Georgia is one of 50 states in the United States of America. It was the 4th British colony to become a state, when it officially became one on January 2, 1788. It is the 24th largest state geographically, with an area of 59,441 square miles. It is the 9th most populous state in the US, with a population of 9,829,211 as of 2009.http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/ranks/rank01.html

The state borders with Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. Georgia is comprised of 159 counties and its capital is Atlanta.http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/georgia/

Georgia was named in honor of King George II of England during colonial times,http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/georgia/ and is considered one of the Southern States. It was part of the Confederacy during the US Civil War.http://civilwarhome.com/southernseccession.htm

In 1996, Atlanta, Georgia became the third city in the United States to host the Summer Olympics.

Georgia is home to NFL football team the Atlanta Falcons. Georgia's NHL team is the Atlanta Thrashers. The Atlanta Hawks are the state's NBA team. Georgia also has a three-time world-championship-winning baseball team -- the Atlanta Braves.

Nicknamed "Hotlanta," the capital city of Atlanta is the most populated city in the state and home to over 4 million people. The nickname makes reference to the city's hot summer temperatures, though it may also be used to refer to Atlanta as a hip or desirable place to be.http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-South/Atlanta-Population-Profile.html

The state of Georgia is home to numerous well known celebrities and personalities. Some famous and notable residents include Singer Ray Charles, Wrestler Hulk Hogan, Singer Otis Redding, Actor Burt Reynolds, Singer Travis Tritt, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and the late Comedian Oliver Hardy.

1. Southern Live Oak (tree)
2. Brown Thrasher (bird)
3. Cherokee Rose (flower)
4. Peach (fruit)
5. Peanut (crop)
6. Quartz (gem)
7. Honeybees (insect)