Florida is the most southernmost mainland state, a peninsula, jutting out about 400 miles between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The state is located south of Alabama and Georgia, west of the Atlantic Ocean, north of the Straits of Florida and east of the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama. Jacksonville is its largest city, and Tallahassee is its capital.

Weather in Florida is subtropical, with hot humid summers and warm winters. Hurricanes blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean endanger the southern coast in summer and fall. Some rain falls in northwestern Florida in winter, but generally, the further south, the warmer and dryer the climate. The state is mainly lowland, its highest point only 345 feet above sea level. Comprised of sandy hills, swamp and marshes, its soil and climate is perfect for citrus groves and vegetable farms. The nation's largest citrus grower (agriculture is its second source of income, next to tourism), Florida produces oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines for export and home use.

More than 15 million people live in Florida and the population is at a constant increase. Not surprisingly, since the " Sunshine State's" sunny climate attracts a constant influx of retirees from neighboring Canada and other not-so- weather-friendly states. Moreover, its 1,350 miles of coastline, the world-renown Disney World in Orlando and John F. Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral insure a steady stream of tourists nearly 40 million in 2000 and a good number of them return to stay.

Other famous landmarks in Florida include the Florida Keys and the Everglades National Park. Historic sites include St. Augustine,. the site of Juan Ponce de Leon landing while searching for the fountain of youth.