10 Best Photo Places in the USA
Alabama (AL) is a state located in the southeastern United States, with Montgomery as its capital. The state played a significant role during the American Civil War and is also well-known for its involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Alabama’s economy relies heavily on the automotive industry and agriculture, while the Gulf Shores coastline draws numerous tourists. In 1886, Montgomery became one of the first cities in the United States to implement an electric streetcar system.
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Table of Contents
Basic Information
Name Alabama Abbreviation AL Capital Montgomery Largest city Huntsville (Population: 225 564) Current time 8:56 Time zone CST (UTC-6), the state observes daylight saving time CDT (UTC-5) Population 5,024,294 (#24 most populous US state) Area 52,420 sqmi (#30 largest US state) Admitted to the Union December 14, 1819 (#22 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Alabama
The capital of Alabama is Montgomery. It was founded in 1819 through the merger of two towns along the Alabama River and became the state capital in 1846. The city was named in honor of Richard Montgomery, a Major General in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
🏙️ Largest City in Alabama
The largest city in Alabama is Huntsville, with a population of 225,564 as of 2023. The second-largest city is Birmingham, with 196,644 residents, followed by Montgomery with a population of 195,287.
🕒 Time in Alabama
The current time in Alabama is 08:56. Most of the state observes Central Standard Time (CST, UTC-6), switching to Daylight Saving Time (CDT, UTC-5) from March to November. An exception is the Phenix City area, which generally follows Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) during part of the year.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Alabama
According to 2023 data, Alabama has a population of 5,024,294, making it the 24th most populous state in the United States.
📍 Area of Alabama
The total area of Alabama is 52,420 sqmi, of which 50,742 sqmi is land and 1,677 sqmi is water. Alabama ranks as the 30th largest U.S. state by area.
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Fun Facts About Alabama
🧩 States That Border Alabama
Alabama shares borders with four states: Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida to the south, and Mississippi to the west. In addition, it has an 85 km-long coastline along the Gulf of Mexico to the south.
📅 Date Alabama Joined the Union
Alabama was admitted to the Union on December 14, 1819, as the 22nd state. It was formed from the former Alabama Territory. The constitutional convention was held in Huntsville, which served as the temporary capital until 1820, when it was replaced by Cahaba.
📛 Alabama’s Nicknames
Alabama is nicknamed the “Yellowhammer State” after the yellowhammer bird, a name that dates back to the Civil War when Alabama soldiers wore yellowhammer-like insignia.
The state is also referred to as the “Heart of Dixie”, a term once used for southern U.S. states. Another nickname, the “Cotton State”, highlights Alabama’s historical significance as one of the leading cotton producers.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in Alabama
The highest point in Alabama is Cheaha Mountain, with an elevation of 2,413 ft. It is located in Cheaha State Park near the town of Delta.
🏞️ Rivers in Alabama
The longest river in Alabama is the Tennessee River, with a total length of 652 mi. Other significant rivers include the Chattahoochee River (429 mi), the Alabama River (318 mi), the Coosa River (280 mi), and the Tallapoosa River (265 mi).
🎓 Universities in Alabama
The largest university in the state is the University of Alabama, established in 1831 in Tuscaloosa, with an enrollment of about 39,000 students. The second largest is Auburn University with approximately 30,000 students, followed by the University of Alabama at Birmingham with around 22,000 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Alabama
Alabama’s designated ZIP code ranges are 350xx–352xx and 354xx–369xx. You can look up ZIP codes for specific addresses on the USPS website.
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Largest Cities in Alabama
The table shows the ten largest cities in the state of Alabama in 2025, based on data from the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary mission is conducting the national census.
City County Population 1 Huntsville Madison, Limestone, Morgan 225,564 Map of Huntsville 2 Birmingham Jefferson, Shelby 196,644 Map of Birmingham 3 Montgomery Montgomery 195,287 Map of Montgomery 4 Mobile Mobile 182,595 Map of Mobile 5 Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa 111,338 Map of Tuscaloosa 6 Hoover Jefferson, Shelby 92,448 Map of Hoover 7 Auburn Lee 82,025 Map of Auburn 8 Dothan Houston, Dale, Henry 71,258 Map of Dothan 9 Madison Madison, Limestone 60,854 Map of Madison 10 Decatur Morgan, Limestone 58,321 Map of Decatur -
Sports Teams in Alabama
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
Alabama does not have a team in the National Hockey League (NHL).
🏈 Football (NFL)
No team from Alabama plays in the National Football League (NFL).
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
There is no team in Alabama that plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
There is no team from Alabama in Major League Baseball (MLB).
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
No team from Alabama plays in Major League Soccer (MLS).
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State Symbols of Alabama
The state of Alabama has more than forty official symbols, though only a selection is listed in this article.
Flag of the State of Alabama
The simple white flag with a red St. Andrew’s cross has been in use since February 16, 1895. On ceremonial occasions, the governor’s flag is used, which features the state coat of arms and military emblem.
Seal of the State of Alabama
The Great Seal of the State of Alabama has been used in its current form since 1939. At the suggestion of then-Governor Frank M. Dixon, the circular seal featuring a map of Alabama was reinstated.
State Bible
The oldest state symbol is the Alabama State Bible, dating back to 1853. It is permanently displayed at a museum in Montgomery.
State Rock
Marble has been designated as the official state rock since 1969. Its extraction has a long tradition, particularly in Talladega County.
State Flower
Since 1959, the state flower has been the Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica), which grows throughout Alabama. The city of Greenville is nicknamed “Camellia City”, a nickname shared by several towns across the United States.
State Nut
The pecan was chosen as the state nut in 1982. It is primarily cultivated in the southern regions of Alabama.
State Fruit
In 2004, the blackberry was designated as Alabama’s official state fruit.
State Reptile
The official state reptile is the Alabama red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis). The female grows up to 36 cm and is found in the Mobile River delta in southern Alabama. It became a state symbol in 1990.
State Bird
Since 1927, Alabama’s state bird has been the northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), which typically grows to 32 cm. The northern flicker is commonly known by its nickname, the yellowhammer.
State Mammal
In 2006, the American black bear (Ursus americanus) was added to Alabama’s state symbols. A small population of these bears lives in the southern and central parts of the state. An average adult male weighs around 300 lb.
6️⃣ Talladega Superspeedway
Anyone who enjoys motorsports and American NASCAR racing likely knows the Talladega Superspeedway. The track also features a museum and offers guided tours.
7️⃣ Cathedral Caverns State Park
Cathedral Caverns State Park is home to caves filled with massive stalagmites, which you can explore with a guide. The cave complex stays cool, making it a perfect place to escape the heat on a hot summer day.
8️⃣ McWane Science Center
This science museum is full of interactive exhibits that will captivate children of all ages. If you’re traveling across the U.S. with your kids and the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities, the McWane Science Center will keep the whole family entertained all day.
9️⃣ Little River Canyon National Preserve
If you love waterfalls, you’ll enjoy the Little River Canyon National Preserve. In addition to waterfalls, you can hike scenic trails, and when your feet get tired, take a drive along the picturesque byway.
🔟 Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo is home to a variety of exotic animals. Some of the exhibits are interactive—for example, visitors can experience the thrill of feeding giraffes.
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