Study Overseas

The Southern States conjure up images of cotton plantations, colonial mansions and shady trees which were immortalised in Margaret Mitchell's famous novel 'Gone with the Wind'. However, the State of Georgia has much more to offer culturally and geographically. Georgia is well known for the legend Martin Luther King Jr and the singing icon Ray Charles. Atlanta, its capital city, is famous for its bright lights and bustling atmosphere.

History of Georgia

The State of Georgia was disputed between the Spanish and the British colonies but was settled by the English poor by James Oglethorpe in 1733, a British philanthropist. The colony was named the Province of Georgia in honour of King George II. Georgia stopped being a colony in 1776, but battled hard to remain one of the Confederate States and was the last to be re-admitted to Congress after the American Civil War. Ever since then Georgia has been a thriving state and is home of one of the world's most recognisable brands - Coca Cola. The state song 'Georgia on my mind' was originally written for a woman of that name but when Georgia native Ray Charles sang it, the state legislature voted it the state song.

Population and religion

Historically, about half of Georgia's population was comprised of African-Americans and today African-Americans remain the most populous race in many rural counties in middle, east central, south-western and low-country Georgia, as well as in the city of Atlanta and its core southern suburbs. About 90% of Georgia's population speak English, 5.6% speak Spanish, followed closely by French and Vietnamese. The Civil Rights movement pushed Georgia onto the road of racial equality. Georgians like Martin Luther King Jr worked to end segregation in this State and throughout America. Georgia is a highly religious State and like in most of the southeastern States, Protestant Christianity is the dominant religion.

Geography

Georgia is bordered on the south by Florida, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and South Carolina, on the west by Alabama and on the north by Tennessee and North Carolina. The north of the state in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a mountain range in the Appalachians. The south of the state cascades down to the coast. If outdoor activities are your thing, then this variety makes Georgia an excellent place for hiking, biking, running or riding. The Appalachian Trail is a great place to trek. Exploring the Indian Springs State Park, which is a historical mineral springs and the Okefenokee National Wildlife refuge is a great way to get to know Georgia's territory.

Historic South

Savannah, the coastal city was founded at the same time as the State of Georgia and was the landing place of the ship which brought the first British settlers. This city and the surrounding area is known for its historic colonial architecture and its Southern charm and hospitality. The city's location offers visitors access to the coastal islands and the Savannah Riverfront, both popular tourist destinations. The wind-swept beaches, tidal marshes and swamps that cover this region provide majestic scenery and a thriving wildlife.

Atlanta

Atlanta is the capital city of the state of Georgia since 1868. It is major cultural and economic centre for the South and is known as Hotlanta or The A. The city was practically demolished during the American Civil War, but was rebuilt due to the determination of its citizens. During the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, Atlanta stood apart form the other southern cities (which supported segregation) and became known as the 'City Too Busy to Hate'. Atlanta was the birthplace of Reverend Dr. Marin Luther King Jr and his home is now a National Historic Sight. It is an exciting and cosmopolitan place which thrives culturally and artistically through its many museums and art schools.

Sport

Sport is a big part of Georgia's culture. Tour de Georgia is a professional cycling tournament. This six stage event extends riders over 600 miles in six days. One stage ends in a steep ascent to the top of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. Golf and tennis are favoured pass-times. Atlanta Braves are the biggest baseball team in Georgia. The Atlanta Falcons are the football team loved for their prowess

University System

The University system is a noteworthy group of institutions, programmes and activities. With thirty-five member institutions annually enrolling more than 233,000 students and employing more than 9,000 faculty members, the university system provides a great network for students perusing degrees at undergraduate and graduate levels. The university system played an important part in the 1996 Olympic Games which were held in Atlanta. Georgia State University and Georgia Tech provided facilities for the Olympic Village while other universities hosted competitions and allowed their campuses to be used for training and practice. The University system has become a source of pride to Georgians. Its libraries, research laboratories and museums have been invested significantly in by the state.

Georgia Fact File

Nickname: The Peach State
Motto: Wisdom, Justice and Moderation
Governor: Sonny Perdue

Website: www.georgia.gov

Capital City: Atlanta
10 Largest Cities:

Atlanta 416,474
Augusta 195,182
Columbus 185,781
Savannah 131,510
Athens 100,266
Macon 97,255
Roswell 79,334
Albany 76,939
Marietta 58,748
Warner Robins 48,804

Official Language: English

Population: 8, 186, 453

Breakdown: 62.6% White (not of Hispanic origin); 28.7% Black; 5.3% Hispanic; 2.4% Asian; 1.4% Mixed Race; 0.3% Native American

Useful websites:

www.georgiaencyclopedia.org

www.georgia.org

http://www.usg.edu/oie/students/georgia/