chemical industries, agriculture, and services contributing significantly. The Port of Mobile is a major hub for trade. Huntsville hosts NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and a cluster of defense and technology firms. Higher education is anchored by the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and Auburn University in Auburn, along with several other public and private institutions.

State symbols include the Yellowhammer as the state bird, Camellia as the state flower, and the longleaf pine as the state tree. The state motto is We Dare Defend Our Rights, and the flag features a red St. Andrew’s cross on a white field. Alabama has a rich cultural heritage in civil rights history, music, and college athletics.