Although it has no official state nickname, Alabama is best known as "The Heart of Dixie," or sometimes "Sweet Home Alabama." With its focus on manufacturing and agriculture and its love of horses and hounds, Alabama is an excellent moving destination for people of all ages. Alabama was admitted to the Union in as the 22nd state in December of 1819. Its oldest city is Mobile, which was founded by French colonists.

Origin of state's name: "Alabama" was the name of a notable group of Native Americans who lived in what is now central Alabama. The name first appeared in the writings of the explorer Hernando de Soto in 1540, spelled "Alibamo." Other European spellings have included Alabama, Albama, Alebamon, Alibama, Alibamou, Alibamon, Alabamu, and Allibamou.

Capital city: The state capital of Alabama is Montgomery. The city was incorporated in 1819 and became the capital in 1846. For a brief period of time in 1861, Montgomery was the capital of the Confederacy, until the Confederate capital was moved to Richmond, Virginia. The city is located in the coastal plains of Alabama, near the Alabama River.

Population: As of 2009, the U.S. Census Board estimated the population of Alabama at a little more than 4,700,000 people.

Driving: Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the Alabama Motor Vehicle Division website.

Agriculture and Industry: The chief agricultural exports of Alabama are cotton, sweet potatoes, potatoes, greenhouse or nursery crops and other vegetables. Cattle, pigs and chickens are also important to the local economy. Alabama also has large reserves of coal, lignite, limestone, gravel, sand and clay. Other major exports include automotive parts, computers, organic chemicals and plastics. With all of these exciting opportunities, it's no wonder why Alabama moving companies are so busy.

State Bird: The Yellowhammer (or Northern Flicker) is the state bird of Alabama. It was adopted as the result of a nickname for Alabama soldiers in the American Civil War, some of whose uniforms had yellow trimming that reminded their comrades of the tail of the Yellowhammer.

State Tree: The Southern Longleaf Pine is the official state tree of Alabama. It is a tall, slender tree that can grow to a height of 150 feet.

State Flower: The Camellia is the state flower; it is usually a pink flower with bright yellow stamens.

State Song: The state song is "Alabama" whose music was written by Julia S. Tutweiler, and its lyrics were written by Edna Gockel Gussen.