Florida is the 22^nd Largest among the United States, spanning an area of 53,997 sq mi and water area of 11,761 sq mi. It acquired statehood on March 3, 1845. Florida is the 27^th state of the 50 United States of America. The Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León called the region La Florida, roughly translated as Land of the Flowers, when he visited it in 1513. Florida is nicknamed The Sunshine State. The state nickname reflects the economic importance of its climate, which has been called its most important natural resource.

Geography of Florida

Capital City: Tallahassee
Population & Density: As per the recent census, the population is above 17 million and its growing everyday. Population density is 296.4 persons per sq mi.
Largest cities: Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Saint Petersburg, Hialeah Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Tallahassee.
Neighbor States: Alabama,Georgia.
Natural Treasures: Stone - Agatized Coral, Gem - Moonstone.

State Facts:

Florida Motto: In God we trust
State Symbols: Bird - Mockingbird, animal - Panther, fish - Largemouth Bass, flower - Orange Blossom, tree-Sabal Palmetto Palm, Song- "The Swanee River (Old Folks at Home)" written by Stephen C. Foster.

Economy of Florida

Personal income per Capita - $21,557 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Citrus, vegetables, Nursery Stock, Cattle, Sugarcane, Dairy Products.
Industry - Tourism, Electric Equipment, Food Processing, Printing and Publishing, Transportation Equipment, Machinery.

History of Florida

In 1845, Florida becomes the 27^th state of United States of America. Florida grew immensely during the early 1900s. Railroads expanded to Key West in 1912, opening new land for development. Recently, Florida continues to be one of the fastest growing states in the country. The economy still depends greatly on tourism, but expanding industries in business and manufacturing are strengthening its growth potential.

On a white field emblazoned with a red X and the state seal, Florida's flag represents the land of sunshine, flowers, palm trees, rivers and lakes. The seal features a brilliant sun, a cabbage palmetto tree, a steamboat sailing and a Native American Seminole woman scattering flowers. Flag adopted 1899.

Famous people of Florida

Wallace Amos (1936-) Founder of Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookie Corporation, he was born in Tallahassee.
Jacqueline Cochran (1910-1980) Pilot who organized women pilots during World War II, he was born in Pensacola.
Gloria Estefan (1957-) Cuban singer and songwriter, he raised in Miami.
Steve "Lefty" Carlton (1944-) Baseball player, was born in Miami.

Interesting Facts about Florida

• St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States.
• Key West has the highest average temperature in the United States.
• The Florida Panther is the official state animal. The species is endangered, with only about 50 left in the wild.
• The world's first scheduled commercial airline flight occurred in Florida on January 1, 1914. The flight occurred between Tampa and St. Petersburg, and traversed Tampa Bay.