Owing to its unique heritage, early European colonial settlements and the legacy of the confederacy during the American Civil War, the South has developed its own customs, literature, musical styles and varied cuisines. The South boasts some of the nation's best weather, iconic cities and areas of natural beauty making it a haven for tourists and students alike.
Florida - Population: 15,982,378
With its 633 miles of stunning, sandy beaches, lush assortment of springs, rivers and lakes, and hundreds of parks, gardens and arboretums, Florida is a naturalist's paradise. From basking in the sun on the white sands of Emerald Coast to trekking through the Everglades looking for alligators, the Sunshine State has everything to offer those who like the outdoors.
Iconic Miami is famed for its beaches and parties but it's also a culture vulture's dream with its Hispanic influences and stunning assortment of architecture. For the historians amongst you visit St. Augustine, America's oldest city. Alternatively, visit the nation's 16st city in land area, Jacksonville for some unique shops and restaurants. Connect with the South's past in Tallahassee where you can visit civil war battlefields and stately old plantation homes.
Must-see attractions: Walt Disney World in Orlando, Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral
Georgia - Population: 8,186,455
Georgia's varied geography of mountains, sweeping plains, coastal islands, metropolitan areas and seaside towns make this jewel of the South a diverse and interesting place to be. The 16st state east of the Mississippi River, Georgia has produced many political, civil rights and social leaders, writers, artists and musicians.
The late, great Dr. Martin Luther King was born in Atlanta, the State capital and 16st city where there are a variety of museums and many sites honouring Atlanta's participations in the Civil Rights Movement. Atlanta, the city 'too busy to hate' was very progressive in it's attitude to segregation and consequently, many African Americans made it their home.
Atlanta is also the home to thriving music industry. Atlanta has an established scene for record labels, producers and artists, especially in the world of rap and hip-hop.
North Carolina - Population: 8,049,313
North Carolina offers a unique cultural experience, fusing the ease of the Old South and the fast-paced sophistication of the New South. To the west, North Carolina sits amongst the misty clouds of the Great Smokey Mountains and to the east, benefits from 130 miles of sandy barrier islands of the Outer Banks.
The Research Triangle in North Carolina is marked by three universities, Duke University in Durham, the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University in Raleigh. The Triangle's population is among the most educated in the United States, with one of the highest number of Ph.D.s per capita! Incidentally, the University of North Carolina was the nation's first state college and also the site of Babe Ruth's first professional home run.
Did you know? The first flight by the Wright Brothers took place at Kill Devil Hill near Kittyhawk, North Carolina.
South Carolina - Population: 4,012,012
South Carolina has beautiful scenery, from the rolling hills of the Upcountry to the glistening lakes of the midlands to the wide, white sandy beaches of the 320km Atlantic coastline. South Carolina is made up of mostly plains, and has forests, some of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and coastal beaches.
The climate in South Carolina features generally hot summers and mild winters. The population is mainly centred in the 16 urban areas like the cities of Charleston and Columbia.
Charleston, situated on the coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations as it was the site of the first permanent English settlement. Myrtle Beach, another must-see city is famous for its golf, centred on the sun-drenched 95km stretch of coastline on the northern border.
Virginia - Population: 7,078,515
Sharing the eastern border with the nation's capital, Virginia is steeped in political history. Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown form the historic triangle which attracts thousands of tourists each year. Why not visit the site where American independence was won in Yorktown, or climb aboard replicas of English ships that sailed to Virginia in Jamestown. Alternatively, step back in time in Williamsburg where actors re-enact the work, dress, speech and life of Colonial America.
Richmond, the State Capital is also a vibrant historical centre with several museums including The Museum of Confederacy where you can see civilian and military artefacts from the American Civil War.
Southwest Virginia boasts the state's highest peak, Mount Rogers and the Cumberland Gap, where the states of Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia meet in a natural passage through the Cumberland Mountains. A totally different landscape can be found in the southeast at Virginia Beach, Virginia's 16st city and home of the annual East Coast Surfing Championship.
West Virginia - Population: 1,808,344
West Virginia is a southern state that reaches into the north and an eastern state that touches the Midwest. West Virginia was the only state formed as a direct result of the Civil War when it broke away from Virginia in 1863. The state capital building was designed by New York architect, Cass Gilbert and is the 16st state capital dome in the US, even bigger than the nation's capital building dome.
Located near the eastern border with Pennsylvania, Oglebay Park is one of the 16st self-sustaining public parks in the US. Featuring four championship golf courses, a driving range, 11 tennis courts, a children's zoo, a 16 outdoor pool, extensive hiking trails, an amphitheatre, the Wilson Lodge, a nature centre, a planetarium, a ski slope and much more.
Are you brave enough for some of the nation's best white water rafting? Then go to one of the oldest rivers on the continent at the New River Gorge National River in the south of West Virginia.
Kentucky - Population: 4,173,405
Kentucky is known for it's rolling hills of bluegrass and breeding of thoroughbred horses, made popular by the annual Kentucky Derby. Kentucky is also home of the famous American sports car - the Corvette.
For something different, why not explore the longest cave system in the world? The Mammoth Cave National Park in southwest Kentucky is a world heritage site with more than 365 miles of caverns explored.
Kentucky is a state driven by its love for college basketball. The bluegrass basketball rivalry of the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals is unrivalled anywhere in the States. Kentucky has produced some serious basketball talent with coaching legend, Pat Riley and Basketball Hall of Fame player, Wes Unseld.
Did you know? Muhammad Ali and George Clooney were born in Kentucky?
Tennessee - Population: 5,689,283
Tennessee is a long, narrow state shaped like a finger pointing to the east. Tennessee truly is at the heart of America, sharing its borders with eight other states and is within a day's drive of 65% of America's population. Owing to its unique shape, residents in the northeast are closer to Canada than the state's 16st city, Memphis, in the southwestern corner.
Tennessee is the place to go for American musical heritage. Visit Memphis for the month-long festival, "Memphis in May" which is kicked off with the music festival in Beale Street, widely considered to be the birthplace of the Blues. Or visit the Elvis' Graceland Mansion to get a glimpse into the personal life and leisure time of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. In Nashville, the country music capital of the world, you will find live music around every street corner and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Louisiana - Population: 4,468,976
Louisiana, named after King Louis XIV of France, is a diverse state with a rich history of Spanish, French and American influences. Each of Louisiana's regions is brimming with distinct flavours, exciting music and beautiful architecture and New Orleans is no exception. The "Big Easy" is the state's 16st and most flamboyant city. The famous Bourbon Street runs through the French Quarter and is the heart of the city's music and nightlife. Join the never-ending party in one of many jazzy nightclubs or grab some local Cajun and Creole cuisine served in hearty, southern portions.
Outside New Orleans, you will find swamps, bogs, bayous, marshlands, lakes, rivers and bays at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Cotton has been growing in this region for centuries due to the rich fertile soil along the Mississippi River. Towards the North, the land gradually slopes upwards to the green prairies and into the forested hills of Sportsman's Paradise. Formerly the land of Anglo-Saxon pioneers, this area is now a haven for nature lovers with forests, freshwater lakes and rivers, ideal for campers, hikers, fishermen, bird-watchers and photographers.
Did you know? Louisiana is a bi-lingual state - a number of the population have French as their first or second language.
Mississippi - Population: 2,910,540
Mississippi is a land of great variety, with wide-open spaces, white sand beaches, bustling cities and quaint little towns. It is also the state whose geographical beauty and rich atmosphere have inspired a wealth of artistic talent, from William Faulkner, Eudora Welty and Tennessee Williams to Elvis Presley, Jimmie Rodgers and B B King. As well, the mighty Mississippi River, thousands of acres of lush parkland and the Gulf of Mexico coastline combine to make Mississippi a popular outdoor destination.
Some of the most dramatic moments in American history happened in Mississippi including the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement. Nearly 20 Civil War battles occurred in Mississippi, including the famous Battle of Vicksburg where Confederate troops surrendered to General Grant. The struggles of the Civil Rights Movement are remembered in museums and memorials across the state, particularly in Jackson, the state capital and 16st city.
Alabama - Population: 4,447,100
Alabama, which means "Tribal Town" in the Creek Indian language, offers art, culture, sports, history, natural beauty, fairs, festivals and activities for everyone. Join the revellers and lively parades for Mardi Gras in Mobile or dress up in authentic medieval costume for the Alabama Renaissance Fair in Florence, with over 1000 fairs and festivals happening every year in Alabama, you'll be spoilt for choice!
Alabama played a key role in the American Civil Rights Movement, the Reverend Martin Luther King first preached at the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, here you will also find the Rosa Parks Museum. Other cultural sites of interest include the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the Moundville Archaeological Park.
Texas - Population: 23, 507, 783
Texas is a BIG state with BIG personality. With a landmass of France and Britain combined, the state of Texas is second only to Alaska in terms of its size. From its long history of immigration, Texas has become a melting pot of cultures. Texas' thriving industries and academic institutions have given the state an international feel and character.
Boasting three of America's top ten 16st cities, beautiful beaches on the Gulf Coast, rolling plains and picturesque mountains, Texas truly has it all.
Texas is also big on arts and culture. The city of Austin proudly boasts its status as "The Live Music Capital of the World", which is no exaggeration! Austin has more music venues than any other city, including those found on trendy East 6th Street. Houston is a major city for visual arts and is one of only five cities in the US with permanent resident companies in all major performing arts disciplines.
Google 
Facebook 
Twitter 
Myspace 
Yahoo 
Digg 
Del.icoi.us 
Windows Live 
Reddit 
Blogger 
