Capital: Atlanta

State abbreviation/Postal code: Ga./GA

Governor: Sonny Perdue, R (to Jan. 2011)

Lieut. Governor: Casey Cagle, R (to Jan. 2011)

Senators: Saxby Chambliss, R (to Jan. 2009); Johnny Isakson, R (to Jan. 2011)

U.S. Representatives: 13

Historical biographies of Congressional members

Secy. of State: Karen Handel, D (to Jan. 2011)

Atty. General: Thurbert Baker, D (to Jan. 2011)

Entered Union (rank): Jan. 2, 1788 (4)

Present constitution adopted: 1983

Motto: Wisdom, justice, and moderation

State symbols:

Nicknames: Peach State, Empire State of the South

Origin of name: In honor of George II of England

10 largest cities (2005 est.): Atlanta, 470,688; Augusta-Richmond County,¹ 190,782; Columbus,¹ 185,271; Savannah, 128,453; Athens-Clarke County,¹ 103,238; Macon, 94,316; Roswell, 85,920; Albany, 75,394; Marietta, 61,261; Warner Robins, 57,907

Land area: 57,906 sq mi. (149,977 sq km)

Geographic center: In Twiggs Co., 18 mi. SE of Macon

Number of counties: 159

Largest county by population and area: Fulton, 915,623 (2005); Ware, 903 sq mi.

State forests: 6 (63,294 ac.)

State parks: 64 (65,066 ac.)

Residents: Georgian

2005 resident population est.: 9,072,576

2000 resident census population (rank): 8,186,453 (10). Male: 4,027,113 (49.2%); Female: 4,159,340 (50.8%). White: 5,327,281 (65.1%); Black: 2,349,542 (28.7%); American Indian: 21,737 (0.3%); Asian: 173,170 (2.1%); Other race: 196,289 (2.4%); Two or more races: 114,188 (1.4%); Hispanic/Latino: 435,227 (5.3%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 73.5; 65 and over: 9.6; median age: 33.4.

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