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
Alabama's Latest News
Southern Roots Nut Co. plans Alabama processing hub with 120 jobs
DOTHAN, Alabama — Southern Roots Nut Co. plans to open a pecan processing facility in Dothan, where the New Mexico-based company will...
Site development efforts get $30 million boost with Alabama’s first SEEDS grants
Alabama exports soar to record total in 2023, topping $27 billion
From Alabama to space: ULA’s Vulcan rocket blasts off on inaugural mission
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — United Launch Alliance’s next-generation Vulcan rocket lifted off for the first time early this morning on a mission...
Discovery Life Sciences opens new HQ on HudsonAlpha biotech campus
Alabama researchers power innovations for aerospace industry
Toyota Alabama kicks off production on new engine line after $222 million project
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Toyota Alabama announced today that it has started production on its i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line at its Huntsville...