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{{Infobox U.S. state
|Name = Georgia
|Fullname = State of Georgia
|Flag = Flag of Georgia (U.S. state).svg
|Flaglink = ]
|Seal = Seal_of_Georgia.svg
|Seallink = ]
|Map = Map of USA GA.svg
|Nickname = Peach State;<br>Empire State of the South
|Motto = Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation
|Former = Province of Georgia
|Song = "]"rEVERT THIS ALREADY!
|Tree = Live Oak
|Demonym = Georgian
|Capital = ]
|LargestCity = ]
|LargestMetro = ]
|Governor = ] (])
|Lieutenant Governor = ] (R)
|Senators = ] (R)<br/>] (R)
|Representative=7 Republicans, 6 Democrats
|PostalAbbreviation = GA
|OfficialLang = English
|AreaRank = 24th
|TotalAreaUS = 59,425
|TotalArea = 153,909
|LandAreaUS = 57,906
|LandArea = 149,976
|WaterAreaUS = 1,519
|WaterArea = 3,933
|PCWater = 2.6
|PopRank = 9th
|2000Pop (old) = 8,186,453
|2000Pop = 9,685,744 (2008 est.)<ref name=08CenEst>{{cite web | title = Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2008 | publisher = United States Census Bureau | accessdate = 2009-02-01 | url = http://www.census.gov/popest/states/tables/NST-EST2008-01.csv}}</ref> <br> 8,186,453 (2000)
|Population = 9,685,744
|DensityRank = 18th
|2000DensityUS = 141.4
|2000Density = 54.59
|MedianHouseholdIncome = $43,217
|IncomeRank = 28th
|AdmittanceOrder = 4th
|AdmittanceDate = January 2, 1788
|TimeZone = ]: ]-5/]
|Latitude = 30.356 - 34.985° N
|Longitude = 80.840 - 85.605° W
|WidthUS = 230
|Width = 370
|LengthUS = 298
|Length = 480
|HighestPoint = ]<ref name="usgs">{{cite web |date=29 April 2005 |url=http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html#Highest |title=Elevations and Distances in the United States |publisher=U.S Geological Survey |dateformat=mdy |accessdate=November 3 2006}}</ref>
|HighestElevUS = 4,784
|HighestElev = 1,458
|MeanElevUS = 591
|MeanElev = 180
|LowestPoint = ]<ref name="usgs"/>
|LowestElevUS = 0
|LowestElev = 0
|ISOCode = US-GA
|Website = www.georgia.gov
}}
'''Georgia''' ({{Audio-IPA|en-us-Georgia.ogg|/ˈdʒɔrdʒə/}}) is a ] in the ]. One of the original ] that revolted against ] rule in the ], it had been the last of the Thirteen Colonies to be established, in 1733. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the ], on January 2, 1788. It declared its secession from the Union on January 21, 1861 and was one of the original seven ]. It was the last state to be restored to the Union, on July 15, 1870. With an estimated 9,685,744 residents as of July 1, 2008, Georgia is the ninth most populous state.<ref name=08CenEst/> From 2007 to 2008, 14 of ] ranked among the nation's 100 fastest-growing, second only to ].<ref>http://www.times-herald.com/Local/Coweta-is-the-41st-fastest-growing-county-in-United-States-690912</ref> Georgia is known as the ''Peach State'' and the ''Empire State of the South''. ] is the capital and the most populous city.

Georgia is bordered on the south by ]; on the east by the ] and ]; on the west by ] and by Florida in the extreme southwest; and on the north by ] and ]. The northern part of the state is in the ], a ] in the vast ] system. The central ] extends from the ] to the ], where the rivers cascade down in elevation to the continental ] of the southern part of the state. The highest point in Georgia is ], 4,784&nbsp;feet (1,458&nbsp;m); the lowest point is ].

With an area of 59,424&nbsp;square miles (153,909&nbsp;km²), Georgia is ranked 24th in size among the 50 U.S. states. Georgia is the largest state east of the ] in terms of land area, although it is the fourth largest (after ], Florida, and ]) in total area, a term which includes expanses of water claimed as state territory.<ref>, accessed December 26, 2006</ref>

== Geography ==
{{Main|Geography of Georgia (U.S. state)}}
{{More footnotes|date=February 2009}}

===Boundaries===
''Beginning'' from the Atlantic Ocean, the state's eastern border with South Carolina runs up the ], northwest to its origin at the ] of the ] and ] rivers. It then continues up the Tugaloo (originally Tugalo) and into the Michael River, its most significant ]. These bounds were decided in the 1787 Treaty of Mexico, and tested in the ] in the two ''Georgia v. South Carolina'' cases in 1922 and 1989.

The border then takes a sharp turn around the tip of ], at ], though from this point it diverges slightly south (due to inaccuracies in the original survey). This originally was the Georgia and North Carolina border all the way back to the Mississippi River, until Tennessee was divided from North Carolina, and Alabama and ] (the ]) were taken from Georgia.

The state's western border then departs in another straight line south-southeastward, at a point southwest of ], to meet the westernmost point of the ] near ]. It continues down to the point where it ends at the ] (the confluence of the two forming Florida's ]), and goes almost due east and very slightly south, in a straight line to the origin of the ], which then forms the remainder of the boundary back to the ocean.

It should be noted that the water boundaries are still set to be the original ] of the rivers. Since then, several have been inundated by lakes created by dams, including the ] point now under ]. Many people used the Savannah River in the colonial days to move from place to place.

Georgia state legislators had claimed that the state's border with Tennessee had been erroneously placed one mile (1.6&nbsp;km) further south than intended in an 1818 survey, and proposed that the border should be corrected. This would allow Georgia, in the midst of a significant ], to access water from the ].<ref> ''Los Angeles Times''.</ref>

===Geology and terrain===
]
{{Main|Geology of Georgia (U.S. state)}}

Each region has its own pair of distinctive characteristics. For instance the Ridge and Valley, which lies in the northwest corner of the state, includes limestone, sandstone, shale and other sedimentary rocks, which have yielded construction-grade limestone, barite, ocher and small amounts of coal.

=== Flora and fauna ===
{{Main|Ecology of Georgia (U.S. state)}}
Georgia has a diverse mix of flora and fauna. The State of Georgia has approximately 250 tree species and 58 protected plants. Georgia's native trees include ], a variety of pines, oaks, maples, ], ] and scaly-bark and white ], as well as many others. ]s and other subtropical flora are found in the southern and coastal regions. ], and ] make up just a few of the flowering shrubs in the state.

Regarding fauna, white-tailed (Virginia) deer can be found in nearly all counties. The ] and ] are just two of the 160 bird species that can be found in the state. The ], ], and ] as well as ], ], ] and ] are among 79 species of reptile and 63 amphibians that make Georgia their home. The most popular freshwater game fish are ], ], ], and ], all but the last of which are produced in state hatcheries for restocking. Popular saltwater game fish include ], ], ], and ], among many others. ]s, ], ], ]s, and ]s are found inshore and offshore of the Georgia coast.<ref>, accessed February 3, 2007</ref>

===Climate===
{{Main|Climate of Georgia (U.S. state)}}:)
]
The majority of Georgia is primarily a ] tempered somewhat by occasional polar air masses in the winter. Hot and humid summers are typical, except at the highest elevations. The entire state, including the ], receives moderate to heavy precipitation, which varies from 45 inches (1143&nbsp;mm) in central Georgia<ref> ''The Weather Channel''.</ref> to approximately 75 inches (1905&nbsp;mm) around the Northeast part of the state.<ref> ''The Weather Channel''.</ref> The degree to which the weather of a certain region of Georgia is subtropical depends not just on the latitude, but also on how close it is to the Atlantic Ocean or ] and the elevation. This is especially true in the mountainous
areas in the northern part of the state, which are further away from the ocean and can be up to 4500 feet (1350 m) or higher above sea level.

The areas near the Florida/Georgia border, extending from the entire Georgia coastline west to the Florida panhandle, experiences the most subtropical weather, similar to that of Florida: hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and mild, somewhat drier winters. These areas experience snow much less frequently than other parts of Georgia. The Georgia Piedmont is somewhat cooler in winter than the coastal areas. The southern areas of the Piedmont may receive snow every other year, while areas close to the foothills get snow several times a year. This part of Georgia is especially vulnerable to ]. The mountains of Georgia have the coolest climate and most frequent snowfall in the state.
Despite having moderate weather compared to many other states, Georgia has occasional extreme weather.<!-- so do 48 other states; I'd get rid of that --> The highest temperature ever recorded is 112 °F (44.4 °C),<ref> ''USA Today, last updated August 2006''.</ref> while the lowest ever recorded is -17 °F (-27.2 °C).<ref> ''USA Today, last updated August 2006''</ref> Georgia is one of the leading states in occurrences of tornadoes, though they rarely are stronger than ]. A tornado hit downtown Atlanta on Friday, 14 March 2008 causing moderate to severe damage due to all the broken glass on the skyscrapers. The SEC basketball tournament and a few conventions were ongoing at the time of impact and some injuries occurred due to the amount of people downtown. As it is on the Atlantic coast, Georgia is also vulnerable to ]s, although direct hurricane strikes were rare during the ]. However, historical evidence suggests that direct strikes are more common than realized. Georgia often is affected by hurricanes which strike the Florida panhandle, weaken over land, and bring strong ] winds and heavy rain to the Georgia interior, as well as hurricanes that come close to the Georgia coastline, brushing the coast on their ] on the way up to hit ].

In 2006 and 2007, however, Georgia had severe droughts. Temperatures over 100 degrees have been recorded.
{| class="wikitable" "text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|
| colspan="13" style="text-align:center;font-size:120%;background:#E8EAFA;"|Monthly average daily high and low temperatures for major Georgia cities
|- style="background: #E5AFAA;text-align:center;"
! City
! Jan
! Feb
! Mar
! Apr
! May
! Jun
! Jul
! Aug
! Sep
! Oct
! Nov
! Dec
|- style="background: #F8F3CA;text-align:center;"
! Athens
| 51/11<br>33/1
| 56/13<br>35/2
| 65/18<br>42/6
| 73/23<br>49/9
| 80/27<br>58/14
| 87/31<br>65/18
| 90/32<br>69/21
| 88/31<br>68/20
| 82/28<br>63/17
| 73/23<br>51/11
| 63/17<br>42/6
| 54/12<br>35/2
|- style="background: #C5DFE1;text-align:center;"
! Atlanta
| 52/11<br>34/1
| 57/14<br>36/2
| 65/18<br>44/7
| 73/23<br>50/10
| 80/27<br>60/16
| 86/30<br>67/19
| 89/32<br>71/22
| 88/31<br>70/21
| 82/28<br>64/18
| 73/23<br>53/12
| 63/17<br>44/7
| 55/13<br>36/2
|- style="background: #F8F3CA;text-slide:center;"
! Augusta
| 56/13<br>33/1
| 61/16<br>36/4
| 69/21<br>42/6
| 77/25<br>48/9
| 84/29<br>57/14
| 90/32<br>65/18
| 92/33<br>70/21
| 90/32<br>68/20
| 85/29<br>62/17
| 76/24<br>50/10
| 68/20<br>41/5
| 59/15<br>35/2
|- style="background: #C5DFE1;text-align:center;"
! Columbus
| 57/14<br>37/3
| 62/17<br>39/4
| 69/21<br>46/8
| 76/24<br>52/11
| 83/28<br>61/16
| 90/32<br>69/21
| 92/33<br>72/22
| 91/32<br>72/22
| 86/30<br>66/19
| 77/25<br>54/12
| 68/20<br>46/8
| 59/15<br>39/4
|- style="background: #F8F3CA;text-align:center;"
! Macon
| 57/14<br>34/1
| 61/16<br>37/3
| 68/20<br>44/7
| 76/24<br>50/10
| 83/28<br>59/15
| 90/32<br>67/19
| 92/33<br>70/21
| 90/32<br>70/21
| 85/29<br>64/18
| 77/25<br>51/11
| 68/20<br>42/6
| 59/15<br>36/2
|- style="background: #C5DFE1;text-align:center;"
! Savannah
| 60/16<br>38/3
| 64/18<br>41/5
| 71/22<br>48/9
| 78/26<br>53/12
| 84/29<br>61/16
| 90/32<br>68/20
| 92/33<br>72/22
| 90/32<br>71/22
| 86/30<br>67/19
| 78/26<br>56/13
| 70/21<br>47/8
| 63/17<br>40/4
|-
| colspan="13" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;background:#E8EAFA;"|''Temperatures are given in ]/] format, with highs on top of lows.<ref></ref>''
|}

===Protected lands===
{{Main|Protected areas of Georgia (U.S. state)}}
Georgia is home to 63 parks, 48 of which are state parks and 15 that are historic sites, and numerous state wildlife preserves, under the supervision of the ].<ref>, accessed May 13, 2007</ref> Other historic sites and parks are supervised by the ] and include the ] in ]; ]; ] near ]; ] at ]; ] near ]; ] on ]; ] in ]; ] near ]; ] near ]; ] in Atlanta; ] at ]; ].Okefeenokee Swamp]<ref>, accessed May 13, 2007</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of Georgia (U.S. state)}}
{{More footnotes|date=February 2009}}

===Early history===

] Native Americans meet with the Trustee of the colony of Georgia in England, July 1734, Notice the Native American boy (in a blue coat) and woman (in a red dress) in European clothing.]]

The local ] culture, described by ] in 1540, completely disappeared by 1560. Early on, in the course of European exploration of the area, a number of ] explorers visited the ] region of Georgia.

The conflict between ] and ] over control of Georgia began in earnest in about 1670, when the English founded the ] colony in present-day South Carolina. Nearly a century earlier, the Spanish of ] had established the missionary provinces of ] and ] on the coast and ] of present-day Georgia. After decades of fighting, the Carolinians and allied Indians permanently destroyed the Spanish mission system during the invasions of 1702 and 1704. After 1704, Spanish control was limited to ] and ], both in present-day Florida. The Florida peninsula was subjected to raids as far as the ]. The coast of Georgia was occupied by now ]-allied Indians such as the ] until the ] of 1715-1717, after which the region was depopulated, opening up the possibility of a new British
colony. In 1724, it was first suggested the British colony there be called ] in honor of King ].

British interest in establishing a colony below South Carolina came from varied sources. ] was a threat to South Carolina and a haven for runaway slaves. The ] in the 1720s established a ] near present-day ], also a threat to British interests in the region. Traders from ], had established ]s as far west as the ], near present-day ]. The British trading network kept the ] allied with them; the French move threatened to wrest these Indians' trade away from the British. These strategic interests made the British government interested in establishing a new colony that would reinforce the British influence in the border country that had been open to Spanish and French penetration.

Meanwhile, many members of the ] had become concerned about the plight of England's debtors. A parliamentary committee investigated and reported on conditions in Britain's debtor prisons. A group of ]s organized themselves to establish a colony where the "worthy poor" of England could reestablish themselves as productive citizens. This goal was seen as both philanthropic, helping these distressed people, and patriotic, simultaneously relieving Britain of the burden of the imprisoned debtors and augmenting Britain's vital mercantile empire by planting new, industrious subjects to strengthen her trade. This goal went unfulfilled as Georgia was ultimately not settled by debtors or convicts.

In 1732, a group of these philanthropists were granted a royal charter as the Trustees of the Province of Georgia. They carefully selected the first group of colonists to send to the new colony. On 12 February 1733, 113 settlers aboard the ''Anne'' landed at what was to become the city of ]. This day is now known as ], which is not a ] but is observed in schools and by some local ]s. ], one of the trustees of the colony, traveled with the first group of colonists, laid out the design of the town of Savannah, and acted as governor of the colony, although technically under the trustees there was no "governor." Oglethorpe acted as the only trustee present in the colony. When he returned to Britain, a series of disputes ended his tenure governing the colony; Georgia was then led by a series of presidents named by the trustees.

At the time Georgia was founded in 1732, the number of non-English immigrants to the colonies was at an all time high. Although religious toleration was not valued in itself, the pragmatic need to attract settlers led to broad religious freedoms. South Carolina wanted German ], Scottish ], ], French ] and ], whom they valued as a counter to the French and Spanish Catholic and absolutist presence to the south. When the Moravians turned out to be pacifists who refused to serve in the colonial defense, they were expelled in 1738. Catholics were denied the right to own property. Jewish immigrants fleeing the ], which was being carried out by the Spanish colonies in the New World, were allowed in after some debate, owing to the leadership of James Oglethorpe. In 1733, over forty Jews fleeing persecution arrived in Savannah, the largest such group to enter an American colony up to that time. Among them was ],
who was the first doctor in Georgia. He immediately showed his value as a citizen by playing an invaluable role in curbing an epidemic that had already killed scores of settlers, and was credited with saving the colony by General Oglethorpe.<ref>Patricia U. Bonomi, “Under the Cope of Heaven. Religion, Society and Politics in Colonial America”, Oxford University Press, 1986, p 32-33 </ref>
In 1752, after the government failed to renew subsidies that had helped support the colony, the Trustees turned over control to the ]. Georgia became a ], with a governor appointed by the British king.<ref></ref> However, even after Georgia eventually became a royal colony (1752), there were so many dissenters (Protestants of minority denominations, that is, non-Anglican) that the establishment of the Church of England was successfully resisted until 1752. These ] were the mainstay of the Revolutionary movement, culminating in the War for Independence from Britain, through the patriotic and anti-authoritarian sermons of their ministers, and the use of the churches to organize rebellion. Whereas the ] tended to preach stability and loyalty to the Crown, other Protestant sects preached heavily from the ] and
emphasized freedom and equality of all men before God, as well as the moral responsibility to rebel against tyrants.<ref>Patricia U. Bonomi, “Under the Cope of Heaven. Religion, Society and Politics in Colonial America”, Oxford University Press, Chapter 7 'Religion and the American Revolution'</ref>

] was one of the ] that revolted against ] rule in the ] by signing the 1776 ], despite a large population of people loyal to the crown. Since Georgia was a relatively new colony at the time compared to the other twelve colonies, Georgia was not as active in the war. Also, the Georgian militia was not fully developed, which led to the capture of ] by British forces in December of 1778. American forces under the command of ] combined with French forces under the command of ] to lay ] to ] in 1779. The attempt was incredibly unsuccessful, and ] remained in British hands until the end of the war. During the war, nearly one-third of the slaves, more than 5,000 enslaved African Americans, exercised their desire for independence by escaping and joining British forces, where they were promised freedom. Some went to Great Britain or the Caribbean; others were resettled in Canada provinces.<ref></ref> Other estimates show an even greater impact from the war, when slaves escaped during the disruption. "The sharp decline between 1770 and 1790 in the proportion of the population made up of blacks (almost all of whom were slaves) from 45.2 percent to 36.1 percent in Georgia."<ref>Peter
Kolchin, ''American Slavery: 1619-1877'', New York: Hill and Wang, 1994, p. 73</ref>

Following the war, Georgia became the fourth state of the ] after ratifying the ] on 2 January 1788. Georgia established its first state constitution in 1777. The state established new constitutions in 1788, 1799, 1861, 1865, 1868, 1877, 1945, 1976, and 1983, for a total of 10 &mdash; more constitutions than any other state, except for Louisiana, which has had 11.

In 1829, gold was discovered in the north Georgia mountains, resulting in the ], the first ] in U.S. history. A Federal mint was established in ] and continued to operate until 1861. An influx of white settlers pressured the U.S. government to take the land away from the ] Indians, who operated their own government with a written constitution, and did not recognize the authority of the state of Georgia.

The dispute culminated in the ] of 1830, under which all eastern tribes were sent west to ] in present-day Oklahoma. In ], the Supreme Court in 1832 ruled that states were not permitted to redraw the boundaries of Indian lands, but President ] and the state of Georgia ignored the ruling. In 1838, his successor, ] dispatched federal troops to round up the Cherokee and deport them west of the ]. This forced relocation, known as the ] led to the death of over 4,000 Cherokees.

===Confederate history===
{{Main|Georgia in the American Civil War}}
On January 18, 1861, Georgia joined the ] and became a major ] of the ]. Major battles took place at ], ], and ]. In December 1864, a large swath of the state from Atlanta to Savannah was destroyed during General ]'s ]. This event served as the historical background for the 1936 novel '']'' and the ] of the same name. On July 15, 1870, following ], Georgia became the last former Confederate state to be reseated in Congress and restored to the ]. On April 29, 2009, ] ] signed into law a bill that will make April Confederate History and Heritage month in the state.<ref>http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/10742</ref>

===Capitals===

Georgia has had five official ]: colonial ], which later alternated with ]; then for a decade at ] (pronounced Lewis-ville); and from 1806 through 1868, including during the ], at ]. In 1868, the capital was moved to the new city of Atlanta &mdash; one with a better access by ] &mdash; and it became the fifth capital city of the state. It remains so to the present. The ] also met at some other temporary sites, including ], especially during the turmoil of the War.

== Cities ==
]]]
]]]
]]]
]]]
]]]
{{See also|Georgia census statistical areas}}

On July 1, 2009, the US Census Bureau released 2008 estimates for Georgia's twelve cities with populations above 50,000. The list follows.

===Most populous cities===
*]: 537,958 residents
*]: 194,149 residents
*]: 186,984 residents
*]: 132,410 residents
*]: 113,398 residents
*]: 92,775 residents
*]: 87,657 residents
*]: 82,674 residents
*]: 75,831 residents
*]: 67,021 residents
*]: 61,336 residents
*]: 59,431 residents

On July 1, 2009, the US Census Bureau also released 2008 estimates for Georgia's twenty ]s and ]s with populations above 50,000. In descending order, they are ] (5,376,285), ] (534,218), ] (334,353), ] (287,653), ] (230,777), ] (189,264), ] (184,814), ] (164,919), ] (134,043), ] (133,348), ] (133,161), ] (102,850), ] (95,980), ] (69,943), ] (67,761), ] (64,233), ] (57,396), ] (56,156), ] (54,006), and ] (52,800).<ref> Accessed February 1, 2008.</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{USCensusPop
|1790 = 82548
|1800 = 162686
|1810 = 251407
|1820 = 340989
|1830 = 516823
|1840 = 691392
|1850 = 906185
|1860 = 1057286
|1870 = 1184109
|1880 = 1542181
|1890 = 1837353
|1900 = 2216331
|1910 = 2609121
|1920 = 2895832
|1930 = 2908506
|1940 = 3123723
|1950 = 3444578
|1960 = 3943116
|1970 = 4589575
|1980 = 5463105
|1990 = 6478216
|2000 = 8186453
|estyear = 2008<ref name=08CenEst/>
|estimate = 9685744
}}
In 2007, Georgia had an estimated population of 9,544,750 which was an increase of 180,809 from the previous year, and an increase of 1,177,125 since 2000. This includes a natural increase since the last census of 438,939 people (that is 849,414 births minus 410,475 deaths) and an increase from net migration of 606,673 people into the state. Immigration from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 228,415 people, and migration within the country produced a net increase of 378,258 people.

]

===Race, language, and age===
{{US Demographics|state=Georgia}}

According to the U.S. census, Georgia's population is as follows: 65% ], 30% ], 2.8% ], 1.2% ], 0.7% ] or ], and 0.1% ] or ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-ds_name=ACS_2007_1YR_G00_&-CONTEXT=dt&-mt_name=ACS_2007_1YR_G2000_B02001&-redoLog=true&-geo_id=04000US13&-format=&-_lang=en&-SubjectID=15233315 |title=B02001. RACE - Universe: TOTAL POPULATION |work=2007 American Community Survey |accessdate=2008-09-26 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau}}</ref> Additionally, 7% are of ] or ] descent (of any race).<ref>http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13000.html</ref>

As of 2005, 90% of Georgia residents age 5 and older speak only English at home and 5.6% speak ]. ] is the third most spoken language at 0.9%, followed by ] at 0.8% and ] at 0.6%. As of 2004, 7.7% of its population was reported as under 5 years of age, 26.4% under 18, and 9.6% were 65 or older. Also as of 2004, females made up approximately 50.6% of the population and African Americans made up approximately 29.6%.

Historically, about half of Georgia's population was composed of African Americans who, prior to the Civil War, were almost exclusively enslaved. The ] of hundreds of thousands of blacks from the rural South to the industrial North from 1914-1970 reduced the African American population. This population has since increased, with some African Americans returning to the state for new job opportunities.<ref>, accessed 19 May 2008</ref> Today, African Americans remain the most populous race in many rural counties in middle, east-central, southwestern, and Low Country Georgia, as well as in the city of Atlanta and its southern suburbs. According to census estimates, Georgia ranks third among the states in terms of the percent of the total population that is African American (after ] and ]) and third in numerical Black population after ] and ]. Georgia was the state with the largest numerical increase in the black population from 2006 to 2007 with 84,000.<ref></ref>

Georgia is the state with the third-lowest percentage of older people (65 or older), at 9.9 percent.<ref></ref>

The colonial settlement of large numbers of ]s in the mountains and piedmont, and coastal settlement by ]s and African Americans, have strongly influenced the state's culture in food, language and music.

The concentration of Africans imported to coastal areas in the 18th century repeatedly from rice growing regions of West Africa led to the development of ] language and culture in the Low Country among African Americans. They share a unique heritage in which African traditions of food, religion and culture were continued more than in some other areas. In the creolization of Southern culture, their foodways became an integral part of all Southern cooking in the Low Country.<ref>, </ref>

===Religion===
Like most other Southern states, Georgia is largely Protestant Christian. The religious affiliations of the people of Georgia are as follows:<ref></ref>

*]: 70%
**]: 24%
**]: 12%
**]: 3%
**]: 3%
*]: 12%
*Other: 3%
**Non-religious: 13%

Georgia shares its Protestant heritage with much of the Southeastern United States.

The largest denominations by number of adherents in 2000 were the ] with 1,719,484; the ] with 570,674; and the ] with 374,185.<ref>http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/13_2000.asp</ref>

Georgia's ] community dates to the settlement of 42 mostly ] Portuguese Jews in Savannah in 1733. Atlanta also has a large and established Jewish community.

== Economy ==
]
]
{{More footnotes|date=February 2009}}

Georgia's 2007 total ] was $396 billion.<ref>http://www.bea.gov/regional/gsp/</ref> Its ] for 2007 puts it 37th in the nation at $33,499. If Georgia were a stand-alone country, it would be the 28th largest economy in the world.<ref> , Accessed May 9, 2008 </ref>

There are 15 Fortune 500 companies and 26 Fortune 1000 companies with headquarters in Georgia, including such names as Home Depot, UPS, Coca Cola, Delta Air Lines, AFLAC, Southern Company, and SunTrust Banks. Georgia has over 1,700 internationally headquartered facilities representing 43 countries, employing more than 112,000 Georgians with an estimated capital investment of $22.7 billion.

===Agriculture and industry===
Georgia's ] outputs are ] and ], ], ]es, ]s, ], ], ]s, ]s, ], ], and ]s. Its industrial outputs are ]s and ], ]ation equipment, ], food processing, ] products, ] products, ] equipment. ] also makes an important contribution to the economy. Georgia is home to the Granite Capital of the World (]). Atlanta has been the site of enormous growth in real estate, service, and communications industries.

Atlanta has a very large effect on the state of Georgia and the Southeastern United States. The city is an ever growing addition to communications, industry, transportation, tourism, and government.

Food is also a major industry in Georgia, with widespread farms producing peanuts, corn, and soybeans across middle and south Georgia. The state is the number one producer of pecans in the world, with the region around Albany in southwest Georgia being the center of Georgia's pecan production. Gainesville in northeast Georgia touts itself as the Poultry Capital of the World.

Industry in Georgia is quite diverse. Major products in the mineral and timber industry include a variety of pines, clays, stones, and sands. The clay palygorskite, known as attapulgite, was named because of its abundance near the Decatur County town of Attapulgus in the deep southwest corner of the state. Attapulgite has numerous medical, cosmetic, and industrial uses. Textile industry is located around the cities of Rome, Columbus, Augusta, Macon and along the I-75 corridor between Atlanta and Chattanooga, TN to include the towns of Cartersville, Calhoun, Ringgold, and Dalton—the Carpet Capital of the World.

With its great population base and location along major transportation routes, Atlanta is a leading center of tourism, transportation, communications, government, and industry. Some industries there include automobile and aircraft manufacturing, food and chemical processing, printing, publishing, and large corporations. Some of the corporations headquartered in Atlanta are: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. Major corporations in other parts of the state include: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] , ] and ].

Georgia has one of the strongest military presence in the country. Several United States military installations are located in the state including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] ], ] and Coast Guard Station Brunswick. However, due to the latest round of ] cuts, Forts Gillem and McPherson will be closing and NAS Atlanta will be transferred to the ].

===Energy use and production===
Georgia's electricity generation and consumption are among the highest in the United States, with coal being the primary electrical generation of fuel. However, the state also has two nuclear power plants which contribute less than one fourth of Georgia's electricity generation. The statistics are 75% coal, 16% nuclear, 7% oil and natural gas, and 1% hydroelectric/other. The leading area of energy consumption is the industrial sector because Georgia "is a leader in the energy-intensive wood and paper products industry".<ref> , Accessed December 30, 2007 </ref>

===State taxes===
Georgia's personal ] ranges from 1% to 7% within six ]s. There is a 4% state ],<ref>.</ref> which is not applied to ]s, certain medical devices, and ]. Each county may add up to a 2% ]. Counties participating in ] have another 1%. The city of Atlanta (in two counties, roughly 90% in Fulton and 10% in Dekalb) has the only city sales tax (1%, total 8%) for fixing its aging sewers. Local taxes are almost always charged on groceries but never prescriptions. Up to 1% of a SPLOST can go to ]s (the HOST). All taxes are collected by the ] and then properly distributed according to any agreements that each county has with its cities.

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Georgia (U.S. state)}}

===Fine and performing arts===
Georgia's major fine art museums include the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA), the ], the ], the ], the ], the ], the ] and the ].<ref> , Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref> The ] is a full time company that brings opera to Georgia stages.<ref> , Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref> The ] is the most widely recognized orchestra and largest arts organization in the ].<ref> , Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref> Moreover, almost all of the universities, colleges, and junior colleges in Atlanta provide some musical instruction.<ref>
, Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref> Georgia is also home to many "underground"{{Clarify|date=October 2008}} art galleries which also serve as performance venues catering to the more unconventional art crowd. One of the most well known and longest running is the Eyedrum Gallery in Atlanta, a large non-profit art and performance space run by volunteers.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}

===Literature===
Georgia literature is distinct among the literature of other places in the world in its historical and geographical context and the values it imparts. ]s such as the play (on which a successful movie was also based) '']'' are one example of Georgia's literary culture. The most popular and famous novel has probably been ]'s '']'', also the basis of a wildly successful movie. Other authors who challenged popular ideas were ] and ]. Contemporary authors such as ] have also used Georgia's complex past as subjects for fiction, as in her '']''.

Georgia's ], such as ] and ], and ] writers like humorist ] also have a place in the state's literary life.<ref name=NGE> , Accessed December 5, 2007 </ref>

===Entertainment===
====Music====
{{Example farm|date=June 2009}}
{{Main|Music of Georgia (U.S. state)}}

Music in Georgia ranges from ] to ], ], ] and ]. The ], located in ], is the state's museum of music. Georgia's folk musical traditions include important contributions to the ], ] singing and ]. ''The Sacred Harp'', compiled and produced by Georgians Benjamin Franklin White and Elisha J. King, was published in 1844. The ''Sacred Harp'' system use notes expressed with shapes to make it easy for people to learn to sight-read music and performed complex pieces without a lot of training.<ref> , Accessed December 7, 2007 </ref>

The city of Athens, Georgia, home to the University of Georgia has been a fertile field for rock bands since the late 1970s. Notable bands from Athens include ],<ref> Accessed December 7, 2007 </ref> , ], ], ], as well as bands from the ] most notably ].

Rock bands such as ],], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] hail from Georgia.

Rhythm and Blues is another important musical genre in Georgia. ] was born in ]. ] native James Brown and Macon native ], two important figures in R&B history, started performing in Georgia clubs on the ], fused ] with ] and ] to lay the foundations for R&B and ], and rank among the most iconic musicians of the 20th century. In the 1960s, Atlanta native ] proved one of the most popular ] recording artists, while ], born in the small town of ] but raised in Macon, defined the grittier ] sound of ]-based ].<ref> , Accessed December 7, 2007 </ref> Opera singer ] is native to Augusta.<ref> , Accessed December 7, 2007 </ref>

Atlanta has become a central player in ] as the home of artists ]. ], ], ], ], ], and ] and producers ], ] and ]. Atlanta is also home to multiple ] and ,] artists including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], or ]. ] superstars such as ], ], and ] are natives of Georgia. Other successful ] acts from Georgia include ], ], ] of ], ], ], ], ], ] and up and coming stars ] and ].

====Film====
Hundreds of feature films have been located in Georgia. By 2007 more than $4 billion had been generated for the state's economy by the film and television industry since the 1970s.<ref name =NGE2> Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref> Such films include '']''; '']''; '']''; '']''; '']'' and '']'', with settings ranging from Appalachia to the manicured squares of Savannah.<ref name=NGE2/> Due to the success of '']'', as governor Jimmy Carter established a state film commission, now known as the ], in 1973 to market Georgia as a shooting location for future projects. The commission had recruited more than 550 major projects to the state by 2007.<ref name=NGE2/> Actress Julia Roberts is one of the most well-known natives of Georgia. Additionally, the first African American owned and operated film studio was opened in Atlanta on October 4, 2008 by Tyler Perry.

===Popular culture===
] Georgian traits include manners known as "]", a strong sense of community and shared culture, and a distinctive ]. Georgia's Southern heritage makes ] and ] a traditional holiday dish during both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Movies like '']'' and the book ''If I Ever Get Back to Georgia, I'm Gonna Nail My Feet to the Ground'' by ] highlight Georgia culture, speech and mannerisms.

Girl Scouting in the United States of America began on March 12, 1912 when ] organized the first Girl Scout troop meeting of 18 girls in ], Georgia.

== Health care and education ==
]'s ]]]
]]]
===Health care===
{{See also|List of hospitals in Georgia (U.S. state)}}
Georgians can find medical and dental care "via 151 general hospitals, more than 15,000 doctors and nearly 6,000 dentists."<ref>, Accessed May 16, 2007</ref> The state is ranked forty-first in the percentage of residents who engage in regular exercise.<ref>, Accessed May 16, 2007</ref>

===Education===
{{See also|List of colleges and universities in Georgia (U.S. state)|List of schools in Georgia (U.S. state)|List of school districts in Georgia (U.S. state)}}

Georgia ] (grades nine through twelve) are required to administer a ], ] ], or EOCT, in each of eight core subjects including ], ], ], ], ], ], Ninth Grade ] and ], and ] and Composition. The official purpose of the tests is to assess "specific content knowledge and skills." Although a minimum test score is not required for the student to receive ] in the course, completion of the test is mandatory. The EOCT score comprises 15% of a student's grade in the course.<ref> Accessed 24 April 2008.</ref>

High school students must also receive passing scores on four ]s (GHSGT) and the Georgia High School Writing Assessment in order to receive a diploma. Subjects assessed include Mathematics, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. These tests are initially offered during students' eleventh-grade year, allowing for multiple opportunities to pass the tests before ] at the end of twelfth grade.<ref> Accessed 24 April 2008.</ref>

Georgia is home to almost 70 public colleges, universities, and technical colleges in addition to over 45 private institutes of higher learning.

The ], funded by the ], is available to all Georgia residents who have graduated from high school with a 3.0 or higher grade point average and who attend a public college or university in the state. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and provides a stipend for books for up to 120 credit hours. If the student does not maintain a 3.0 average while in college they may lose the scholarship in which case they will have the chance to get it back by bringing their grade point average above a 3.0 within a period of 30 credit hours. This scholarship has had a significant impact on the state university system, increasing competition for admission and increasing the quality of education.

==Transportation==
{{Main|Transportation in Georgia (U.S. state)}}
Transportation in Georgia is overseen by the ], a part of the executive branch of the ]. Georgia's major ]s are ] and ]. On March 18, 1998, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a resolution naming the portion of Interstate Highway 75, which runs from the Chattahoochee River northward to the Tennessee state line the ] Memorial Highway. Larry McDonald, a Democratic member of the House of Representatives, had been on ] when it was shot down by the Soviets on Sept. 1, 1983.

Other important interstate highways are ], ], ], ] and ]. ] is Atlanta, Georgia's perimeter route and ] connects with counties in north Georgia on I-75.<ref>Accessed June 17, 2008</ref> Major freight railroads in Georgia include ] and ]. Passenger service in Georgia is available on two ] routes: the ], which runs from ] to ], through north Georgia and Atlanta to ] and the other runs from New York to the Georgia coast and from there to
].<ref>, Accessed June 17, 2008</ref>

{{Col-begin|width=}}

{{Col-1-of-2}}
=== Interstate highways ===
*]], ]]
*]], ]]
*]] (three exits only), ]]
*]], ]],
*]], ]]
*]], ]], ]]
*]]
*]] (the perimeter around Atlanta)
*]] (proposed)
*]] (proposed)

{{Col-2-of-2}}

Trail of Tears Highway 225 === United States highways ===
<table>
<tr><td align=center>''North-south routes''</td><td align=center>''East-west routes''</td>
<tr><td valign=top>
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
</td><td valign=top>
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
*] ]
</td></tr></table>

{{Col-end}}

=== Airports ===
]'s 398-foot-tall control tower]]
Georgia's principal airport is ] (ATL), the world's busiest passenger airport.<ref>, Accessed June 18, 2008</ref> Georgia has 107 public-use airports, 9 of which are commercial-aviation airports and 98 which are general-aviation airports. Two of the state's important airports are ], which serves over 1,700,000 passengers each year and ] in ].<ref>, Accessed June 18, 2008</ref>

== Law and Government ==
{{Main|Government of Georgia (U.S. state)}}

=== State government ===
{{See also|List of governors of Georgia|Georgia elected officials}}

] Building in Atlanta with the distinctive gold dome.]]

The capital of Georgia is Atlanta. As with all other ] and the federal government, Georgia's government is based on the ].<ref> , Accessed December 30, 2007 </ref> Executive authority in the state rests with the ], currently ] (until 2011) (]). Perdue is the first Republican governor since Reconstruction.<ref> , Accessed December 30, 2007 </ref> (See ]). Both the ] and ] are elected on separate ballots to four-year terms of office. Unlike the federal government, but like many other U.S. States, most of the executive officials who comprise the governor's cabinet are elected by the citizens of Georgia rather than appointed by the governor.

Legislative authority resides in the General Assembly, composed of the ] and ]. The Lieutenant Governor ], while the House of Representatives selects their own Speaker. The ] mandates a maximum of 56 senators, elected from single-member districts, and a minimum of 180 representatives, apportioned among representative districts (which sometimes results in more than one representative per district); there are currently 56 senators and 180 representatives. The term of office for senators and representatives is two years.<ref> , Accessed December 30, 2007</ref>

State judicial authority rests with the state ] and ], which have statewide authority.<ref> , Accessed December 30, 2007 </ref> In addition, there are smaller courts which have more limited geographical jurisdiction, including State Courts, Superior Courts, Magistrate Courts and Probate Courts. Justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Appeals are elected statewide by the citizens in non-partisan elections to six-year terms. Judges for the smaller courts are elected by the state's citizens who live within that court's jurisdiction to four-year terms.

=== Local government ===
Georgia has 159 ], the most of any state except ] (with 254).<ref> , Accessed December 30, 2007 </ref> Before 1932, there were 161, with ] and ] being merged into ] at the end of 1931. Counties have been named for prominent figures in both American and Georgian history, but many bear names with Native American origin. ] in Georgia have their own elected legislative branch, usually called the Board of Commissioners, which usually also has executive authority in the county.<ref> , Accessed December 31, 2007 </ref> Several counties have a ] government, with legislative and executive authority vested in a single person. Georgia is the only state with Sole
Commissioner counties. Georgia's Constitution provides all counties and cities with "]" authority, and so the county commissions have considerable power to pass legislation within their county as a ] would.

{{See|list of Georgia counties}}

Besides the counties, Georgia only defines cities as local units of government. Every incorporated town, no matter how small, is legally a city. Georgia does not provide for ] or ] (though there is a movement in the Legislature to provide for townships) but does allow ] governments by local ]. So far, only ], ], ], and ] have done this. ] is studying possibly becoming consolidated with ]. Recently, Savannah has consolidated its police department with the county ] department and is currently studying possible ] with ].

There is no true ] in Georgia, though the ] and ] do provide some services, and the ARC must approve all major ] projects in ].

=== Politics ===
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|align="center" bgcolor="#fff3f3"|'''75.04%''' ''881,496
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|24.65% ''289,529
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|align="center" bgcolor="lightgrey"|]*
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|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|26.75% ''334,440
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|align="center" bgcolor="#fff3f3"|37.43% ''274,472
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|'''62.54%''' ''458,638
|-
|align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="lightgrey"|*State won by ]<br>of the ],<br>at 42.83%, or 535,550 votes
|}

Until recently, Georgia's state government had the longest unbroken record of single-party dominance, by the ], of any state in the Union. This record was established partly by disfranchisement of most blacks and many poor whites in the early 20th century, lasting into the 1960s.

After Reconstruction, white Democrats regained power, especially by legal ] of most African Americans and many poor whites through erection of barriers to voter registration. In 1900, shortly before Georgia adopted a disfranchising constitutional amendment in 1908, blacks comprised 47% of the state's population.<ref>, accessed 15 March 2008</ref> A "clean" franchise was linked by Progressives to electoral reform.<ref>, accessed 23 March 2008</ref> White, one-party rule was solidified. To escape the oppression, tens of thousands of black Georgians left the state, going north in the ] for jobs, better education for their children and the chance to vote {{Citation needed|date=September 2009}}.

For over 130 years, from 1872 to 2003, Georgians only elected white Democratic governors, and white Democrats held the majority of seats in the General Assembly. Most of the Democrats elected throughout these years were Southern Democrats or ] who were very conservative by national standards. This continued after the segregationist period, which ended legally in the 1960s. According to the 1960 census, the proportion of Georgia's population that was African American had decreased to 28%.<ref>, accessed 13 March 2008</ref> After civil rights legislation under President Johnson secured voting and civil rights in the mid-1960s, most African Americans in the South joined the Democratic Party.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Georgia made significant changes in civil rights, governance, and economic growth focused on Atlanta. It was a bedrock of the emerging "]." This characterization was solidified with the election of former Georgia Governor ] in 1976 to the ].

The political dominance of Democrats ended in 2003, when then-Governor ] was defeated by Republican ], a state legislator and former Democrat himself. It was regarded as a stunning upset. While Democrats retained control of the State House, they lost their majority in the Senate when four Democrats switched parties. They lost the House in the 2004 election. Republicans now control all three partisan elements of the state government.

In recent years, many conservative Democrats, including former U.S. Senator and governor ], have decided to support Republicans. The state's socially conservative bent results in wide support for such measures as restrictions on ]. Its voters passed a ban on ] with 76% voting yes.<ref>http://ballotpedia.org/index.php/Georgia_Constitutional_Amendment_1_%282004%29</ref> Even before 2003, the state had become increasingly supportive of Republicans in Presidential elections. It has supported a Democrat for president only three times since 1960. In 1976 and 1980, native son Jimmy Carter carried the state; in 1992, the former Arkansas governor ] narrowly won the state. Generally, Republicans are strongest in the predominantly white suburban (especially the Atlanta suburbs) and rural portions of the state.<ref name="CNN.com: Election 2004"></ref> Many of these areas were represented by conservative Democrats in the state legislature well into the 21st century. Democrats do best in the areas where black voters are most numerous,<ref name="CNN.com: Election 2004"/> mostly in the cities (especially Atlanta) and the rural ] region that travels through the central and southwestern portion of the state.

{{As of|2001|alt=As of the 2001}} ], the state has 13 seats in the ], which are currently held by 7 Republicans and 6 Democrats.

In recent events, Democrat ] ran against incumbent Republican Senator ]. Chambliss failed to acquire the necessary 50 percent of votes, a Libertarian Party candidate receiving the remainder of votes. In the ] held on December 2, 2008, Chambliss became only the second Georgia Republican to be reelected to the U.S. Senate.

On April 1, 2009, Senate Resolution 632 passed by a vote of 43-1.<ref>http://blogs.ajc.com/jay-bookman-blog/2009/04/16/georgia-senate-threatens-dismantling-of-usa/</ref> It reads in part<ref>http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/fulltext/sr632.htm</ref>:<blockquote>Any Act by the Congress of the United States, Executive Order of the President of the United States of America or Judicial Order by the Judicatories of the United States of America which assumes a power not delegated to the government of the United States of America by the Constitution for the United States of America and which serves to diminish the liberty of the any of the several States or their citizens shall constitute a nullification of the Constitution for the United States of America by the government of the United States of America.</blockquote> On April 16, Jay Bookman of the ] wrote "It wasn’t quite the firing on Fort Sumter that launched the Civil War. But on April 1, your Georgia Senate did threaten by a vote of 43-1 to secede from and even disband the United States."<ref>http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/04/16/bookmaned0416.html</ref>

{{See also|United States presidential election, 2004, in Georgia|Political party strength in Georgia (U.S. state)}}

==Notable Georgia legislators (past and present)==
*]. Democratic Representative from 7th district, the only sitting member of Congress reported killed by the Soviets during the Cold War, when Soviets shot down ] on Sept. 1, 1983
*]. Republican Representative from the 6th district from 1979 through 1999. Served as the 58th ] from 1995 to 1999.
*]. Democratic Representative from 1914 through 1965, the first person to serve more than 50 years in the ].
*]. Democratic Representative from the 5th district since 1987, and prominent civil rights leader.
*]. Democratic Representative from the 5th district from 1973 through 1977. Prominent civil rights leader, with friend and confidant ] when King was assassinated. United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 1977 to 1979, and Mayor of Atlanta from 1982 to 1990.

== Media ==
===Television===
{{See also|List of television stations in Georgia}}

Georgia is home to ], who founded ], ], ], ], ] and ], among others. The ], which houses the news channel's world headquarters, is located in downtown Atlanta, facing Marietta Street, while the home offices of the Turner Entertainment networks are located in ], near the ] campus, on Techwood Drive. A third Turner building is on Williams Street, directly across ] and ] from the Techwood Drive campus and is the home of ] and ].

]'s headquarters are located in the ] area of metropolitan Atlanta in ].

] was the state's first television station, and the southeastern United States' second. WSB-TV signed on Channel 8 in 1948, and moved to its present day location on Channel 2 in 1952.

] (GPB) operates nine major ]al ]s across the state as Georgia Public Broadcasting Television.<ref> Accessed, May 19, 2007 </ref>

Sportsouth and Fox Sports South are the leaders in sporting television in the southeast. The studio and offices are located in Atlanta, GA on Peachtree St.

===Movies===
Atlanta is home to ] Studios and Rainforest Films. Tyler Perry has produced several films including '']'', '']'', '']'', '']''"]" "]" and "]".

Atlanta is often referred to as "Black Hollywood" because of the number of films with African American cast marketed to African Americans produced in the city.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}}

===Radio===
{{See also|List of radio stations in Georgia}}

] in Atlanta was the first radio station in the southeastern United States, signing on in 1922. The station currently broadcasts a news/talk format. ] signed on in 1948 on 104.5 FM, and moved to 98.5 FM in 1952. The station broadcasts today, still with the WSB-FM callsign, but is known as "B98.5FM".

] has been in service since 1984 and, with the exception of Atlanta, it broadcasts daily on several FM (and one AM) stations across the state. 1984.<ref> Accessed, May 19, 2007 </ref><ref> Accessed, May 19, 2007 </ref> Georgia Public Radio reaches nearly all of Georgia (with the exception of the Atlanta area, which is served by ]), as well as portions of Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

===Newspapers and periodicals===
{{See also|List of newspapers in Georgia (U.S. state)}}

There are several major newspapers in Georgia. Among them are ], ], the ], and ]. Other media publications in the state include business magazines; Atlanta is also home to Upscale an African American entertainment and lifestlyle magazine;entertainment media such as ]; and various sports magazines.<ref> , Accessed, May 19, 2007 </ref>

==Sports and recreation==
{{Main|Sports in Georgia (U.S. state)}}
{{See also|Tour de Georgia|Masters Tournament}}
<!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: ] -->
Sports in Georgia include professional teams in all major sports, ] contenders and medalists, collegiate teams in major and small-school conferences and associations, and active amateur teams and individual sports. The State of Georgia has a team in eight major professional leagues (], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]).
Georgia has an abundance of outdoor recreational activities. Outdoor activities include, but are not limited to, hiking along the ]; ]s; ] and ].<ref> , Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref><ref> , Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref><ref> , Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref><ref> , Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref> Other outdoor activities include ] and ]. Less rustic activities are trips to ]; and ].<ref> , Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref><ref> , Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref><ref> , Accessed December 8, 2007 </ref><ref> , Accessed December 8, 2007</ref>

==State facts and symbols==
{{Infobox U.S. state symbols
|Flag=Flag of Georgia (U.S. state).svg
|Name = Georgia
|Amphibian = ]
|Bird = ]
|Butterfly = ]
|Fish = ]
|Flower = ]
|Insect = ]
|Mammal = ]
|Reptile = ]
|Tree = ]
|Dance = ]
|Food = ], ], ]
|Fossil = ] ]
|Gemstone = ]
|Mineral = ]
|StateRock = ]
|Shell = ]
|Soil = ]
|Song = '']''
|Tartan = ]
|Route Marker = Georgia 3.svg
|Quarter = 1999 GA Proof.png
|QuarterReleaseDate = 1999
}}

Georgia's nicknames include '''Peach State''' and '''Empire State of the South'''. The ], "]" by ], was originally written about a woman of that name, but after Georgia native ] sang it, the state legislature voted it the state song on 24 April 1979. Ray Charles sang it on the legislative floor when the bill was passed. This act was significant in that it symbolized to many the move away from segregation and racism. The ] was released on 19 July 1999.<ref name="stateflorafauna"></ref> The first houses in Georgia to be designated historic state landmarks are the Owens Thomas House and the ], in the Savannah historic district. The state 'possum is ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sos.georgia.gov/state_symbols/state_possum.html |title=Georgia Secretary of State - State 'Possum |publisher=Georgia Secretary of State |accessdate=2008-01-15}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|State of Georgia|Flag of Georgia (U.S. state).svg}}
{{Main|Outline of Georgia (U.S. state)}}

* ] <!-- Please place links to all topics directly related to the State of Georgia in the ]. -->
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}
*Walker, V. (2005). "Organized resistance and black educators' quest for school equality", 1878-1938. ''Teachers College Record'', 107, 355-388.{{Clarify|date=February 2009}}

==Further reading==
* .
* Bartley, Numan V. ''The Creation of Modern Georgia'' (1990). Covers 1865-1990 period. ISBN 0-8203-1183-9.
* Coleman, Kenneth. ed. ''A History of Georgia'' (1991). ISBN 0-8203-1269-X.
* London, Bonnie Bullard. (2005) ''Georgia and the American Experience'' Atlanta, Georgia: Clairmont Press ISBN 1-56733-100-9. A middle school textbook.
* Peirce, Neal R. ''The Deep South States of America: People, Politics, and Power in the Seven Deep South States'' (1974). Information on politics and economics 1960-72. ISBN 0-393-05496-9.

{{Coord|display=title|33|N|83.5|W|region:US-GA_type:adm1st_scale:3000000}}
==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Georgia (U.S. state)}}
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* - Annotated list of searchable databases produced by Georgia state agencies and compiled by the Government Documents Roundtable of the American Library Association.
* - Official archives of the State of Georgia.
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*{{dmoz|Regional/North_America/United_States/Georgia}}

{{Geographic Location
|Centre = Georgia
|North = ]
|Northeast = ]<br />]
|East = ]
|Southeast =
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|Southwest =
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}}

{{Template group
|list =
{{Georgia|expand}}
{{United States}}
{{Confederate States of America}}
{{GA cities and mayors of 100,000 population}}
}}

{{succession
|preceded = ]
|office = ]
|years = Ratified ] on January 2, 1788 (4th)
|succeeded = ]
}}
{{United States topics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Georgia (U.S. State)}}
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Revision as of 15:55, 27 September 2009

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