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Georgia, the "Peach State" "Empire State of the South"

Abbreviation: GA

Georgia, founded in 1732, is one of the original 13 states. It was named in honor of England's King George II. Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi; the state's large size and thriving industries have given it one of its nicknames, the Empire State of the South. During the Civil War, the fall of Atlanta was a crucial turning point in the defeat of the South. Today, Atlanta, which became Georgia's capital in 1868, is a thriving city with major national corporations, and it is considered the economic and cultural center of the Southeast. The natural beauty and famous seaside resorts of Georgia are a major attraction for tourists. Many beautiful monuments and parks, including reminders of important Civil War battles and heroes, dot the Georgia countryside.

GOVERNMENT

Capital: Atlanta
Governor: Sonny Perdue, R (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: Saxby Chambliss, R (to Jan. 2009); Johnny Isakson, R (to Jan. 2005)
House of Representatives: 13 districts | Search by zip code

STATISTICS

Population (April 2000): 8,186,453; National Rank:10; Percent change since 1990:26.4% ; State Rank based on Percent Change: 6
Land Area: 57,919 sq mi. (150,010 sq km); National Rank: 24
10 largest cities (2000): Atlanta, 416,474; Augusta-Richmond County, 199,775; Columbus, 186,291; Savannah, 131,510; Athens-Clarke County, 101,489; Macon, 97,255; Roswell, 79,334; Albany, 76,939; Marietta, 58,748; Warner Robins, 48,804

ECONOMY

Total Gross State Product 2001 (millions of dollars): 299,874; National rank: 10; Percent change since 1990: 53%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 5 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $28,523; National Rank: 26 (94% of the national average)
State Exports 2002 (millions of dollars): 14,412; National Rank: 15
Agriculture: Poultry and eggs, peanuts, cattle, hogs, dairy products, vegetables.
Industry: Textiles and apparel, transportation equipment, food processing, paper products, chemical products, electric equipment, tourism.

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