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Alabama is a state located in the southern United
States; the population of Alabama is 4,447,100 as of 2000.
The USS Alabama and CSS Alabama were named in honor of this state.
History
Main article: History of Alabama
Among Native American people once living in present Alabama were
Alabama (Alibamu), Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Koasati, and Mobile.
Alabama was once a region claimed by the Spaniards as part of Florida. The English
also claimed it as part of the province of Carolina. Nevertheless, when the French took over Louisiana they also took over the territory including Alabama. Later when the United States acquired the Louisiana Purchase and the Mississippi Territory, there was much
controversy as to whether or not Alabama was included. Nevertheless, Alabama became the 22nd state in 1819.
The state of Alabama seceded from the Union and became a Confederate state on January 11, 1861. While not many battles were fought in the state, it contributed about 120,000 soldiers to the
Civil War. After the war a provisional government was
set up in 1865 and Alabama was readmitted to the Union in June 1868.
Law and government
Main article: Law and Government of Alabama
The current governor of the state is Bob Riley and the
two U.S. senators are Jefferson B. Sessions III and Richard C. Shelby (all three from the Republican Party). The current Alabama Constitution was adopted in 1901.
Geography
Main article: Geography of Alabama
Alabama is the 30th largest state in the United States with 135,765 km2 (52,419 mi2) of total
area. 3.2% of that is water, making Alabama 23rd in the amount of surface water. About three-fifths of the land area
is a gentle plain with a general incline towards the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.
Alabama generally ranges in elevation from sea level at Mobile Bay, to a little more than 1800 feet or 550 meters near the Georgia state line. The highest point is Mount Cheaha.
Economy
The 1999 total gross state product was $115 billion placing Alabama 25th in the nation. The Per Capita Income for
the state was $23,471 in 2000. Alabama's agricultural outputs are poultry and eggs, cattle, nursery stock, peanuts, cotton,
vegetables, milk, and soybeans. Its industrial outputs are paper, lumber and wood products, mining, rubber and plastic products,
transportation equipment and apparel.
Demographics
As of 2003, Alabama had a total population of 4,500,752.
48.3% is male, and 51.7% is female.
The five largest ancestry groups according to the 2000 census are: African American (26%), American (17%), English (7.8%), Irish (7.7%), German (5.7%).
Religiously, Alabama is overwhelmingly Protestant. The religious
affiliations of the people of Alabama are as follows:
- 88% - Protestant
- 5% - Roman Catholic
- 1% - Other Christian
- 0% - Other Religions
- 4% - Non-Religious
The three largest Protestant denominations in Alabama are: Baptist (51% of the
total state population), Methodist (10%), Churches of Christ (3%).
Important cities and towns
Main article: List of cities in
Alabama
Colleges and Universities (incomplete)
Culture and interests
Notes
¹ The phrase The Heart of Dixie is required by state law to be included on all state license plates.
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