Alabama was recognized as a state in December 1819.

During and after World War II, Alabama’s economy diversified with new industries, leading to economic growth.

In 1960, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center was established in Huntsville, boosting Alabama’s economic growth by developing a local aerospace industry.

American football, particularly at the college level, plays a major part in Alabama’s culture.

Alabama is nicknamed the Yellowhammer State, after the state bird. It is also known as the “Heart of Dixie” and the “Cotton State.”

Politically, as part of the Deep South, Alabama is predominantly a conservative state and is known for its Southern culture.

Alabama is the 30th largest by area and the 24th-most populous of the 50 U.S. states.

Alabama has diverse geography, with the north dominated by the mountainous Tennessee Valley and the south by Mobile Bay, a historically significant port.

Alabama’s oldest city is Mobile, which was founded by French colonists (Alabama Creoles) in 1702 as the capital of French Louisiana.

The largest city in Alabama by population and area is Huntsville.