Life in Georgia

With an Area of 59,425 square miles the State of Georgia is ranked 24th in size among the 50 U.S states. It is the largest state east of the Mississippi River in terms of land area. The 2010 U.S. Census reported that in Georgia there are 9,687,653 residents. This makes the Peach State, the ninth most populous state, and according to studies it is one of the fastest-growing regions in the Country. The State capital. Atlanta, alone reports a population of over 5 million. Earning it the nickname the Empire State of the South.

Georgia's 2010 total gross state product was $403.1 billion. If Georgia were a stand-alone country, it would be the 28th largest economy in the world. There are 15 Fortune 500 companies and 26 Fortune 1000 companies with headquarters in Georgia, including such names as Home Depot, UPS, Coca Cola and Delta Air Lines.

People in Georgia can find medical and dental care through 151 general hospitals and more than 15,000 doctors. Transportation is overseen by the Georgia Department of Transportation, a part of the executive branch of the state government. Georgia's major Interstate Highways are I-75 and I-85. Major passenger railroad services are available in two Amtrak routes: the Crescent, which runs from New York to Washington, through the State of Georgia and Atlanta. The other runs from New York to the Georgia coast and from there to Florida. The primary airport is the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the world's busiest passenger airport. Other important commercial airports are located in Savannah (Hilton Head Intl.), Augusta, Athens, Macon, Columbus, Albany and Valdosta.

The State of Georgia has an official song and it is 'Georgia on My Mind' by Hoagy Carmichael, was originally written about a woman of that name. After Georgia native Ray Charles made it popular with his recording, the state legislature voted it the state song on April 24, 1979. Ray Charles sang it on the legislative floor when the bill was passed. The legislature's action was considered symbolic of the state's move away from racial segregation and racism, and a new embrace to a more open and progressive society, that preaches and practices tolerance.

Life in Georgia

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