The southern United States is a part of the United States of America located in the south, south east, and south central regions of the country. It is known for its varied culture and landscapes. From Southern BBQ to Nashville music, there is so much to love. However, there is much more to it than just its culture and landscapes. Here are some surprising facts about the Southern United States that you may not know.
Regions of the Southern United States
The first surprising fact about the Southern United States is that it actually consists of several distinct regions. Typically, the South is divided up into the following five regions: The Deep South, the Gulf Coast, the South Atlantic, the Southwest, and Appalachia.
The Deep South consists of states such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. It is home to iconic Southern cities such as Montgomery and Savannah, and is often associated with traditional Southern culture.
The Gulf Coast includes the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. It is home to the cities of New Orleans and Houston, and is a major hub for the energy and shipping industries.
The South Atlantic includes the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, and is known for its large coastal cities and its generally temperate climate.
The Southwest is made up of the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. It is home to the cities of Dallas, Houston, and Little Rock, and is known for its diverse landscapes, such as the Ozark Plateau and the Great Plains.
Finally, Appalachia consists of the states of Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is known for its rural mountain culture and its rich history.
The South’s Weather Patterns
Another surprising fact about the Southern United States is that its weather patterns are very different from the rest of the country. The South tends to be a lot warmer than other regions of the United States, with most states experiencing a humid subtropical climate. This means that the summers tend to be hot and humid, and the winters tend to be mild.
When it comes to precipitation, the South can also be quite different from the rest of the country. For example, the state of Florida tends to get abundant rainfall all year round, while some states such as Louisiana can get up to 90 days without any rainfall at all.
The Size and Population of the South
Another surprising fact about the Southern United States is that it is large and populous. The southern region of the United States stretches from Texas to North Carolina and is made up of 16 states. Collectively, these states make up approximately 29.7 percent of the United States’ total land area.
When it comes to population, the Southern United States is also quite large. As of 2019, it is home to approximately 115 million people, making up roughly 36 percent of the United States’ total population. This makes it not only the largest region of the United States, but also the most populous.
The Economy of the South
The Southern United States also has a large and diverse economy. It is home to many large companies, such as Walmart and ExxonMobil. Additionally, the region is also home to many important industries, such as agriculture, energy, high technology, and tourism. The region’s economic output accounts for about 36 percent of the United States’ total gross domestic product (GDP).
While the region has traditionally been known for its agricultural and energy industries, in recent years it has grown to include many other sectors, such as high technology and tourism. This diversified economy has helped the Southern United States become one of the strongest and most resilient regions of the country.
The South’s Place in U.S. History
Finally, another surprising fact about the Southern United States is its place in U.S. history. The region has played an essential role in the development of the United States since its inception. It was the birthplace of the U.S. Constitution and the birthplace of six of the original states.
The region also played an essential role in the United States’ civil rights struggle during the mid-20th century. This struggle was symbolized by the famous march by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and thousands of civil rights activists from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama. This march is seen as one of the most significant events in all of United States’ history.
From its geography and climate to its economy and history, the Southern United States is full of interesting and surprising facts. From its unique weather patterns to its rich and varied economy, the Southern United States is truly a one-of-a-kind region of the United States.
