Florida

Florida

Florida is in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered by Alabama and Georgia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Straits of Florida to the south, and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Cuba is only about 100 miles away from the southernmost tip of the state's peninsula. An average of over 5,000 people, mostly retirees and Haitian and Cuban refugees, permanently move to the state each week. This population increase has made Florida the fourth most populous state. The state capital is Tallahassee, its largest city is Jacksonville, and the South Florida metropolitan area is the largest metropolitan area in the southeastern U.S. Florida is made up mostly of a large peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The northwest part of the state is a panhandle (a narrow strip of land that sticks out like the handle of a pan). The climate varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south. Its symbolic animals like the American alligator, Florida panther and the manatee, can be found in the Everglades, one of the most famous national parks in the world. Everglades National Park, with its rare plants, birds, and animals, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the country.

Juan Ponce de Leon was looking for the Fountain of Youth when he discovered Florida.  Florida was also a Confederate state, and Tallahassee was the only Confederate state capital that the Union army didn't capture during the Civil War. There is some confusion as to where Florida got its name. It was either named after its beautiful flowers (Florida means "flowery" in Spanish), or after the Easter day on which it was discovered (the holiday is called "Pascua florida" in Spanish). The state's official nickname is the "Sunshine State."

Its economy relies mainly on tourism, agriculture and transportation, which developed in the late 19th century. In addition to tourism, Florida has many thriving industries. Delicious oranges and grapefruits are grown in Florida, making it nation's citrus fruits capital. The space industry is also a big part of Florida's culture. The first commercial space launching industry in the United States is located in the state.

Florida has attracted many writers such as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Every year Florida is a top choice for international students looking to continue their higher education. Many international students are surprised to find themselves studying in Florida at a high quality institution for a fraction of the cost students may pay elsewhere. The University of North Florida (UNF) is one of the Best Southeastern Colleges. The University of Florida has the majority of international students at 4,200 individuals. This is then followed by Florida International University, University of Miami, University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida.

List of colleges and universities in Florida

Official portal of the State of Florida

                                             Print PDF