Georgia (GA) is located in the southeastern United States and is known for its rich history and diverse industries. Georgia is home to companies such as Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, and the home improvement retail chain The Home Depot. The northern part of the state marks the starting point of the popular Appalachian Trail, which ends after 2,198 mi in the state of Maine. The capital and largest city of Georgia is Atlanta, which hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1996.
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Table of Contents
Basic Information
Name Georgia Abbreviation GA Capital Atlanta Largest city Atlanta (Population: 510 823) Current time 10:13 Time zone EST (UTC-5), the state observes daylight saving time EDT (UTC-4) Population 10,713,771 (#8 most populous US state) Area 59,424 sqmi (#24 largest US state) Admitted to the Union January 2, 1788 (#4 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Georgia
The capital city of Georgia is Atlanta, which was founded in 1837 as a key stop on the Western and Atlantic Railroad. The name of the city originates from this connection, although it was officially incorporated on December 29, 1847, and was previously known as Terminus. Atlanta became the capital of Georgia in 1868, replacing Milledgeville.
🏙️ Largest City in Georgia
The largest city in Georgia is Atlanta, with a population of 510,823 in 2023. The second-largest city is Columbus, with 201,877 residents, followed by Augusta, which has a population of 200,884.
🕒 Time in Georgia
The current time in Georgia is 10:13. The entire state is in the Eastern Standard Time zone (EST, UTC-5), and observes Daylight Saving Time (EDT, UTC-4) from March to November.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Georgia
As of 2023, Georgia had a population of 10,713,771, making it the 8th most populous state in the United States.
📍 Area of Georgia
The total area of Georgia is 59,424 sqmi, of which 57,906 sqmi is land and 1,519 sqmi is water. Georgia ranks as the 24th largest state in the U.S.
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Interesting Facts About Georgia
🧩 Which States Border Georgia
Georgia shares borders with five U.S. states. To the west is Alabama, to the northwest Tennessee, to the north North Carolina, to the northeast South Carolina, and to the south Florida. It also has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
📅 Georgia’s Admission to the Union
Georgia was admitted to the Union on January 2, 1788, as the 4th state, having been formed from the original colony of Georgia.
📛 Georgia’s Nickname
Georgia’s most well-known nickname, “The Peach State”, emerged after the Civil War when farmers turned to peaches as a replacement for the previously dominant cotton crop. Cotton cultivation was labor-intensive and became less profitable after the end of slavery.
Peaches and peach trees are traditionally depicted on Georgia’s license plates.
Before the Civil War, Georgia was nicknamed “The Empire State of the South” due to its economic power and industrial growth. This is a play on the already existing nickname for the state of New York, “The Empire State”.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in Georgia
The highest mountain in Georgia is Brasstown Bald, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with an elevation of 4,784 ft.
🏞️ Rivers in Georgia
The longest river in Georgia is the Chattahoochee River, with a total length of 429 mi. It is followed by the Flint River (344 mi), the Savannah River (301 mi), the Ogeechee River (294 mi), and the Coosa River (280 mi).
🎓 Universities in Georgia
The largest university in the state is the Georgia Institute of Technology, founded in 1885 in Atlanta, with approximately 48,000 students. The second-largest is Georgia State University with 47,000 students, followed by Kennesaw State University with 43,000 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Georgia
Georgia is assigned ZIP code ranges 300xx–319xx and 398xx–399xx. In the article ZIP Codes in the USA, you can find a map of each region, and on the USPS website, you can look up the ZIP code for any address.
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Weather in Georgia
The best time to visit Georgia is in late spring or early fall, when there is less rainfall and the temperatures are more comfortable. April, May, and September are the best months for hiking and exploring attractions in the cities.
Spring in Georgia brings a gradual warm-up, with average March temperatures rising from 45 °F to 64 °F, eventually reaching a pleasant 61 °F to 81 °F in May. Rainfall is moderate, creating favorable conditions for outdoor activities. Thunderstorms are fairly common around Atlanta, and tornadoes may occasionally occur in the northern parts of the state.
Summer in Georgia is hot and humid. In higher elevations, temperatures hover around 77 °F, while lowland areas can reach up to 95 °F. The heat often feels more intense due to high humidity. Rain is frequent and can be heavy, often accompanied by afternoon thunderstorms.
Fall in Georgia is drier than summer, and temperatures gradually decline from 64 °F to 82 °F in September to 43 °F to 64 °F in November. Nature transforms with vivid yellows and reds, making it a photogenic time to visit.
Winters in Georgia are mild. In Atlanta, December and January temperatures usually range between 36 °F and 50 °F. In the mountains, temperatures can drop below freezing and snowfall may occur, although snow is rare in lowland areas.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Georgia
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What to See in Georgia
1️⃣ World of Coca-Cola
The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta is a unique interactive museum dedicated to the history and culture of the world-famous soft drink brand. The museum features historical artifacts and interactive exhibits that showcase how the brown beverage became a global phenomenon. One of the highlights is the opportunity to taste Coca-Cola products from around the world.
2️⃣ Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the largest marine exhibits in the world. It is home to thousands of marine animals, including sharks, dolphins, and turtles. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and learn more about ocean ecosystems and marine conservation. A unique experience offered is swimming with some of the animals or participating in shark feeding.
3️⃣ Six Flags Over Georgia Amusement Park
The Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park is located near Atlanta and is a must-visit for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers. The park features dozens of attractions, including high-speed roller coasters with loops. Some rides are themed after characters from DC Comics. In addition to thrill rides, the park also offers refreshing water attractions and zones designed for younger children.
4️⃣ Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Gorge State Park lies near the border with South Carolina and is home to one of the deepest canyons in the eastern United States. Several hiking trails run through the park, some of which follow the canyon and the Tallulah River. The most exciting experience is crossing a suspension bridge hanging over the gorge, from which you can enjoy a direct view of the waterfall.
5️⃣ Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is located northeast of Atlanta and is known for its massive granite monolith, which features carvings of Confederate leaders from the Civil War era. The park offers a full day of activities, including several marked hiking trails, or you can take a cable car to the summit. During the summer season, a laser show is projected onto the mountain face in the evening.
6️⃣ Historic Downtown Savannah
Savannah’s historic district comprises more than 20 blocks of homes dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, complemented by churches and public squares. This area is especially appealing to visitors who enjoy discovering the charm of history and architecture. Be sure not to miss the expansive Forsyth Park, where you can sit down and enjoy a picnic.
7️⃣ Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
The Okefenokee is a vast nature reserve that protects one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the United States. Adventurous visitors can rent a kayak or boat to explore the extensive swamps and forested areas. Along the way, you might spot alligators, turtles, or birds. The park features several hiking trails with observation towers that offer beautiful views of the natural landscape.
8️⃣ Fox Theatre in Atlanta
Fox Theatre is a historic venue in Atlanta that opened in 1929. The building is renowned for its unique architectural style, which blends Islamic and Egyptian influences. Surrounded by modern skyscrapers, the Fox Theatre is easy to recognize. You can check the schedule and purchase tickets for performances on the theater’s website.
9️⃣ Providence Canyon State Park
Providence Canyon State Park is located near the Alabama border and is often referred to as the “Little Grand Canyon.” It earned this nickname thanks to its deep, colorful sandstone canyons. A number of hiking trails lead through the canyons, offering scenic views of the rock formations. The park also allows camping, and due to the low light pollution, it’s an ideal spot for stargazing.
🔟 Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located northeast of downtown Atlanta and is a favorite destination for nature lovers and those seeking a more tranquil experience. The garden features a wide variety of plants and flowers from around the world, including rare orchids and tropical species. Its top attraction is a canopy walk through the treetops, offering a bird’s-eye view of the lush greenery.
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Largest Cities in Georgia
The table below lists the ten largest cities in the state of Georgia in 2025, based on data from the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary responsibility is conducting the national census.
City County Population 1 Atlanta Fulton, DeKalb 510,823 Map of Atlanta 2 Columbus Muscogee 201,877 Map of Columbus 3 Augusta Richmond 200,884 Map of Augusta 4 Macon Bibb 156,512 Map of Macon 5 Savannah Chatham 147,748 Map of Savannah 6 Athens Clarke 128,628 Map of Athens 7 South Fulton Fulton 110,920 Map of South Fulton 8 Sandy Springs Fulton 105,793 Map of Sandy Springs 9 Roswell Fulton 91,706 Map of Roswell 10 Warner Robins Houston, Peach 84,537 Map of Warner Robins -
Sports Teams in Georgia
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
No team from Georgia currently plays in the NHL.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
The only NFL team from Georgia is the Atlanta Falcons of the NFC South Division. The team joined the league in the 1966 season and identifies black, red, silver, and white as its symbolic colors. The Falcons play their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
Georgia’s sole representative in the NBA is the Atlanta Hawks, part of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference. The team first competed in the 1949 season and sports the colors red, yellow, black, and gray. The Hawks play their home games at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
The state of Georgia is represented in Major League Baseball by the Atlanta Braves, who joined the National League in the 1876 season and currently play in its Eastern Division. The Braves list navy blue, scarlet red, gold, and white as their official colors. Their home games are held at Truist Park in the city of Cumberland.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
Atlanta United FC has been part of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference since the 2017 season. The team plays its home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with black, red, and gold as its official colors.
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State Symbols of Georgia
The legislation of the state of Georgia recognizes a wide range of official state symbols. Below are some of the most notable ones.
Flag of the State of Georgia
The most recent update occurred on February 19, 2003, when the design was adjusted to resemble the flag of the Confederate States of America and, in part, Georgia’s state flag from 1879 to 1956. The flag features three horizontal stripes along with 13 stars representing the original colonies and the state seal.
Seal of the State of Georgia
The Great Seal has historically been used to authenticate documents issued by the state of Georgia. The original design was defined in the state Constitution of 1777, but it was modified in February 1799. Today, a slightly revised version of the 1914 seal is in use.
State Fruit
Since 1995, the peach has been recognized as Georgia’s official state fruit. It also appears on vehicle license plates.
State Tree
In 1937, the live oak (Quercus virginiana) was designated as the official state tree. It is commonly found in southern Georgia.
State Reptile
Since 1989, the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a threatened species, has been recognized as Georgia’s official state reptile.
State Flower
The official state flower, designated in 1916, is the Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata), which has become naturalized in the southeastern United States.
State Amphibian
Since 2005, the green tree frog (Hyla cinerea), which is commonly found along Georgia’s coast, has been among the state’s official symbols.
State Bird
Georgia’s avian symbol is the brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), a bird commonly found throughout the state.
State Crop
Peanuts have been one of Georgia’s official state symbols since 1995. The state is a major producer of peanuts.
State Fish
Since 1970, the official state fish of Georgia has been the largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans).
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