|
with its own
flavor and flare. In the Northwest, rolling hills, hardwood forests,
pristine lakes and campsites dot the landscape, and soft white
beaches line the shore.
Florida is
the favorite winter vacation retreat for millions of Americans
from the frigid northern states and Canadian provinces. It is
also a popular vacation destination for many foreign visitors.
In the summer months, many families with children on school holidays
brave the tropical heat of Florida.
Florida is
blessed with major tourist attractions such as Miami Beach, Palm
Beach, Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale on the East Coast. Other
resorts include Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg on the West
Coast and Key West off the southern tip of Florida.
The Disney
World, located on a 27,000 acre site, is Florida's most popular
attraction. Other centers which draw large number of tourists
are the NASA Kennedy space Center and the Everglades National
park.
Fact
File
Capital: Tallahassee
Population: 15,982,378 (According to the year 2000 census)
Land area: 54,153 sq mi. (140,256 sq km)
Governor: Jeb Bush, R
Flag
Economy
Florida's economy rests on a solid base of tourism, manufacturing,
agriculture, and international trade. In recent years, oranges,
grapefruit, and other citrus fruits led Florida's agricultural-product
list, followed by potatoes, melons, strawberries, sugar cane,
peanuts, dairy products, and cattle.
Ten
largest cities (2000)
Jacksonville: 735,617; Miami: 362,470; Tampa: 303,447; St. Petersburg:
248,232; Hialeah: 226,419; Orlando: 185,951; Fort Lauderdale:
152,397; Tallahassee: 150,624, Hollywood: 139,357; Pembroke Pines:
137,427
Florida also
holds plenty of surprises in seven distinct regions, each with
its own flavor and flare. In the Northwest, rolling hills, hardwood
forests, pristine lakes and campsites dot the landscape, and soft
white beaches line the shore.
Getting
to Florida
Florida is served by a total of 20 regional and international
airports. Amtrak's Auto Train carries passengers and their vehicles
to the state. Travel by car and long-distance bus is easy along
miles of well-maintained highways.
|
