Carolinas

The Carolinas refers to the U.S. region that comprises the states of North Carolina and South Carolina on the Southeast Atlantic coast. The name Carolina derives from Carolus, the Latin form of Charles, in honor of King Charles I of England. The region extends from the Atlantic coast inland to the Appalachian Mountains, featuring the Lowcountry along the coast, the rolling Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain areas in the west. The climate is generally humid subtropical, with hotter summers and milder winters near the coast, becoming cooler and more variable in the mountains.

Historically, the area formed the Province of Carolina, granted in the 17th century and later divided into two separate colonies—North Carolina and South Carolina—in the early 18th century. Both states were among the original Thirteen Colonies and played roles in early American history, including the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The regional economy traditionally relied on plantation agriculture and enslaved labor, especially in the Lowcountry, but today it features a diversified mix of industries and services.

Major urban and economic centers include Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Durham in North Carolina, and Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. The Carolinas host finance, manufacturing, aerospace, technology, education, and tourism sectors. Notable features include the Research Triangle Park near Raleigh-Durham, the Charlotte metropolitan banking hub, and historic coastal cities such as Charleston. The combined population is roughly 15 million people, supported by a broad network of colleges and universities across both states.