25 Interesting Facts About Georgia That Will Totally Surprise You

Explore 25 interesting facts about Georgia in 2025. Learn about its history, nature, culture, and cool places in simple, easy-to-read words.

Apr 30, 2025 - 03:21 Updated: Apr 30, 2025 - 03:21

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25 Interesting Facts About Georgia That Will Totally Surprise You

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Georgia is a big state in the United States with more than 11 million people living there in 2025. It has tall mountains in the north and beaches in the south. Georgia is known for peaches, but it also has many amazing things. The world’s busiest airport is in Atlanta, and famous things like Coca-Cola and CNN started in Georgia. You can see a big canyon, pretty beaches, forests, and cities—all in one state. In this article, you will learn 25 interesting facts about Georgia that are fun, surprising, and easy to remember. These facts will help you understand why Georgia is such a special place in America.

1. Georgia Has 159 Counties — Second Most in the U.S.

Georgia has 159 counties, which is more than any other U.S. state except Texas. This high number allows better local representation. For example, Fulton County houses most of Atlanta, while tiny Echols County has less than 4,000 residents.

More than 90% of counties have their own local government offices.
Many counties have unique events, courthouses, and historic downtowns.
This structure allows better access to public services across both rural and urban areas.

2. Okefenokee Swamp Is the Largest Blackwater Swamp in North America

The Okefenokee Swamp, covering more than 400,000 acres, stretches across southern Georgia and into Florida.

It's home to over 600 plant species and 200+ bird species.
Alligators, bobcats, and red-cockaded woodpeckers are commonly seen here.
The swamp is protected under the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
You can visit by canoe, boat tours, or hiking trails.

[Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2025]

3. Coca-Cola Was Invented in Atlanta in 1886

Dr. John S. Pemberton invented Coca-Cola in a small Atlanta pharmacy. It began as a headache cure and is now one of the most recognized brands in the world.

Over 2 billion Coca-Cola drinks are consumed daily worldwide.
You can visit the World of Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta to see historical ads, drink samples, and even meet the Coca-Cola polar bear.

[Source: Coca-Cola Company, 2025]

4. Atlanta’s Airport Is the Busiest in the World

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport handles over 95 million passengers annually (as of 2024). It has held the record as the world’s busiest airport for several years.

It's a major hub for Delta Air Lines.
The airport offers direct flights to 150+ domestic and 70+ international destinations.

[Source: FAA & ATL Airport Data, 2025]

5. Georgia’s Motto Reflects Key American Values

Georgia’s official motto is “Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation.” These words are shown on the state seal and flag, symbolizing:

Wisdom in making laws
Justice in fair courts
Moderation in public behavior

These values reflect the principles Georgia aims to uphold in government and society.

6. The Birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Georgia played a powerful role in the Civil Rights Movement. Atlanta was the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most respected leaders in U.S. history.

You can visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which includes his childhood home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church.
The site draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

[Source: National Park Service, 2025]

7. You Can Hike Mountains and Visit Beaches — In One State

Georgia’s landscapes range from Appalachian mountains in the north to coastal marshes in the south.

Blue Ridge Mountains offer hiking and mountain views.
Jekyll Island and Tybee Island provide beautiful beaches and sea turtle habitats.
There are 11 national parks and over 60 state parks.

8. Georgia Ranks Among the Top Agricultural States

Georgia’s nickname as the “Peach State” is earned — but it also leads in pecans, peanuts, blueberries, and onions.

Georgia is the No. 1 producer of peanuts in the U.S.
The state exports over $4.4 billion in agricultural goods yearly.
Vidalia onions, grown only in 20 counties, are a protected crop.

[Source: Georgia Department of Agriculture, 2025]

9. The Oldest State Park in America Is Here

Indian Springs State Park, created in 1825, is the oldest official state park in the United States.

The spring water is believed to have healing properties.
It's a great spot for family picnics, hiking, and visiting the on-site museum.

10. Georgia Hosts the Masters Golf Tournament

The city of Augusta is home to the Masters, one of the four biggest golf championships in the world.

The event is held every April at Augusta National Golf Club.
Tickets are so exclusive that winners of the ticket lottery are considered lucky.

11. Stone Mountain Is a Giant Granite Dome

Stone Mountain, just outside Atlanta, is one of the largest exposed granite rocks in the world.

It features a massive carving of Confederate leaders, which remains controversial.
The surrounding park includes hiking trails, cable cars, and laser light shows.

12. Georgia Is a Filmmaking Hotspot

Over 400 major films and TV shows have been shot in Georgia in the past decade.

Known as the Hollywood of the South.
Marvel movies, “Stranger Things,” and “The Walking Dead” were filmed here.
Georgia offers tax incentives for production companies.

[Source: Georgia Film Office, 2025]

13. Native American History Runs Deep

Georgia was originally home to the Muscogee (Creek) and Cherokee tribes.

Sites like the Etowah Indian Mounds show how Native American communities lived centuries ago.
The Trail of Tears began in north Georgia.

14. Georgia Has Its Own “Little Grand Canyon”

Providence Canyon, formed due to poor 1800s farming, has colorful soil and steep ravines.

It’s a popular hiking and photography destination.
Erosion continues to shape the canyon’s appearance every year.

15. The Brown Thrasher and Cherokee Rose Are State Symbols

The Brown Thrasher, Georgia’s state bird, can sing over 1,000 different tunes.
The Cherokee Rose was named after a Native American legend.

Both symbols honor Georgia’s rich heritage.

16. Georgia Is Home to World-Class Universities

Top universities include:

University of Georgia (UGA) – Founded in 1785, it’s the oldest state-chartered university in the U.S.
Georgia Tech – Renowned for engineering and innovation.
Emory University – Leading in healthcare and research.

These schools bring over 90,000 students to the state annually.

17. The World’s Largest 10K Road Race Is in Atlanta

The Peachtree Road Race happens every July 4th, attracting over 60,000 runners.

The route is 6.2 miles through central Atlanta.
It’s part race, part celebration with cheering crowds and live music.

18. Georgia Was Key in the Civil War

Georgia played a major role in the Civil War, especially in Sherman’s March to the Sea, which began in Atlanta and ended in Savannah.

Visit battlefields like Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park or Andersonville National Historic Site.

19. A Growing Force in Solar Energy

Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states in solar power generation.

Over 150 solar farms were operating as of 2025.
Programs like “Solarize Georgia” are helping homeowners go green.

[Source: Solar Energy Industries Association, 2025]

20. Georgia’s Wildlife Is Incredibly Diverse

Georgia has over 90 types of mammals, 150 reptiles and amphibians, and 400+ birds.

Endangered species include the gopher tortoise and indigo snake.
Protected areas like the Chattahoochee National Forest help preserve natural habitats.

21. The Capitol Dome Is Covered in Real Gold

The Georgia State Capitol, built in 1889, features a dome covered in gold leaf from Dahlonega, where the first U.S. gold rush began.

Tours are available for the public.
The building is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

22. Atlanta Is One of the Most Diverse Cities in the U.S.

Metro Atlanta is home to:

Over 6 million people
One of the highest percentages of Black-owned businesses
Fast-growing Asian and Hispanic populations
Major cultural centers, museums, and food festivals

23. Savannah Is One of the Oldest Cities in America

Savannah, founded in 1733, still has cobblestone streets, historic squares, and beautiful oak-lined roads.

It was the first planned city in America.
It’s one of the most haunted cities in the U.S., drawing ghost-tour fans.

24. Georgia Has a Strong Literary Tradition

Notable authors from Georgia include:

Flannery O’Connor – Southern Gothic short stories
Alice Walker – Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Color Purple”

Museums, tours, and literary festivals celebrate their legacies.

25. Georgia’s Economy Is One of the Fastest-Growing

Georgia is a hub for industries like:

Tech (Atlanta is home to 20+ Fortune 500 company HQs)
Logistics (Savannah’s port is the 3rd busiest in the U.S.)
Film & TV
Aerospace & Agriculture

Its population continues to grow by over 1% each year due to jobs and opportunities.

Conclusion

Georgia is a state full of amazing things. It has big cities, quiet forests, beaches, farms, and fun places to visit. You learned about its famous airport, tasty peaches, smart colleges, rich history, and cool places like the Coca-Cola museum and Stone Mountain. All these facts show why Georgia is not just a good place to live or visit, but also a very special part of the United States. These interesting facts about Georgia help us see how fun and important this state really is.

FAQs

Q1. What is Georgia famous for?
Georgia is famous for peaches, Coca-Cola, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta.

Q2. Is Georgia a good place to visit?
Yes, Georgia has mountains, beaches, museums, and parks. You can enjoy nature, learn history, and see fun places all in one trip.

Q3. How many people live in Georgia in 2025?
In 2025, more than 11 million people live in Georgia, making it one of the biggest states in the U.S. by population.

Q4. What are some fun facts about Georgia?
Georgia has 159 counties, the oldest state park in America, and it is a top peanut and pecan producer.

Q5. Why is Georgia called the Peach State?
Georgia grows many juicy peaches and is known for its sweet fruit. That’s why it’s called the Peach State.