Alabama Travel Guide : Sweet Home Alabama: A Journey Through the Deep South *USA

Book excerpt: Welcome to Alabama, the Deep South of the USA. Alabama is one of the southern states of the United States and the 24th largest state in terms of area. The total area is about 135,765 square kilometers, of which about 3.4 percent is water. The landscape is diverse, with mountains, forests, rivers and lakes. The population of Alabama is about 5 million people, making it one of the less populous states in the US. The largest city in Alabama is Birmingham, which is also the economic center of the state. Other major cities include Mobile, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. Alabama has a long history dating back to the founding of the United States. In the 19th century, Alabama was a major theater of the American Civil War, which took place in the 1860s. Throughout the 20th century, Alabama was also an important arena of civil rights, focusing on equal rights for African Americans and whites. Alabama is known for its musical traditions such as blues, country, and rock 'n' roll, as well as its world-class culinary offerings such as BBQ and seafood. The state also has a rich arts and culture scene and is an important place for the manufacture of automobiles and other industries. Alabama's nature is also impressive, with an abundance of national parks, forests, and lakes that offer outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, and rock climbing. The beaches on the state's coast also offer a variety of water sports such as swimming, kayaking, and surfing.