Rich with history and full of excitement and innovation. We in Alabama are celebrating both our past and our future. We have a geography that spans all different sorts—one of the most varied in the nation, in fact. From mountains and valleys to beaches and riverbanks, there’s a wealth of natural beauty on display when you need to get away.
Population & Major Metropolitan Areas
Alabama has 13 Metropolitan Statistical Areas that serve as home to prospering businesses, prestigious colleges and universities, nationally-renowned health centers and doctors, and an affordable housing market. There’s a reason why Alabama hospitality is legendary and our quality of life cannot be beaten.
As the 23rd-most populous state in the U.S., we’re proud that 20 million people from across the world visit our state every year. But our lifeblood is our citizens—a culturally diverse group that knows how to get the job done when it’s time to work and enjoys life to the fullest when it’s time to relax.
Geography
Alabama boasts a geography that spans all different sorts—one of the most varied in the nation, in fact. From mountains and valleys to beaches and riverbanks, there’s a wealth of natural beauty on display when you need to get away.
- Total Area – 52,424 square miles
- Highest point – 2,407 feet above sea level (Mt. Cheaha)
- 35,469 square miles of forest (71%)
- 1,776 square miles of water
- 53 miles of coastline
- 1,350 miles of navigable waterways
- Accessible minerals – limestone, salt, quartz, and iron ore
Accessibility
Alabama sits at the heart of the fastest growing region in the United States. Comprised by a network of thousands of roads, plentiful airports, inland waterways, and proximity to the 9th largest seaport in the U.S., Alabama is as easy to access as it is a choice for businesses.
- 6 Interstates – Totaling 1,126 miles
- 4 Class 1 Railroads totaling more than 2,500 miles of rail
- 90 Public Airports
- 19 U.S. Highways totaling 3,852.85 miles
- 9th largest deepwater seaport in U.S.—Port of Mobile
- 5 cargo airports
Alabama Research Capabilities Interactive Map
Companies and site selection consultants from around the world can quickly explore relevant research being conducted at Alabama universities and research organizations thanks to a new interactive map designed to catalog research capabilities in the state. Companies can use the tool to connect with researchers who could assist in product development, testing, and other functions. The map was developed by the Alabama Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or Alabama EPSCoR.
Where is Alabama, anyway?
Alabama's Offerings
Historic Legacy
An era rife with both suffering and victory that redefined our nation, Alabama’s role in the civil rights struggle is one that we don’t want to let history forget. Alabama is preserving the rich history of our past in order to educate and inspire future generation with numerous civil rights landmarks and museums.
Learn More
Pristine Beaches
Alabama lays claim to just 53 miles of coastline, but we certainly make the most of them. Families come from all over the world to spend their vacations on our white, sugar-sand beaches, and we keep them coming back year after year with tons of outdoor activities, great shopping, delicious seafood, and sunsets that you’ll want to write home about.
Learn More
The Great Outdoors
With mountains to the north, beaches to the south, and millions of acres of forest and waterways in between, Alabama is a playground for outdoorsmen. If you’re into fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, boating, birding, and rafting—or you’re just looking to reconnect with nature for a moment—you’ll find it all here.
Learn More
Cultural Inspiration
Folks across the world know Alabama for our down-home Southern recipes, but our legendary barbeque and unbeatable soul food are just the beginning. We’ve got makers across the state who are creating a new kind of Alabama pride. Home to multiple James Beard Award-winning chefs, world-renowned musical talent, and a thriving artisan community, it’s hard to not be inspired by Alabama’s very own.
Learn More
Tomorrow’s Innovation
Since 1970, Alabama’s been a leader in science and discovery. With exciting destinations like NASA’s U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville and the state’s most popular attraction, The Birmingham Zoo, opportunities to learn something new abound.
Learn MoreAlabama's Latest News
Space & Rocket Center marks milestone with Space Camp Ops Center
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a global leader in STEM training for students, is blasting into the future...
Walton joins Commerce business development team as senior project manager
Tuskegee University, Alabama exporters claim ‘Trade Excellence Awards’
Polaris’ Alabama plant ships first all-electric off-road vehicles
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Polaris Inc. today announced a milestone for its Alabama manufacturing facility — the first fully electric RANGER XP Kinetic...
Innovation Fund supports growth of ‘cancer companion’ app developer
Alabama bioscience sector poised for growth through major investments
Mexican airline takes delivery of Airbus jet in milestone for Alabama facility
MOBILE, Alabama — Airbus said today that Mexico’s ultra-low-cost airline Volaris has taken delivery of an A320neo from Airbus’ U.S.-based production facility...
