Georgia, founded in 1732, is one of the original 13 states. It was named in honor of England's King George II. Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi; the state's large size and thriving industries have given it one of its nicknames, the Empire State of the South.  During the Civil War, the fall of Atlanta was a crucial turning point in the defeat of the South. Today, Atlanta, which became Georgia's capital in 1868, is a thriving city with major national corporations, and it is considered the economic and cultural center of the Southeast. The natural beauty and famous seaside resorts of Georgia are a major attraction for tourists. Many beautiful monuments and parks, including reminders of important Civil War battles and heroes, dot the Georgia countryside.

GOVERNMENT:
Capital: Atlanta
Governor: Sonny Perdue, R (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: Saxby Chambliss, R (to Jan. 2009); Zell Miller, D (to Jan. 2005)
House of Representatives: 13 districts | Search by zip code

ECONOMY:
Total Gross State Product 1999 (millions of dollars): 275,719; National rank: 10: Percent change since 1990: 95%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 5 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $28,523; National Rank: 27 (94% of the national average)
State Exports 2001 (millions of dollars): 14,664; National Rank: 14
Agriculture: Poultry and eggs, peanuts, cattle, hogs, dairy products, vegetables.
Industry: Textiles and apparel, transportation equipment, food processing, paper products, chemical products, electric equipment, tourism.