If you have an idyllic image of the romantic old South, with heavy magnolia trees, coy southern belles and sweet, sweet tea, then Alabama – The Heart of Dixie – may be just the state for you. If you have a less than romantic idea of Alabama – also known as the Yellowhammer State for its state bird, which plays a small role in its Confederate history – then perhaps you should give the state a second look. Alabama is one of the more economically dynamic states of the South, and despite its history, it is a popular place to live for upwardly-mobile people of all races and ethnicities.
After World War II, Alabama really emerged as an economic powerhouse, with growth coming in many sectors. Alabama’s economy boasts a significant automotive industry, with Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes all having located assembly plants in the state. Higher education plays an important role in the economy as Alabama is home to over 30 four-year universities. Other industries include banking; healthcare; and aerospace. Alabama is home to a NASA flight center (and U.S. Space Camp) and the U.S. Army Missile Command. Further, Alabama has extensive natural resources in the form of coal. Alabama’s economy still has a large agricultural sector, and Mobile, on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, is a busy seaport.
The vibrant and varied economy supports a diverse populace of about 4.5 million people. Montgomery is the capitol of Alabama, and Birmingham is its largest city, with over a million people calling the metro area home. About 25% of its population is African American, and its Hispanic population is growing rapidly.
Alabama is known for its prominent place in the history of country and soul music. Musicians such as Hank Williams, Jr., The Temptations, Lionel Richie (and all the other Commodores), Wilson Pickett, Emmylou Harris, Jimmy Buffett, Nat King Cole and Alabama, not to mention American Idol favorites Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks and Bo Bice all hail from The Cotton State. Further, the Muscle Shoals area of Alabama is famous for its recording studios, where music luminaries Aretha Franklin, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Rolling Stones have all cut records. Alabama also has a wonderful state symphony-orchestra, but there is more to it than just music. Alabama hosts several festivals, including a Shakespeare festival, a hot air balloon classic, a PGA golf tournament and, of course, many music festivals. College football is a winning tradition in Alabama. Mobile, Alabama has been celebrating Mardi Gras longer than any other place in the Western Hemisphere – since 1703!
Alabama’s climate is generally considered tropical, but the uniformity of its balmy weather masks a stunning diversity in geography. Alabama sits on the Gulf Coast, so the southern part of the state features beautiful beaches and lush marshes. The Mississippi River serves as Alabama’s western border. Alabama’s central rolling plains give way to the Appalachian Mountains in the North, where the avid sportsman (or woman) can enjoy camping, hiking, backpacking and hunting. The Tennessee River cuts through the rugged northern terrain, making the area ideal for fishing and boating, too.
