Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Us State

Alabama

Alabama is a state in the southeastern United States.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Alabama is a state in the southeastern United States, admitted to the Union in 1819 as the 22nd state. Its capital is Montgomery, and its largest city by population is Huntsville.

What it is

Alabama is a roughly rectangular state bordered by Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, with access to Mobile Bay in the south. It has 67 counties and a population of about 5.2 million as of 2024. The state name comes from the Alabama people, a Native American group in the region.

Key details

Alabama is commonly called the Yellowhammer State, after its state bird, the yellowhammer (a type of woodpecker). Other nicknames include Heart of Dixie and Cotton State. Its present constitution was adopted in 1901. Greater Birmingham is described as the state’s largest metropolitan area and economic center.

Why it matters

Alabama is a major U.S. state in the Southeast, relevant to Canadian readers as a key part of the American South. Its history, geography, and economy—anchored by Huntsville’s aerospace industry and Birmingham’s industrial base—make it a notable reference point for understanding the region.

In short

  • Alabama became the 22nd U.S. state on December 14, 1819.
  • Its capital is Montgomery; largest city is Huntsville.
  • Nicknamed Yellowhammer State after its state bird.
  • Has 67 counties and a 2024 estimated population of 5.2 million.
Canadian angle

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.

Quick 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.
Why is Alabama called the Yellowhammer State?
The nickname comes from the yellowhammer, the state bird, a type of woodpecker found throughout the state.

Sources

  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.