A state of the southeast U.S. bordering on the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina was admitted as one of the original 13 colonies in 1789. North Carolina's natural wonders are as diverse as any other state in the nation. From the warm, sandy beaches lining the Atlantic Ocean to the seemingly endless forests that roll over the western reaches of the state, there is plenty to see, do and enjoy when moving to North Carolina.

Origin of State's Name: Carolina is taken from the Latin word for Charles (Carolus), honoring King Charles I of England, who made the original land grant in 1629.

Capital City: Blessed with beautiful residential areas, expansive parks, and historic buildings, the city of Raleigh radiates Southern charm. Along with Durham and Chapel Hill, Raleigh is the largest city of an area in central North Carolina known as the Research Triangle.

Population: North Carolina is home to approximately 8.2 million residents.

Driving: Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, driver's manuals and testing locations can be found on the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

Agriculture and Industry: Major agriculture includes poultry and eggs, tobacco, hogs, milk, nursery stock, cattle and soybeans; Tobacco products, textile goods, chemical products, electric equipment, machinery and tourism are the state's leading industries.

State Bird: In 1943, North Carolina designated the northern cardinal as official state bird.

State Tree: The pine tree was designated as the official state tree of North Carolina in 1963. The state's nickname "Tar Heel State" originates from colonial production of tar, pitch, rosin and turpentine from the state's extensive pine forests.

State Flower: The blossom of the dogwood tree was designated as the official state flower of North Carolina in 1941.

State Song: Written by William Gaston, "The Old North State" is the official state song.