The State of Alabama (IPA: /.lb.m/), also known as the "Heart of Dixie," is located in the southern region of the United States of America. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. It was the twenty-second state admitted to the Union, but seceded from the union in 1861 to join the Confederate States of America. Following the Civil War Alabama was readmitted to the union in 1868.
Until World War II, Alabama, like many Southern states, suffered economic hardship. In the years following the war, Alabama experienced significant recovery as the economy of the state transitioned from agriculture to diversified interests in heavy manufacturing, mineral extraction, education, and high technology. Today, the state is heavily invested in the aerospace, education, health care, banking, and various heavy industries including automobile manufacturing, mineral extraction, steel production and fabrication.
Alabama is officially nicknamed the Yellowhammer state. The capital is Montgomery, and the largest city is Birmingham.
