Florida is the southernmost mainland US state, a peninsula bordered by the Atlantic and Gulf, famous for Walt Disney World, the Everglades wetlands, NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and a year-round warm climate.
Geography & climate
Florida lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 27.8°N, 81.7°W and falling within a warm temperate climate band. The state covers around 170,312 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 Florida all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Florida is Tallahassee, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Jacksonville, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 22M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Florida was admitted to the Union in 1845 as the 27th 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
Florida is nicknamed “The Sunshine State”, with the state motto In God We Trust. 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 Florida 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 Florida.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Florida 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 Florida can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | FL | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Tallahassee | — |
| Largest city | Jacksonville | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 22M | people |
| Area | 170,312 | km² |
| Statehood | 1845 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 27 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Sunshine State | — |
| Motto | In God We Trust | — |
| Latitude | 27.8 | degrees |
| Longitude | -81.7 | degrees |
Did you know?
Florida is the only US state with both a Caribbean coast and a Gulf of Mexico coast — and the only one where it is illegal to drive cattle in the rain.
