Alabama is a Deep South state on the Gulf of Mexico, central to the Civil Rights Movement (Selma, Montgomery, Birmingham) and home to the Marshall Space Flight Center where the Saturn V rocket was developed.
Geography & climate
Alabama lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 32.8°N, 86.8°W and falling within a warm temperate climate band. The state covers around 135,767 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Alabama all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Alabama is Montgomery, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Huntsville, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 5M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Alabama was admitted to the Union in 1819 as the 22nd state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
Alabama is nicknamed “Yellowhammer State”, with the state motto Audemus jura nostra defendere (We dare maintain our rights). The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Alabama is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Alabama.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Alabama offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Alabama can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | AL | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Montgomery | — |
| Largest city | Huntsville | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 5M | people |
| Area | 135,767 | km² |
| Statehood | 1819 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 22 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | Yellowhammer State | — |
| Motto | Audemus jura nostra defendere (We dare maintain our rights) | — |
| Latitude | 32.8 | degrees |
| Longitude | -86.8 | degrees |
Did you know?
NASA's Saturn V rocket — which sent humans to the Moon — was designed and built in Huntsville, Alabama, earning the city the nickname 'Rocket City'.
