About Atlanta

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. Classified as a Beta+ global city, Atlanta is the eighth-most populous city in the Southeast and the 36th-most populous city in the United States. The Atlanta metropolitan area has an estimated population of over 6.4 million, making it the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the nation.

Founded in 1837 as the terminus of a major state-sponsored railroad, Atlanta quickly became the convergence point for several railroad lines, spurring its rapid growth. The city lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of just over 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level, featuring unique topography with rolling hills, lush greenery, and the densest urban tree coverage of any major city in the United States.

Economic Powerhouse

With a GDP of $385 billion, the Atlanta metropolitan area's economy is the 8th-largest in the country and the 15th-largest in the world. The city claims the nation's third-largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies and hosts the global headquarters of major corporations including:

Major Corporations: The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, Arby's, AT&T Mobility, Georgia-Pacific, Chick-fil-A, UPS, and CNN. The city serves as the principal trade and transportation center of the southeastern United States.

Transportation Hub: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic, handling 31% of the country's container trade and serving as a major connecting point for international travelers.

Key Features

Demographics: Atlanta is highly diverse, with 46.9% Black or African American, 39.9% White, and 5% Asian populations. The median household income is $81,938 with a median age of 34 years.

Education: Home to prestigious institutions including Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Georgia State University, and Emory University, with over 34,000 degrees awarded annually.

Culture: Known as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta hosts numerous cultural attractions including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, the High Museum of Art, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola.

Historical Significance

Atlanta played a crucial role in American history, particularly during the Civil War when it served as a strategic hub. The city was burned during Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864. In the 20th century, Atlanta became known as the "City Too Busy to Hate" during the Civil Rights era and hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics. Today, Atlanta continues to grow as a major business, cultural, and transportation hub, maintaining its reputation as the heart of the New South.