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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Alabama

Alabama is a state in the southeastern United States.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alabama is a state in the southeastern United States. It became the 22nd U.S. state in 1819, and its capital is Montgomery; its largest city by population is Huntsville. The state is commonly called the Yellowhammer State, a reference to its state bird.

History

Alabama entered the Union on December 14, 1819, as the 22nd state. Before statehood, it had been organized as territory in 1817, and its modern constitutional framework dates to 1901.

Geography

Alabama is a roughly rectangular state in the southeastern U.S. It borders four states and includes mountainous areas in the north, Mobile Bay in the south, and a coastline limited by the Florida panhandle.

Government and administration

Alabama’s state capital is Montgomery, and the state is divided into 67 counties. The state abbreviation is AL.

Symbols and nicknames

Alabama’s official bird is the yellowhammer, also known as the common flicker, and this has given rise to the nickname Yellowhammer State. Other widely used nicknames include Heart of Dixie and Cotton State.

Key facts

  • Alabama became the 22nd U.S. state on December 14, 1819.
  • Its capital is Montgomery and largest city is Huntsville.
  • The state is nicknamed Yellowhammer State, Heart of Dixie, and Cotton State.
  • Alabama has 67 counties.
  • Greater Birmingham is the largest metropolitan area and economic center.
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Canadian context

No direct Canada-specific connection is established in the provided sources, though Alabama is relevant to Canadian readers as a major U.S. state in the Southeast.

Frequently asked questions

When did Alabama become a state?
Alabama became the 22nd U.S. state on December 14, 1819.
What is the capital of Alabama?
Montgomery is the capital of Alabama.
What is Alabama’s largest city?
Huntsville is identified as Alabama’s largest city by population.
Why is Alabama called the Yellowhammer State?
The nickname comes from the yellowhammer, the state bird, a type of woodpecker found throughout the state.
How many counties does Alabama have?
Alabama has 67 counties.
Where is Alabama located?
Alabama is in the southeastern United States and borders Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi.

References

  1. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/alabama
    Supports: Statehood in 1819; state name origin; bordering states and Mobile Bay.
  2. Encyclopedia of Alabama — https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/quick-facts/
    Supports: Official bird (yellowhammer/common flicker).
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Alabama-state
    Supports: Capital, geography, area, population estimate.
  4. Fact Monster — https://www.factmonster.com/us/states/alabama
    Supports: Statehood date, territory organization, capital, abbreviation, present constitution.
  5. The Fact File — https://www.thefactfile.org/alabama-facts/
    Supports: Statehood date, capital, number of counties.
  6. Enchanted Learning — https://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/alabama/index.shtml
    Supports: Statehood, capital, largest city, area, population, counties, borders, nickname.
  7. U.S. Census Bureau — https://www.uscensus.gov/...
    Supports: Largest city by population and state facts as cited in the provided result summary.
  8. Alabama Department of Archives and History — https://archives.alabama.gov/research/guidance/Fast-Facts.aspx
    Supports: Area, dimensions, number of counties.