How many people live in Alabama?

Alabama has a population of approximately 5.1 million people, making it the 24th most populous state in the U.S.

When was Alabama admitted to the Union?

Alabama was admitted to the Union on December 14, 1819, becoming the 22nd state.

What is Alabama known for?

Alabama is known for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Gulf Coast beaches, college football, and Southern cuisine.

Alabama

Q: What is the capital of Alabama?

The capital of Alabama is Montgomery, which has served as the state capital since 1846 and is a major hub of Civil Rights history.

Heart of Dixie

TimeLive Clock

MontgomeryAvg 63°F

Quick Stats

Quick Statistics
Population	5.1M
Rank	#24
Joined	1819
Area (mi²)	52.4k

5.1MPopulation

#24Rank

1819Joined

52.4kArea (mi²)

Map

Seal & Motto

"Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere"

Latin for "We dare defend our rights" — a call to civic courage adopted in 1923, reflecting Alabama's determination to stand firm in the face of adversity. Adopted 1923.

Flag Meaning

Red St. Andrew's Cross (diagonal X) on white — adopted 1895, modeled after the Confederate battle flag; the cross honors Southern heritage and Christian tradition.

Red cross — Southern heritage & Christian tradition
White field — purity and peace

State Symbols

🐦BirdNorthern Flicker

🌺FlowerCamellia

🌲TreeLongleaf Pine

🐻AnimalBlack Bear

🐟FishFighting Tarpon

💎GemstoneStar Blue Quartz

🎵Song"Alabama"

Overview

Alabama, known as the "Heart of Dixie," boasts stunning natural beauty ranging from vast forested mountains in the north to the pristine white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast. It is a major center for aerospace and automotive innovation, offering a unique blend of traditional Southern hospitality and a forward-looking technological landscape.

Geographically, it shares borders with Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, forming a closely connected regional network.

Historical Significance

Alabama officially joined the Union on December 14, 1819, as the 22nd state. It served as a pivotal battlefield of historical transformation, most notably as the birthplace and epicenter of the American Civil Rights Movement in Montgomery and Birmingham, events that reshaped the nation's political and social history during the 20th century.

Famous Natives

Helen KellerAuthor & ActivistTuscumbia, 1880

Hank WilliamsCountry LegendGeorgiana, 1923

Jesse OwensOlympic ChampionOakville, 1913

Nat King ColeJazz IconMontgomery, 1919

Rosa ParksCivil Rights LeaderTuskegee, 1913

Condoleezza RiceU.S. Sec. of StateBirmingham, 1954

Top Cities & Hubs

Huntsville

Population: ~220,000

Known as "Rocket City," it is a global leader in aerospace and defense technology and is currently the fastest-growing city in the state.

Birmingham

Population: ~210,000

A historic industrial hub that transformed into a major medical and financial center, featuring a rich cultural heritage and vibrant dining scene.

Montgomery

Population: ~200,000

The state capital and a monumental center for American history, home to iconic landmarks of the Civil War and the Alabama Civil Rights Trail.

Mobile

Population: ~190,000

The state's only saltwater port city, famous for hosting the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in America and its rich French and Spanish heritage.

Tuscaloosa

Population: ~100,000

Home to the University of Alabama, this thriving college town is a center for education, culture, and high-energy college athletics.

How Alabama Ranks

Population#24 of 51

~5.1M residents

Area#30 of 51

52,420 mi²

GDP#27 of 51

~$285B

Median Income#49 of 51

~$54,943/yr

Neighbors

Region🌎 South

CapitalMontgomery

Additional Information

AbbreviationAL

Postal Codes

35004 (Moody) → 36925 (York)

~1,127 ZIP codes

Official WebsiteAlabama.gov

Key Landmarks & Economy

U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Located in Huntsville, this premier museum features original rockets and artifacts from NASA's Apollo and Space Shuttle missions.

Gulf Shores Beaches: Famous for their brilliant white quartz sand and crystal-clear waters, these beaches are a cornerstone of the state's tourism industry.

Automotive Manufacturing: Alabama is a leading producer of vehicles, hosting major assembly plants for global giants including Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Hyundai.

Did You Know?

Alabama is the only state to have a designated "State Nut" — the pecan, widely celebrated in Southern cooking.
The state is widely credited with hosting the first Mardi Gras celebration in America, starting in Mobile in 1703.
The Little River Canyon is one of the deepest canyon systems east of the Mississippi River, located entirely on top of Lookout Mountain.