Georgia is the largest US state east of the usa-state/mississippi/" data-it-autolink="1">Mississippi River, with the world's busiest passenger airport in Atlanta, the historic city of Savannah, and the Appalachian Mountains in the north.
Geography & climate
Georgia lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 33°N, 83.5°W and falling within a warm temperate climate band. The state covers around 153,910 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 Georgia all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Georgia is Atlanta, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Atlanta, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 11M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Georgia was admitted to the Union in 1788 as the 4th 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
Georgia is nicknamed “The Peach State”, with the state motto Wisdom, justice, moderation. 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 Georgia 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 Georgia.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Georgia 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 Georgia can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | GA | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Atlanta | — |
| Largest city | Atlanta | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 11M | people |
| Area | 153,910 | km² |
| Statehood | 1788 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 4 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Peach State | — |
| Motto | Wisdom, justice, moderation | — |
| Latitude | 33 | degrees |
| Longitude | -83.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
Georgia produces more peaches than any state, but Atlanta's airport (ATL) handles more passengers per year than any other airport in the world.
