subject: The State Of Florida [print this page] Florida is a very famous state of the United States. It borders the Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the North. It became a state of the US in 1845 and its number 27 on the list of all states. The state is nicknamed Sunshine State' because of the warm climate. It's estimated to have a population of 18.5 million as of 2009 United States Census Bureau report. It's also the fourth most populous state in the US. It's ranked the 22nd largest state and covers over 65, 000 miles. Florida's capital is known as Tallahassee while Jacksonville is the largest city. The city has different type of wildlife and wonderful coastal beaches. The marine mammals include the dolphins, like Bottlenose Dolphin, whales like the Short-finned Pilot Whale, North Atlantic Right Whale and West Indian Manatee. The state has reptiles like the American Alligator, Leatherback Sea Turtles and Pygmy Rattlesnakes. For bird lovers there numerous types including White and Brown Pelicans, Bald Eagle, Sea Gulls, Snail Kite and others. Florida has the longest coast line in the US covering about 2,170km. It's near Caribbean countries like the Bahamas and Cuba. The extensive coast line made it a good target during World War II. This made the government to build airstrips and today there are about 400 of them and still in service. The state is a haven for celebrities especially in the film industry who own large beach houses and villas. This has contributed to the development of more than 700 private airports, airstrips and heliports. There also seaplane bases due to sea access.
