Facts About North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is the 28th most populous state in the country, with an estimated population of over 10 million people. North Carolina is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. It is also home to a variety of attractions, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Outer Banks.
Geography
Location
North Carolina is located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by South Carolina to the south, Georgia to the southwest, Tennessee to the west, Virginia to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. North Carolina is the 28th most populous state in the United States, with a population of approximately 10.4 million people. It is the 9th largest state in terms of land area, covering an area of 53,821 square miles. The state capital is Raleigh, and the largest city is Charlotte.
Climate
North Carolina has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The state experiences an average of 45 to 50 inches of precipitation each year, with the most rain occurring in the summer months. The average temperature in the summer is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average temperature in the winter is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Topography
North Carolina is divided into three distinct geographic regions: the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the Appalachian Mountains. The Coastal Plain is located along the Atlantic coast and is characterized by flat terrain and sandy beaches. The Piedmont is located in the middle of the state and is characterized by rolling hills and forests. The Appalachian Mountains are located in the western part of the state and are characterized by steep terrain and dense forests. The highest point in the state is Mount Mitchell, which is located in the Appalachian Mountains and has an elevation of 6,684 feet.
Demographics
Population
North Carolina is the tenth most populous state in the United States, with a population of 10.4 million people as of 2019. This population is growing rapidly, with a growth rate of 6.4% since 2010. The largest city in North Carolina is Charlotte, with a population of 859,035 people. Raleigh is the second largest city, with a population of 464,758 people. The third largest city is Greensboro, with a population of 285,342 people.
Major Cities
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, and is the most populous city in the southeastern United States. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County, and is located in the Piedmont region of the state. Charlotte is home to several major corporations, including Bank of America and Duke Energy. Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, and is the second largest city in the state. It is the county seat of Wake County, and is located in the Piedmont region of the state. Raleigh is home to several major corporations, including Red Hat and Lenovo. Greensboro is the third largest city in North Carolina, and is the county seat of Guilford County. It is located in the Piedmont region of the state, and is home to several major corporations, including Volvo Trucks and Honda Aircraft Company.
Ethnicity
North Carolina is a diverse state, with a population that is composed of many different ethnicities. The largest ethnic group in the state is White, which makes up 66.3% of the population. African Americans make up 22.1% of the population, and Hispanics make up 8.9% of the population. Other ethnic groups in the state include Asians (2.4%), Native Americans (0.6%), and Pacific Islanders (0.1%).
Economy
Major Industries
North Carolina is home to a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and finance. The state is a major producer of tobacco, sweet potatoes, and poultry, and is the second-largest producer of hogs in the United States. North Carolina is also a leader in the production of furniture, textiles, and paper products. The state is home to a number of major technology companies, such as SAS Institute, Red Hat, and Lenovo, and is a major hub for the financial services industry. Additionally, North Carolina is a major tourist destination, with its beaches, mountains, and other attractions drawing millions of visitors each year.
Taxation
North Carolina has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 5.25% to 7.75%. The state also levies a 6.9% sales tax on most goods and services, with some exceptions. In addition, North Carolina has a variety of other taxes, including an estate tax, a franchise tax, and a gasoline tax. The state also collects a variety of fees, such as vehicle registration fees and hunting and fishing licenses. North Carolina also has a number of tax credits and incentives, such as the historic preservation tax credit and the renewable energy tax credit.
Education
Higher Education
North Carolina is home to a number of higher education institutions, including public universities, private universities, and community colleges. The University of North Carolina system is the largest public university system in the state, with 17 campuses across the state. The UNC system is home to some of the nation's most prestigious universities, including UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, and Duke University. Private universities in the state include Wake Forest University, Elon University, and Davidson College. Community colleges such as Central Piedmont Community College, Wake Technical Community College, and Johnston Community College provide students with an affordable option for higher education.
K-12 Education
North Carolina has a long history of providing quality education to its students. The state is home to a number of public school districts, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Wake County Public Schools, and Durham Public Schools. In addition, there are a number of private schools, including Charlotte Latin School, Durham Academy, and Cary Academy. North Carolina also has a number of charter schools, which are publicly funded schools that operate independently of the traditional public school system. The state also has a number of magnet schools, which are specialized public schools that offer unique educational opportunities to students.
Culture
Music
North Carolina has a rich musical history, with a variety of genres having roots in the state. Bluegrass, old-time music, and country music are all popular genres in the state, with the first Grand Ole Opry performance being held in Asheville in 1927. North Carolina is also home to a thriving blues scene, with the city of Durham being known as the “Harlem of the South”. Additionally, North Carolina is home to a variety of hip-hop and rap artists, including J. Cole, DaBaby, and Petey Pablo. North Carolina is also home to a variety of music festivals, such as the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival in Raleigh and the Carolina Beach Music Festival in Myrtle Beach.
Cuisine
North Carolina is known for its variety of traditional Southern cuisine. Barbecue is a popular dish in the state, with Eastern-style barbecue being the most popular style. This style of barbecue is characterized by a vinegar-based sauce and the use of pork shoulder. Additionally, North Carolina is known for its variety of seafood dishes, such as shrimp and grits and fried flounder. North Carolina is also home to a variety of unique desserts, such as sweet potato pie and chess pie.
Sports
North Carolina is home to a variety of professional sports teams, including the Carolina Panthers (NFL), the Charlotte Hornets (NBA), and the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL). Additionally, North Carolina is home to a variety of college sports teams, such as the Duke Blue Devils, the North Carolina Tar Heels, and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. North Carolina is also home to a variety of minor league teams, including the Charlotte Knights (baseball), the Charlotte Checkers (hockey), and the Carolina Cobras (arena football). The state is also home to a variety of motorsports tracks, such as Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Rockingham Speedway.
