Alabama

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

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

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

Alabama is the 30^th largest state in the United States with 135,765 km² (52,419 mi²) of total area. 3.2% of that is water, making Alabama 23^rd 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

Demographics

48.3% is male, and 51.7% is female.

• 70.1% are White
• 26% are Black
• 1.7% are Hispanic
• 0.7% are Asian
• 0.5% are American Indian
• 1% are mixed race

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

As of 2000, 96.7% of Alabama residents age 5 and older speak English at home and 2.2% speak Spanish. German speakers make up only 0.4% of the population, French/French Creole at 0.3%, and Chinese at 0.1%.

Important cities and towns

Colleges and Universities (incomplete)

Culture and interests