Alabama has 13 Metropolitan Statistical Areas that serve as home to prospering businesses, prestigious colleges and universities, nationally-renowned health centers and doctors, and an affordable housing market. There’s a reason why Alabama hospitality is legendary and our quality of life cannot be beaten.
As the 23rd-most populous state in the U.S., over 20 million people from across the world visit our state every year. But our lifeblood is our citizens—a culturally diverse group that knows how to get the job done when it’s time to work and enjoys life to the fullest when it’s time to relax.
Alabama boasts a geography that spans all different sorts—one of the most varied in the nation, in fact. From mountains and valleys to beaches and riverbanks, there’s a wealth of natural beauty on display when you need to get away. Total Area – 52,424 square miles; Highest point – 2,407 feet above sea level (Mt. Cheaha); 35,469 square miles of forest (71%); 1,776 square miles of water; 53 miles of coastline; 1,350 miles of navigable waterways.
Alabama as a destination state for students, scholars, friends and families is the perfect place to study, work and play. With a wide range of geography, the outdoors experience is uniquely diverse. Universities and colleges are located in almost every corner of the state offering students and their families the optimal level of choices to consider. With international airports in nearby Birmingham, AL, Atlanta, GA, and New Orleans, LA and flights from virtually all major U.S. airports of entry, Alabama is easily reached from virtually any part of the world.
State symbols are; Flower, Camellia. Bird, Yellowhammer. Song, “Alabama”. Tree, Southern Longleaf Pine.