Georgia's geography is attractive and diverse. The state's coastline offers spectacular beaches and barrier islands that have enthused travelers for centuries. Climb into the lush foothills and forests of
Georgia's mountains and breathe in the splendor of the Appalachians. Georgia also enjoys the variety of four seasons. Thanks to the mild Georgia climate, it is easy to take advantage of all this state has to offer year-round.
Origin of State's Name: Georgia was named for King George II of England (George Augustus, King of Great Britain and Ireland 1683-1760).
Capital City: The state's capital,
Atlanta, is a major Southern financial and cultural force and the focus of a metropolitan statistical area that covers more than 6,000 square miles and includes more than 110 municipalities. People from all over the country, joined by immigrants from other lands, have flocked to Atlanta's mild climate, physical beauty, and job opportunities. Offering Old South graciousness blended with an ambitious zest for expansion and dominance, Atlanta has assumed an important position in national and international commerce.
Population: Georgia's population is estimated at 8.2 million.
Driving: Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the
Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
Agriculture and Industry: Major industry in the state includes textiles and apparel, transportation equipment, food processing, paper products, chemical products, electric equipment and tourism. Poultry and eggs, peanuts, cattle, hogs, dairy products and vegetables, dominate state agriculture.
State Bird: The brown thrasher is Georgia's state bird.
State Tree: Georgia's state tree, the live oak, is a medium-sized tree that can grow to massive proportions. Open-grown trees develop a huge rounded crown. The largest crowns may be 150 feet across.
State Flower: In 1916, with the support of the Georgia Federation of Women's Clubs, the Cherokee rose was named the state.
State Song: Written by Stuart Gorrell, "Georgia on My Mind" is the official state's song of Georgia.