Biggest Cities In California

Los Angeles is the most populous city in California, followed by San Diego and San Jose.
California is the most populated and the third most extensive state in the US. California is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the East, Arizona to the southeast and the Pacific Ocean on the western coastline. California is a global pillar and perhaps the most advanced state regarding technology, the internet, and entertainment.

The Largest Cities In California

1. Los Angeles - 3,971,883

Los Angeles is the largest city in California with a population of 3,971,883. As of 2008 the city's economy had a gross metropolitan product of $831 billion, the world's third largest city economy after Tokyo and New York. The economy of the LA is driven by trade and commerce, entertainment, tourism, aerospace, fashion, petroleum, and technology.

2. San Diego - 1,394,928

Located 120 miles south of Los Angeles, the city of San Diego ranks second among the biggest cities in California. It has a population of 1,394,928. The city is famous for its deep natural harbors, extensive beaches, mild year-round climate, association with the US Navy, and in recent years as a health and biotechnology development center.

3. San Jose - 1,026,908

San Jose is the third largest city in California and the center of the Silicon Valley region. Many large tech companies have their headquarters in San Diego, which has expanded rapidly since the 1960s.

4. San Francisco - 864,816

San Francisco is the fourth largest city in California with a population of 864,816. Known for its unique city design and its cultural heritage, San Francisco is also an extremely popular tourist destination, ranking among the ten most visited cities in the United States.

5. Fresno - 520,052

Fresno is the fifth largest city in California by population. It is located in the San Joaquin Valley. Like San Jose, Fresno experienced a large amount of growth in the second half of the 20th century.

Biggest Cities California

Rank City Population

1 Los Angeles 3,971,883
2 San Diego 1,394,928
3 San Jose 1,026,908
4 San Francisco 864,816
5 Fresno 520,052
6 Sacramento 490,712
7 Long Beach 474,140
8 Oakland 419,267
9 Bakersfield 373,640
10 Anaheim 350,742
11 Santa Ana 334,909
12 Riverside 322,424
13 Stockton 305,658
14 Chula Vista 265,757
15 Irvine 256,927
16 Fremont 232,206
17 San Bernardino 216,108
18 Modesto 211,266
19 Fontana 207,460
20 Oxnard 207,254

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Ethnic Composition Of The Population Of California

People walk the sidewalks in Venice
Beach, California.

California hosts people from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds.

California is a state in the western USA. It has a population of around 39 million, which makes it the most populated state in the country. Societies have made their home within California's borders for close to 10,000 years. Native Americans were the first communities to live in California, and they had a vast array of political systems. California attracted large numbers of European explorers with Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo and Francis Drake leading expeditions into the region. For a time, California was under Mexican rule which significantly impacted its culture and the demographics. The present-day Californian society is a diverse multi-ethnic community.

Demographics of California

Caucasian - 72.7%

Caucasians make up the most significant portion of California's population at around 72.7%. The Caucasians living in California claim a wide array of descents with the most significant community being from Mexico. People of German ancestry make up the most significant number of individuals of European descent at approximately 9%. California's population also has a substantial number of people who claim descent from several European communities such as the English, the Irish, and the Italians. California's Hispanic community is one of America's largest. The Caucasian population of California significantly influenced the state's culture, particularly concerning the religion and the language.

Asian - 15%

Individuals of Asian origin make up close to 15% of the total population. The history of Asians in California dates back to at least 1587 when sailors from the Philippines set foot in the area from Spanish ships. The number of Asians within California's territory has been increasing since 1970s when they made up 2.8% of the population. Besides being the first people of Asian descent in California, Filipinos make up the largest population of Asians in the state. People from China and Vietnam also make up significant portions of California's Asian community. The city of Milpitas has the highest number of Asians in California as they constitute roughly 67% of the town's population.

Black - 6.2%

Individuals of African ancestry initially arrived in California from Mexico as a result of the conquest of the Spanish. In 1850, California's African American population consisted of about 962 people and in the next ten years increased to more than 4,080 people. According to the census carried out in 1970, individuals of African American descent made up 7% of the population a number which gradually reduced over subsequent years to 6.2% in 2010. The city of Inglewood has the most significant proportion of African Americans as they make up nearly 42% of the population.

Race Relations in California

California is one of America's most diverse states. However, race relations in the state are not perfect. The state also has a great history of racism since public facilities such as schools were segregated.

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Music in Honduras

Honduras is a place many people have never heard of but it is a country that captured my heart on a mission trip in the summer of 2010. Honduras is a small country located between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean and is bordered by Nicaragua. El Salvador, and Guatemala.  The official language of the country is Spanish.  The people who live there are some of the sweetest people I have ever met.  They have nothing yet are happy with what they have. They work everyday hoping they will earn enough money to have food on their table that night.  I have been to Honduras the past three summers and after a long day of working with my Honduras friends I noticed that they come back home and blast music while they cook dinner, shower, etc.  Music seems to be how they calm down after a long day.  San Pedro Sula, a city in Honduras was ranked the number one most dangerous city in the world in 2011 and my friends there say it is stressful to walk to school, walk to the market, or do anything because one wrong step and they could be shot and killed or raped.  They say that music is how they escape from the reality of life each night.  Music is not just blasted in the house.  Through the nonstop honking of horns on the street you can hear music being played really loud.  Even the supermarkets have music playing very loudly, which makes it hard to talk to someone unless you are standing right next to them.  Music is a big part of the Honduran culture and it is part of their daily life.

Honduran music combines elements from African and European nations and creates a style of their own.  African culture in particular has influenced a type of music called Punta.  Punta was created by the Garifuna and it is very successful because the lyrics are in Spanish. Women generally compose the lyrics and most people say that it is very difficult to dance to.  In Spanish, the word Punta means, “point” as in “tip” so it is said that the name might have come from that because the dance is performed on the tips of the dancers toes.

Another popular type of music is Garifuna Music. This music came from the Nigerian slaves who from St. Vincent to Central America when the British conquered the region.  The Garifuna kept themselves apart from the social system and they created and distinctive culture for themselves.  Their culture included chumba and hunguhungu, a circular dance in the three beat rhythm, which is sometimes combined with Punta.

The Conch Shell. © Google

Instruments used are also unique and create a sound that is not typical in the United States. Traditional Honduran musicians use instruments such as the marimba, caramba, and the conch shell.  In addition to those instruments, other instruments that are popular, especially in the Garifuna culture are the accordion, guitar, tortoise shells, maracas.  The tortoise shell is played with two drumsticks.  The maracas are two hollowed-out shells, which carry natural seeds called, “tears of Saint Peter.”  The conch shell has multiple uses in the culture.  It is used to call for the community to come buy fresh fish when the fishermen arrive.  Another use for it is when a family member has strayed away from the community.

The Drums. © Google

The most basic instrument they use is the drum. The drums are simple and monotone and they are used to keep a steady beat for the music.

The most famous artist in Honduras is Guillermo Anderson.  His style is composed of many different styles such as, Afro-Caribbean percussions, contemporary sounds, local rhythms, and folklore of Honduras. His songs tell stories about issues such as the environment and healthcare.  The songs also talk about the natural beauty in Honduras, its people, and situations Hondurans face in everyday life.

The music in Honduras is very unique and has a style of its own. The people in Honduras relate to the songs written and it is an important aspect of their life.

•culled from www.blogs.longwood.edu

The Popular Music In Haiti

Haitian local musical group performs Rara.
© Google

In 1697, the Treaty of Ryswick granted the western third of the island of Hispaniola to the French crown. Afterwards, with the colony known by the new name of Saint Domingue, sugar production played a central role in its economic development, making it one of the most economically important and profitable French territories during the 18th century. This course of economic development profoundly affected the demographic makeup of the new French acquisition, which was directly related to the establishment of African slavery in the colony. For example, imports of slaves increased dramatically during the first 30 years from 3,000 to 47,000 and reached a peak nearly 500,000 slaves just before the first successful slave revolt broke out. The white French colonial elite, meanwhile, was a tiny fraction of the population. However, like in any slave society, they exercised fierce control over the subjugated populations. The socio-racial divisions were not so neatly split, however. In addition to those two extremes, there were intermediate layers called afranchi and the petit blancs. The afranchi were the offspring of relations between French whites and black women and they enjoyed legal and social benefits that were denied to the black slaves.

This demographic mix, of which the African presence was the largest part, set the framework for the cultural and musical development of Saint Domingue, which was renamed Haiti after the triumph of the revolution in 1804. The cultural syncretism that is common throughout the Caribbean region took on specific characteristics in Haiti with the development of a unique language called kreyòl (Creole) that included influences from various African languages, French, English and Spanish. Although kreyòl was not officially recognized until the 1980s, it was the common language of the huge majority of the poor population of Haiti. In religious and musical terms, similar to other examples that arose from the African diaspora, such as Santeria in Cuba and Candomblé in Brazil, Vodou is a syncretic religion that is the most important and influential in Haiti. Vodou involves a series of complex rituals in which music plays a fundamental role and varies based on geographic differences and the purpose of the ritual. The ritual music is part of the process of invoking the deities, or iwas. These also varied among the different African nations, so the Rada, Petwo, Ibo and Congo rituals had their own syncretic characteristics. The Rada ritual music, for example, consists of three main drums called boula , segon and manman , from smaller to larger. These had a cowhide skin stretched over a wooden body using a system of wedges. In the Petwo rituals, two wood drums covered with goatskin were used. In both nations, the ritual music served as a bridge between the worshippers and the iwas.

Rara

In Haiti, as in other Caribbean countries, Carnival is celebrated during the week preceding Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Unlike other Caribbean nations, however, where the celebration ends until the next season, in Haiti the Rara begins and continues through the other weekends of Lent all around the country. Rara celebrations take place in the streets and consist of masked musical bands and groups that are joined by spectators on their routes. As they make their rounds, the rara bands stop and ask for money from socially recognized people. In return, the leaders of the groups perform their best dances. These bands’ musical instruments are homemade. The kone is a kind of trumpet made of zinc that can measure up to three feet long. The vaksin is another kind of trumpet made of bamboo. Also used is the tambou , a drum made with animal hide and the graj, an instrument similar to the Dominican güiro . Joining these are rudimentary instruments made of such diverse items as soft drink cans and beer bottles.

Popular music

During the colonial period, dance music in Haiti was influenced by the European traditions and European rhythms such as the contredanse, the cuadrilla, the waltz and the polka. Local forms of music in the Caribbean melded with the neo-African rhythms and structures to create new forms, with one example being mereng or merengue . In the beginning, Haitian merengue was a kind of dance music reserved for the upper classes. The music’s base rhythm consisted of five notes and was very similar to the Spanish cinquillo. The arrangements were generally written for piano and wind instruments. Among the most recognized Haitian merengue composers were Occide Jeanty, Ludovic Lamothe and Franck Lassegue.
Meanwhile, misik twobadou music was strongly influenced by Cuban guajiro music because of the large number of Haitian workers who migrated to Cuba during the harvest season. Also, radio broadcasts from eastern Cuba influenced the development of this authentic Haitian music. Like many Cuban songs, the Haitian merengs and konpas tended to describe the joys and misfortunes of rural life. These forms were performed by small groups with instruments such as the guitar, maracas, graj , drum and the maniba.

In the early 20th century, the Haitian elite, in reaction to U.S. influence in their country and fearing the disappearance of traditional music through assimilation, began returning to their cultural roots in the form of religious Vodou rituals. Composers such as Ludovic Lamothe, among others, introduced melodies inspired by Vodou rituals as orchestra arrangements. The most famous group in this Vodou-jazz movement was Jazz des Jeunes. The group’s style appealed to the Haitian people by combining folk heritage, rhythm, and the body movements of voudu rituals.

In the 1950s, saxophonist Nemours Jean-Baptiste and his group Ensemble aux Calebasses introduced konpa to the Haitian musical scene. This style, which borrowed from Dominican merengue ripiao , is characterized by a slower tempo and sexual content with double meanings. Konpa or kompa direct became one of the most popular musical genres in the local and international music scene. The influence of other Caribbean rhythms such as calypso, U.S. jazz, swing and, more recently, hip hop can be seen in it.

The variety of ritualistic and popular music is seen in the number of new genres that have taken hold in Haiti. In addition to those mentioned above are mini-djaz compa , mizik rasin , rap and ragga, the latter two as part of the African diaspora experience and the processes of globalization.

By Ileana Rivera Martínez

•culled from www.

Religious Beliefs In Arkansas

A Baptist church in Arkansas.

The majority of the population of Arkansas are Protestant Christians.

Arkansas is among the “ Bible Belt” states, a group of states in the US where Christianity is the predominant religion. Of the three million people in Arkansas, 82% are religious, 2% are atheists, and 13% do not know whether they are religious or not. The Quapaw and Caddo peoples were the original inhabitants of Arkansas; they engaged in traditional beliefs until the Spanish arrived in the sixteenth century and destabilized the local culture. Christianity began taking root in the state in the mid-16th century when Roman Catholics arrived and began preaching sermons. The arrival of the French in the mid-seventeenth century cemented the state position as a Christian state when Christians began building churches in several parts of Arkansas.

Christianity

Christianity is the dominant religion in the state, with 79% of the population of Arkansas considering themselves Christians. Of these, 46% are evangelical Protestants while 16% are mainline Protestants. Historically Black Protestant and Catholics each account for 8% while Mormons account for 1%. The rest of the Christian denomination account for less than a percentage.

Roman Catholicism was the earliest religion in Arkansas. It was introduced by Spanish explorers in the mid-sixteenth century. Hernando De Soto conducted the first recorded Catholic expedition in 1541. In 1673 Father Zenobe Membre, a French priest, conducted sermons across the state. Throughout the century, Spanish and French missionaries visited Arkansas but did not establish a Christian settlement until 1796 when Father Pierre Janin established the “Parish of Arkansas” and built a chapel. In 1834 the oldest congregation in Arkansas the St. Mary’s Mission was established in Pine Bluff (Jefferson County).

The French and the Spanish prohibited the establishment of Protestant churches in Arkansas until 1803 when the Louisiana Purchase was completed. By the 1820s, the protestant had outnumbered the Catholics. A majority of protestant are Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians. Unlike the Catholics, the Protestants did not establish schools or chapels but conducted their sermons on simple structures or congregated at a member’s home.

Other Religions of Arkansas

Non-Christian faiths account for 3% of the state’s population. Muslims account for 2%, while Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and other world religions account for less than one percent each. Freedom of religion in Arkansas is protected by the constitution.

By Victor Kiprop

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

What Is The Ethnic Composition Of Arkansas?

A "Welcome to Arkansas" sign.

More than 70% of the population of Arkansas are white Americans.

Arkansas is a state in the southern region of the US. As of 2017, the 32 nd largest state had an estimated population of a little over 3 million people. The census from 2015 placed the population at 2,978,204 which represented a slight increase of about 2.14% from that of 2010. The population density of the state is 51.3 people per square mile.

Ethnic Composition of Arkansas

According to the 2010 census, which showed that the state had a population of 2,915,918, the biggest percentage (77.0%) of it was made up of white Americans. African Americans constitute the second highest percentage of people with 15.4% while Asian Americans only had 1.2%. Native Americans and natives of Alaska contribute about 0.8% while native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders only had 0.2%. There are also other races (3.4%) as well as people who have two or more races (2.0%).

Data from the American Community Survey about the largest ancestry groups in the state have a slightly different look. Of the total number of ancestry groups, African Americans have the highest number with a contribution of 15.5% followed by Irish communities with 13.6%. These communities are followed closely by Germans (12.5%), Americans (11.1%), and English (10.3%). Other minor communities include the French, Dutch, Scotts, Italians, and a few others. The group also found out that about 93.8% of the population aged five years and above spoke only English with only 4.5% communicating in Spanish at home. The combined percentage of populations using other Indo-European languages, Asian languages, and other languages was less than 2%.

Religion

Being a part of the Bible Belt, it is no surprise that 86.0% of the population of Arkansas is Christian with Protestants making up the largest group (78.0%). Those who do not follow any religion make up 14% of the population while the Jewish and Muslim religions each have a following of less than 1%.

By Ferdinand Bada

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Music and Art in Guatemala

Guatemala has a rich artistic tradition that extends all the way back to Mayan times. Art is alive and well in Guatemala today, as evidenced by the music, literature, and paintings that are found across the country. Whether you’re listening to a band in Guatemala City or touring a museum in Antigua, you’ll surely enjoy the artistic offerings of this country.

Music

Your Guatemalan adventure begins by exploring the country's rich culture through their music scene. You’ll hear an assortment of music in Guatemala. On bus rides, you’ll probably hear American music from the 1980s and 90s. In other places – like restaurants and bars – you’re likely to hear ranchera and Tejano music. Music with Mexican influence is big here, and you’ll sometimes stumble upon a mariachi band playing at a restaurant or party. Along the Caribbean Coast , Guatemala’s Garífuna population tends to listen to more reggae-heavy music, including punta rock and reggaeton.

The most popular instrument in Guatemala is the marimba. A marimba is a large wooden xylophone that’s struck with mallets. It’s often played in upscale hotels and restaurants, especially in more popular destinations. Marimbas weren’t always used in Guatemala — during pre-Columbian times, Mayan instruments consisted of wooden flutes, drums, and bone rasps.

If you’re interested in learning more about Guatemala’s highland Mayan musical traditions, visit the Casa K’ojom museum, which is set just outside of Antigua in the small town of Jocotenango.

Holidays and festivals are another opportunity to enjoy the music and dancing of Guatemala. They are also a chance to explore the culture of the country, particularly when they have their roots in religion.

Visual Arts

Guatemala’s visual art began with the Mayans, who painted murals and carved stelae. Although few Mayan murals survived, the ones that did tend to show scenes of daily life and are narrative in nature. The stelae are covered with carvings and inscriptions, often of kings or gods.
During Spanish colonial times, there was a substantial amount of art created; most of it, however, was anonymous. Exceptions include the Black Christ of Esquipulas, which was sculpted by Quiro Cataño in 1595. Pilgrims now come from across Central America to visit this sculpture. Thomas de Merlo (1694–1739) is another colonial artist whose work survived — his paintings can still be seen in the Museo de Arte Colonial in Antigua.

Guatemala’s best-known visual artist is Carlos Mérida (1891–1984), who studied painting in Paris in the early 1900s. His indigenista art combined European modernism with American themes. His work underwent several shifts, including a figurative phase, a surrealist phase, and a geometric phase. Much of his work can be seen in the Museum of Modern Art in Guatemala City.

During the 20th century, Guatemalan visual art embraced indigenous themes and portrayals, and often romanticized indigenous culture in the process. Painters include Kaqchikel, Andrés Curruchich (1891–1969) and Alfredo Gálvez Suárez (1899–1946). This style can be seen in the murals of Guatemala City’s Palacio Nacional de La Cultura, many of which were done by Alfredo Gálvez Suárez.

Literature

Guatemala’s best-known literary figure is Miguel Ángel Asturias (1899–1974), who won the Nobel Prize in literature in 1967. His most famous work includes El Señor Presidente (1946), Hombres de Maíz (1949), and El Papa Verde (1954). The themes include dictators, Mayan peasants, and the United Fruit Company.

Guatemala’s first notable writer was Rafael Landívar (1731–1793), a Jesuit priest and poet from Antigua. His best-known work is the poem Rusticatio Mexicano , which describes local customs during that time. In 1767 Landívar was forced to leave Guatemala when the Spanish Crown expelled Jesuits from the Americas.
Modern Guatemalan writers include Víctor Perera (1934–2003), whose books cover Guatemalan history and culture and include Unfinished Conquest (1993) and Rites: A Guatemalan Boyhood (1986). Novelist Francisco Goldman is also well respected — his novels include The Ordinary Seaman (1997) and The Divine Husband (2004).

•culled from www.everywhere.com

Religious Beliefs In Arizona

San Xavier Del Bac church in Tucson,
Arizona.

Hinduism is the largest non-Christian religion in Arizona.

Arizona gained statehood on February 14, 1912, which made it the 48th state. It is the sixth largest state in the country by land area. Phoenix is the capital and the largest city in the state. Arizona is bordered by California, Utah, Colorado, Mexico, Nevada and New Mexico. The Arizona-Mexico boundary is about 389 miles long and the two Mexican states which border Arizona are Baja California and Sonora.

Religious Beliefs In Arizona

Nnon-denominational Evangelical Protestants represent the largest religious group in Arizona, followed by the Mormon Church and the Catholic Church. Even though the number of Catholic Church members dropped from 974,884 in 2000 to 930,001 in 2010, it still has the highest numbers of followers in Arizona. The number of adherents of the Mormon Church grew from 251,974 members in 2000 to 410,263 in 2010 followed by the non-denominational Christians with about 281,105 members. The religious bodies with the most congregations in Arizona are the Mormon Church with 836 groups and the Southern Baptist Convention with 323 congregations.

Over 39% of the residents are Protestants, Catholics (21%), Mormon (5%), Jewish (2%), and Jehovah witness (1%). About 27% of the residents in Arizona are not affiliated with any religious group. Some of the most prominent Protestant churches include the United Methodist Church (54,977), Southern Baptist Convention (126,830), the Assemblies of God (123,713) and the Presbyterian Church with over 26,078 adherents. The LCMC (Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ) is the newest denomination in the state which began in 2001, and by 2010 it had over 14,350 members in Arizona.

The biggest non-Christian denomination in Arizona with over 32,000 adherents in 2010 is Hinduism; which is about 1% of the population in Arizona. Judaism is the second biggest non-Christian denomination with over 20,000 followers in about three denominations followed by Buddhism which has over 19,000 followers in numerous denominations.

Demographics Of Arizona

Arizona is the fourteenth most populous state in the country with a population of over 7million people. Arizona remained sparsely populated for the better part of the nineteenth century, and by 1860 it had a population of over 6,482. Metro-Phoenix is home to over two-thirds of the people in Arizona. The number of people living in Phoenix grew by 45.3% from 1991 to 2001, and by 2017 the capital had a population of about 4.7 million.

By Geoffrey Migiro

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The 10 Tallest Peaks in Arizona

Humphreys Peak, Arizona.

The 12,633 ft tall Humphreys Peak is the tallest peak in the US state of Arizona.

Arizona is a US state located in the southwestern part of the country. It is one of the nine Mountain States of the country, and has several mountain ranges with peak heights greater than 10,000 ft, such as the San Francisco Peaks and the White Mountains. A list of the tallest peaks in the state of Arizona is provided below.

1. Humphreys Peak

Humphreys Peak is 12,633 ft tall and the highest point in Arizona. The peak is located in Coconino County, within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness, which is part of the Coconino National Forest. The Humphreys Peak is volcanic in origin, and its parent range, the San Francisco Peaks, features a series of dormant volcanoes. A 7.7 km trail route, which starts at a ski resort, leads hikers to the top of the peak.

2. Agassiz Peak

The 12,356 ft tall Agassiz Peak is Arizona’s second tallest mountain. Also located in the San Francisco Peaks range, Agassiz Peak is the southernmost peak in the contiguous United States with an elevation of more than 12,000 ft. The peak was named after famous American biologist and geologist Louis Agassiz. Hiking above the treeline of the mountain is strictly prohibited in all seasons except winter. This rule was introduced to help protect the threatened habitat at higher elevations.

3. Fremont Peak

Part of the parent range of the San Francisco Peaks, With an elevation of 11,973 ft, Fremont Peak is Arizona's third highest peak. The peak is part of the San Francisco Peaks range and is named after celebrated American politician, soldier, and explorer, John Charles Frémont. The mountain is a favorite hiking spot, as it reportedly offers the most scenic views of any peak in the San Francisco Peaks range.

4. Doyle Peak

Doyle Peak has an elevation of 11,460 ft and is regarded as the fourth highest in Arizona. This is lower in elevation than Aubineau Peak (11,838 ft) and Rees Peak (11,474 ft), but since the prominence of both are very low, they are usually not treated as independent peaks. Doyle Peak has a prominence of 660 ft, while the Aubineau and the Rees Peaks have prominences of only 198 ft and 194 ft, respectively. Doyle Peak also belongs to the San Francisco Peaks range.

5. Mount Baldy

The 11,403 ft tall Mount Baldy is the fifth highest mountain in Arizona. The mountain is located in Apache County and is part of the White Mountains range. Hiking to the mountain's summit requires special permits since the mountain is protected as part of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. The local Western Apache tribe consider Mount Baldy as a sacred mountain. The mountain is the source of many rivers and streams, including the Salt River and the Little Colorado River. Wildlife thrives in the ecosystem of Mount Baldy.

The 10 Tallest Peaks in Arizona

Rank Peak Elevation (ft) Prominence (ft) Mountain Range

1 Humphreys Peak 12,633 6039 Flagstaff Area
2 Agassiz Peak 12,356 556 Flagstaff Area
San Francisco Mountain 12,297 17 Flagstaff Area
3 Fremont Peak 11,969 615 Flagstaff Area
Aubineau Peak 11,838 198 Flagstaff Area
Rees Peak 11,474 194 Flagstaff Area
4 Doyle Peak 11,460 660 Flagstaff Area
5 Mount Baldy 11,403 4723 White Mountains
Mount Baldy-North Peak 11,400 80 White Mountains
6 Mount Ord 11,357 717 White Mountains
7 Paradise Butte 11,150 470 White Mountains
Mount Thomas 11,121 161 White Mountains
Mount Warren 11,036 36 White Mountains
8 Peak 10932 10,932 372 White Mountains
9 Escudilla Mountain 10,912 2372 White Mountains
10 Mount Graham 10,720 6320 Bisbee-Tombstone Area

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The 10 Longest Rivers in Arizona

The Colorado River flows through seven
US states including the state of Arizona.

The Colorado River is the longest river in the state of Arizona.

Arizona is the fourteenth populous and sixth largest state in the country. Arizona was the 48th state to gain statehood in 1912. About 25% of the state is an Indian reservation which is home to twenty-seven Native American tribes. Arizona is home to some of the longest rivers in the country with Colorado River supplying to over 40 million people. Majority of the rivers in the state empty into the River Colorado.
Longest Rivers in Arizona.

1) Colorado River

The 1,450 miles long Colorado River is the most critical river in northern Mexico and the Southwest United States. It drains an open arid watershed which includes parts of two Mexican and seven American states. The river rises from the Rocky Mountains and flows through the Grand Canyon and Colorado Plateau before joining Lake Mead where it turns towards the international border. Once in Mexico, it flows towards River Colorado Delta.

2) Gila River

The 650 miles long Gila River is one of the main tributaries of River Colorado which flows through Arizona and Mexico. It drains a 60,000 sq miles arid watershed which is mainly in the United States, but it extends to the north parts of Sonora. The source of River Gila is in Sierra County right on the Continental Divide’s slope. It then flows through Gila national forest all the way into Colorado River.

3) Little Colorado River

The 315 miles long River is a branch of Colorado River. Little Colorado River and River Puerco (its main tributary), drains about 26,500 sq miles of watershed in west New Mexico and eastern Arizona. The lower part of the river which is known as the Little Colorado River rift is the most extended arm of the Grand Canyon’s longest arm which stretches for about 57.2 miles before joining Colorado River.

4) Salt River

Salt River is the longest branch of Gila River which is in Arizona. The Salt River drains an area of about 13,700 sq miles, and its headwater tributaries (East Fork and Black River) stretch its length to 300 miles. Its longest tributary Verde River is 195 miles long. Its name is derived from the fact that it flows through a large salt deposit after merging with the Black and White River. It is created by the confluence of Black River and White River on the White Mountains in Gila County.

5) Santa Cruz River

Santa Cruz River is a 184 miles long river which is in northern Sonora, Mexico, and Southern Arizona. Its headwaters are in San Rafael Valley, and from here it extends past Santa Cruz to Sierra San Antonio where it re-enters the United States. It then flows northwards past Marana to Gila River and Santa Cruz flats. Santa Rita Mountains and San Cayetano flank the river to the eastern side and Sierrita Mountains and Atascosa to the western side.

6) Verde River

The 170 miles long Verde River is one of Salt River’s major tributary. It is one of the most significant Arizona based perennial streams with a mean flow rate of about 602 cubic feet per second. River Verde rises from a dam in Lake Sullivan, and then it flows freely for 125 miles through the state, private land, and the Tonto National Forest. River Verde meets Salt River near fountain hill, which empties into River Gila.

7) Puerco River

Puerco River is a 167 miles long river which flows in Northeastern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico through the Painted Desert. It is one the branches of Little Colorado River. The river drains a 2,654 sq miles area, and its average discharge rate is about 70 cubic feet per second. The river is dry or with little water for most parts of the year, and it only overflows during a downpour.

8) Virgin River

The 162 miles long Virgin River is in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. The river was designated as the first scenic and wild river in Utah during Zion National Park’s centennial celebrations. Initially, it was named by Jedediah Smith as Adams River in 1826, but John Fremont, a map maker, changed its name to Virgin River. Virgin River’s origin is in Navajo Reservoir in Utah.

9) San Francisco River

River San Francisco is a 159 miles long river which is on the southwestern parts of the country. San Francisco River is the leading branch of Upper River Gila. The river rises near alpine and then extends to New Mexico before entering Arizona at Clifton where it drains into downstream River Gila.

10) San Pedro River

The 140 miles San Pedro River is a northern flowing river which rises from Cananea municipality in Sonora Mexico. San Pedro is the last free-flowing river in the southwestern parts of the country. The river hosts over 60% of the avian species in America which include three hundred species of migrating birds and one hundred breeding bird species.

Unique River System In Arizona

Arizona is home to some of the longest rivers in the country with the top ten rivers being over 140 miles long. Arizona has a unique system of waterways with the smaller rivers emptying into, the bigger ones which then flow into Colorado River. San Francisco River, Salt River, and Santa Cruz River receive water from their many smaller branches which they empty in Gila River. Little Colorado River and Gila River then flow into Colorado River.

The 10 Longest Rivers in Arizona

Rank River Length (miles) Length (km)

1 Colorado River 1,450 2,330
2 Gila River 650 1,050
3 Little Colorado River 315 507
4 Salt River 200 320
5 Santa Cruz River 184 296
6 Verde River 170 270
7 Puerco River 167 269
8 Virgin River 162 261
9 San Francisco River 159 256
10 San Pedro River 140 230

By Geoffrey Migiro

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

What Is the Capital of Arizona?

The skyline of Phoenix, Arizona.

The capital city of Arizona is Phoenix.
Phoenix is the state capital of Arizona. Arizona became a US state in 1912, and currently ranks 6th in total land area. As of 2017, Phoenix has a population of 1,615,017, which makes it the fifth largest city in the United States.

History of Phoenix

The capital of Arizona has a rich history which is well documented and preserved by the government in museums and galleries. The city's history dates back as far as 2000 years, when it was inhabited by the Hohokam tribe. The Native America people transformed Phoenix by introducing irrigation that converted semi-arid areas and desert into arable land on which crops could be grown. However, severe drought and floods raided the area and forced Hohokam people to flee the area. Years later, various other Native American tribes settled in the region. In 1867, former Civil War general Jack Swilling settled in the area, and fellow pioneer Lord Darrell Duppa is credited with naming the area "Phoenix," as the community was built on the ruins of former Native American settlements.

Geography

Phoenix is centrally located in the state of Arizona, which is one of the reasons why it was considered an ideal location for the capital. The landscape is generally flat, but is surrounded by hilly and mountainous terrain. Its metropolitan is located closer to the Salt River Valley, and is accordingly referred to as the "Valley of the Sun." The city has a total area of 517.9 square miles, and a population density of about 2797 persons per square mile.

Economy

Historically, Phoenix's economy has been highly dependent on agriculture, along with copper, cattle, cotton products, and citrus fruits. The introduction of a railway line in 1926 was significant, as it connected Phoenix to new markets. The city's current economy is built around real estate, plant manufacturing, retail trade, health care, insurance, and financial services.

By Chelangat Faith

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Top Cities In Arizona

Arizona, best known for the Grand Canyon
is the 14th most populated US state.

Phoenix, the most populous city in Arizona, is the sixth most populous city in the United States.

Arizona

Arizona is a state located in the southwest of the United States. It has a population of 6,828,065 made up of Non-Hispanic Whites (57.8%), Hispanics (29.6%), Native Americans (4.6%), African Americans (4.1%), Asians (2.8%), and other races (just over 15%). The biggest job providers in this state include government, transportation, and healthcare. Nearly 90% of the state’s population lives in urban areas. This article takes a look at which cities are the most populated and which are have the highest standard of living.

Most Populated Cities In Arizona

Phoenix

Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is the most populated city in the state with 1,445,632 people. This size also makes Phoenix the most populated state capital in the country. Residents here live in a subtropical desert climate and are surrounded by the Sonoran Desert. This region is full of mountain lions, jackrabbits, and coyotes that sometimes make their way into city limits. Crime can be an issue here, as with most large cities, with violent crime rates at approximately 637 per 100,000 people. Currently, the city faces issues with illegal drug trafficking due, in part, to its proximity to the Mexican border. It has also been nicknamed the “Kidnapping Capital” (a crime associated with drug trafficking) of the US.

Tucson

Following in second place is Tucson with a population of 520,116. This city is located 108 miles southeast of Phoenix and hosts the University of Arizona. The majority of economic activity here is based around this university which is also the second largest jobs provider in the city. Although currently, the city obtains most of its electrical energy from coal and gas powered plants, solar energy has become more popular. The university houses one of the largest solar fields in the world.

Below this article is a table of some other majorly populated cities in Arizona. Surprisingly, population size does not always mean the city offers a high standard of living. Those cities and towns are discussed next. So, which are the top cities in Arizona?

Most Livable Cities In Arizona

Paradise Valley

The two most populated cities do not make the list for top livable cities or the top cities in Arizona. This is due to a wide variety of factors including crime, education, and housing (to name a few). The town that does make it to the top of the list, however, is Paradise Valley. This urban area, with a population of 13,243, is notable for its low crime rate and is considered 68% safer than other cities in the country. Residents also enjoy a high income per capita and a stable housing market. The city is full of other amenities as well including spas and nearby hiking. Famous residents have included Muhammad Ali, Stevie Nicks, and Mike Tyson. The cost of living seems to be the only negative factor here, it is 112% higher than the rest of Arizona.

Gilbert

For some people, Paradise Valley might be too small. For them, living in an area with a significant population is important. If that’s the case, Gilbert, the 7th most populated city in the state, is also a top city in Arizona. The population here is 208,453 of which, 94% have obtained their high school diploma. That graduation rate is 14% higher than the rest of the state. Residents here enjoy low crime rates, high income per capita, and excellent local amenities. Nearby are two state parks that offer plenty of outdoor recreation. In 2010, this city was named “One of the Best Place to Live in the Nation”. The cost of living is 9% higher than other areas of the state and significantly lower than Paradise Valley.
There are many cities and towns to select when considering a move to Arizona. Important things to consider include quality of the education, access to healthcare, crime rates, the cost of living, home values, household incomes, and employment opportunities.

Top Cities In Arizona

Rank Name County Population (2010)

1 Phoenix Maricopa 1,445,632
2 Tucson Pima 520,116
3 Mesa Maricopa 439,041
4 Chandler Maricopa 236,123
5 Glendale Maricopa 226,721
6 Scottsdale Maricopa 217,385
7 Gilbert Maricopa 208,453
8 Tempe Maricopa 161,719
9 Peoria Maricopa 154,065
10 Surprise Maricopa 117,517

By Amber Pariona

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Ethnic Composition Of Arizona

The landscape of Arizona.

The largest ethnic groups in Arizona include Hispanic, white, and Native American.
Arizona is the sixth largest U.S state by land area. It is found in the southwestern part of the country. It is one of the four corner states, which is surrounded by Mexico, California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico. It is the fourteenth most populous state in the country with over 7,016,270 inhabitants.

Population Growth In Arizona

Arizona experienced a 3.6% population growth from 2008 to 2009 to reach 6.343 million people and an increase of about 20.2% since 2000. The growth from 2000 included the natural increase of 297,928 Americans (266,134 deaths and 564,062 births) and the growth due to migration into Arizona was about 745,944 people. Immigration from other countries produced growth of 204,661 while people migrating from other states increased the population of Arizona by 541,282. Currently, Arizona is the eighth fastest growing state in the nation with a population growth of 9.77% from 2010 to 2017.

Ethnic Composition Of Arizona

According to the survey conducted by the Census Bureau from 2005 to 2007, over 76.4% of the people were white Americans, 3.4% were African Americans, and 4.5% were Native Americans. About 3.3% of the people living in Arizona are Asian Americans. The Latinos and Hispanics made up about 29% of the residents in the state. Arizona has the third highest number of Native Americans in the country of about 286,680 which is about 10% of the United States total native population. The only states with more Native Americans are Oklahoma and California.

The largest ancestry groups of the people living in Arizona include Native Americans (4.5%), Irish (10.9%), English (10.3%), German (16.5%), and Mexicans (25.8%).

Language

Over 72.9% of the people living in Arizona aged five and above spoke English as their primary language by 2010. 20.8% of the population spoke Spanish, Navajo (1.48%), Chinese (0.39%), German (0.39%), and Tagalog (0.33%) among others. Over 27.1% of the residents aged five and older spoke their mother tongues other than English. The state is home to the largest number of Native American languages speakers of all the 48 conterminous states in the country. Apache County in Arizona has the highest number of people who can converse in the Native American Indian dialects in the country.

By Geoffrey Migiro

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

What Is the Capital of Alaska?

Downtown Juneau, the capital city of
Alaska.

The capital city of Alaska is Juneau.
Alaska is located in the northernmost part of North America, west of Canada. Its capital city is Juneau.

Introduction

This state is documented as the largest state in terms of size among the fifty states of the USA. The state is also considered to be the 7th largest sub-national divisions among national divisions of the world. Not only is the state the largest but it also records the most sparse population density in the USA. The state is rated as third least populous. Among the key factors that drives the prosperity of this mammoth state economically is fishing activities –owing to the fact that it is located along the coast with cool climate that facility breeding of fish, natural gas activities and exploitation of oil not forgetting the advanced military bases.

The capital of Alaska is Juneau which obtained its name from a gold prospector. In Alaska, the capital is the 2 nd most populous city after Anchorage. The city was made Alaska’s capital in 1906 shifting its base from Sitka. The city boasts of a huge municipality geographically, which is formed out of a merger between the Douglas and Juneau Borough. One distinguishing feature that makes Juneau unique from other capitals in the USA is the fact that the capital does not have a road network linking it to the rest of Alaska. Rather, the main means of transportation to other areas in Alaska is by ferry. This scenario can only be attributed to the terrain of the land in the capital which is highly rugged.

Brief Overview of Demographics

The population of Juneau is predominantly young, with many who fall between the age of 18 years and 35 years with the older population being the minority. Generally, the overall age average for the entire population is 35 years. The average per capital income stands at $26,719.

The Economy of Juneau

The main job creator in the capital is the Alaskan government which has most of its administrative offices located in Juneau. In addition to the government, the capital heavily relies on tourism which is a key economy booster, especially in the summers. The fishing industry is worth mentioning among these key economic factors for the capital as not only does its employment to the locals but also taps foreign exchange for the capital and state at large through export of fish and fish products.

Governance of Juneau

The capital is run and operated through the city manager system of government with the mayor being the overall head in the city. The mayor works hand in hand with other elected officials to ensure that the services and activities of the capital are in line with the overall goal and objective of the capital. As per political affiliation, the capital is torn between the democrats and the republicans with one district seen as siding with the democrats and the other district siding with the republicans.

By Chelangat Faith

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Most Populated Cities in Alaska

The skyline of Anchorage, Alaska.

Anchorage is the most populous city in Alaska.

The United States Of America

Alaska is a US state that is located in the northwestern extremity of North America. The state is not part of the contiguous United States, but instead borders Canada's province of British Columbia and the Yukon territory. Alaska is the largest state in the country by area, but ranks 47th in terms of population, with a population of 710,231 in 2010. The rugged, mountainous terrain in most parts of the state and the harsh climatic conditions are factors that contribute to Alaska's low population. It is also the least densely populated state.

The Most Populated Alaskan Cities

1. Anchorage

Anchorage is the most populated city in Alaska. The city had a population of 291,826 in 2010, which represents 40% of the total state population. Also, the metropolitan area of Anchorage and the neighboring borough account for more than 50% of the state population. Anchorage is located on a peninsula in Alaska’s south-central portion, and encompasses an area of 5,079.2 square km. The city is a four-time recipient of the All-America City Award. Demographically, whites account for 66% of the city's population, and English is spoken at home by 82.3% of residents. The major sectors of Anchorage's economy are transportation, tourism, government, and the military.

2. Fairbanks

With a population of 31,535 in 2011, Fairbanks is the second most populous city in Alaska. It is located in the Interior region of the state, in the central part of the Tanana Valley. The mountains of the Alaska Range are visible from Fairbanks on a clear day, and it is the largest city in the region. Demographically, the city's population includes Whites (66.1%), African Americans (9%), Native American (10%), and the remainder includes Asians, Pacific Islanders, and others.

3. Juneau

The city of Juneau is the capital of Alaska. The City and Borough of Juneau occupy an area of 8,427.63 square km, making it the country’s second largest city in terms of area. Juneau is located at the base of Mount Juneau and is separated from Douglas Island by the Gastineau Channel. The island is part of the City and Borough of Juneau. The city's population fluctuates seasonally, increasing during the summer months when numerous tourists from visiting cruise ships enter the city. Juneau had a population of 31,275 in 2010.

4. Sitka

Sitka is the fourth most populated city in Alaska. The City and Borough of Sitka is located on the Alexander Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, where it includes Baranof Island and the southern part of Chichagof Island. The city had a population of 8,881 in 2010. With an area of 7,434 square km, Sitka is the country’s biggest city-borough. The urban part of Sitka, which is referred to as the City of Sitka, is located on the western half of Baranof Island. Demographically, 64.6% of the city's population are Whites, and Native Americans account for 24.6% of the population.

5. Ketchikan

Ketchikan is Alaska’s southeasternmost city and the fifth most populated city in the state. The city had a population of 8,050 in 2010. Ketchikan was founded as a city in 1900 and is Alaska’s earliest extant city. The city is located on Revillagigedo Island, which is part of the Alexander Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.

The Most Populated Cities in Alaska

Rank Name Population (2010)

1 Anchorage 291,826
2 Fairbanks 31,535
3 Juneau 31,275
4 Sitka 8,881
5 Ketchikan 8,050
6 Wasilla 7,831
7 Kenai 7,100
8 Kodiak 6,130
9 Bethel 6,080
10 Palmer 5,937

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Major Religions of Alaska

A Russian orthodox church is found in
Ninilchik, Alaska.

Christianity dominates Alaska's religious scene with 79% of the population adhering to the religion.

The American state of Alaska is located on the extreme northwest corner of the of the continent. It is the United States of America’s largest state by area, the third least populous, and the most sparsely populated state. Alaska was part of the Russian Empire before it was purchased by the United States for $7.2M on March 30, 1867. It was fully recognized as a US territory on May 11, 1912. On January 3, 1959, Alaska formerly joined the Union as the 49th state.

Population of Alaska

As of 2017, the population of Alaska was estimated at 740,000. It is the third least populous and the most sparsely populated state with a population density of 1.26/sq mi. Half the state’s population reside in the Anchorage metropolitan area.

Religious Demographics of Alaska

Christianity

A survey conducted by Pew Research Center revealed that a majority (79%) of Alaskans were Christians. Of this, Protestantism was the largest Christian sect with Evangelical Protestants making up 26% of the population, Mainline Protestants at 19%, and Black Protestants at 2%. Roman Catholicism was the next biggest sect with 14%, followed by Orthodoxy at 12.5% and Latter-day Saints at 4%. Jehovah's Witnesses and other Christian sects make up less than 0.5% of the population. The large Orthodox population is attributed to early Russian colonization of Alaska with the first Russian Orthodox Church being established in 1795.

Other Religions

Judaism (0.9%), Islam (0.5%), Buddism (<0.5%), Hinduism (<0.5%), other faiths (2.5%) represented less than 5% of the population combined.

Unaffiliated

A large percentage (17%) of the Alaskan population reported being unaffiliated with any religion while 1% refused to answer.

Languages of Alaska

The majority of the Alaskan population (approximately 84%) speak English as their primary language. Only 5.2% of Alaskans speak one of the 20 recognized Alaska Native languages. These 20 Alaska Native Languages were declared official languages of the state of Alaska in 2014 and in 2018, a state of emergency was declared in regards to the conservation of these languages.

What Is The Religious Composition Of Alaska?

Religion % of followers in the total population

Christian 79.0%
Unaffiliated 17.0%
Jewish 0.9%
Buddhist <0.5%
Islam 0.5%
Hindu <0.5%
Other World Religions <0.5%
Other Faiths 2.0%

By Victor Kiprop

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Demographics of Alaska

People walk down the street in Skagway,
Alaska.

Alaska is home to people of multiple ethnicities.
Alaska is home to diverse ethnic communities. The state of Alaska lies to the North West of Canada and occupies a land area of 663,268 square miles making it the largest state in the US . The population was estimated at 739,795 as of 2017. The state is ranked position 48 in population size compared to the rest of the states. The low population can be attributed to the adverse climatic conditions which render most of the landmass unsuitable for habitation.

Ethnic History Of Alaska

A number indigenous people inhabited Alaska before Europeans settled in the area. They included the Yupik, Aleut, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, and the Inupiat. Russians settled in the region in the 1780s after the initial expeditions, and the Spanish followed immediately after that. It was not until the half of the19th century when the Russians established a colony. Russia later sold the territory of Alaska to the US in 1867 for a price of $7.2 million. At the time the state had an estimated 33,426 inhabitants. Sitka was retained as the new territory’s capital and was the only settled area until the 1900s when the gold rush led to massive immigration into the area. The state capital was later changed to Juneau via legislation. In 1968, Alaska experienced the beginning of the oil boom which led to great economic activity and with it high immigration to the state.

Race And Ethnicity

In the census, the ethnic composition of Alaska is broken into various groups namely white, black, Asian, Native American (or Alaskan Native), Pacific Islander, two or more races, or other groups. White is the largest ethnic group in Alaska, representing around 66.7% of the population. The next largest group is American or Alaskan Native, at 14.8%. Alaskans of more than one race make up 7.3% of the population, while 5.4% of Alaskans are of Asian descent. 4.6% of Alaska is black, 1.7% is of other race, and 1.0% identifies as Pacific Islander.

Alaska's Ethnic Composition In Comparison To The Rest Of The US

Alaska has the highest Native American population in the country. Alaska is also in the top 10 states with the highest Asian population. The state experienced a growth of 54.2% of its Asian community between the 2000 and 2010 census. The Asian community in Alaska is mainly comprised of those of Filipino heritage, with their history of residence dating back to the 1700s when early Filipinos worked on fur trading and exploration ships.

The Ethnic Composition Of The Population Of Alaska

Rank Race Population (Percentage, Estimated)

1 White 66.7
2 American or Alaskan Native 14.8
3 More Than One Race 7.3
4 Asian 5.4
5 Black 4.6
6 Other 1.7
7 Pacific Islander 1

By Joseph Kiprop

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Religious Beliefs In Alabama

The skyline of Birmingham, Alabama.

Christianity is by far the largest religion in Alabama.

Alabama is an American state in the south-east of the country occupying about 52,419 square miles, making it the 30th largest state in the US. The US Census Bureau estimated that in 2016 Alabama was home to approximately 4,863,300 people, a slight increase from 2010 estimates. Alabama's population density is the 27th highest in the US with about 95 people living in every square mile.

Evangelical Protestant

The largest Christian denomination in Alabama are the Evangelical Protestants who make up more than 49% of the state's population. Various evangelical denominations have a presence in Alabama with Baptists having the most significant presence at around 31% of the population. The first Baptist church in Alabama was constructed in Huntsville in 1808. Southern Baptists are the largest Baptist group in the state at more than 25% of the population. The Alabama Baptist Convention represents the Baptist churches in the state since its creation in 1823. Methodists are also prevalent in the state. Various nondenominational evangelical churches also have a presence in the state.

Mainline Protestants

Mainline Protestants are one of the largest Protestant groups in the state of Alabama. The United Methodist Church is one of the largest groups of Mainline Protestants in the state accounting for about 5% of the state's Christian population. Individually the Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Anglican churches make up about 1% of the Christian community. Presbyterians have had a presence in the state since its founding. Presbyterians in Alabama split from their national counterparts in 1861 and offered their support for slavery. Mainline Protestants have been involved in various social issues during the state's history such as the prohibition on the sale of alcohol.

The Roman Catholic Church

Roman Catholics in Alabama make up about 7% of the state's population. The Roman Catholic Church tried to establish a presence in the state in 1540 when they sent Catholic priest in the area alongside Hernando DeSoto. The population of Roman Catholics in the state increased during the 1880s mainly due to the immigration of Italians into the state.

By Joseph Kiprop

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The 10 Largest Cities In Alabama

The skyline of Birmingham, Alabama.

Birmingham is the largest city in the US state of Alabama.

The state of Alabama is located in the southeastern United States, and is sometimes referred to as the Yellowhammer State, which is the state bird, "The Heart of Dixie," or "The Cotton State." Alabama covers an area of 52,419 square miles and has a population of approximately 4,858,979, making it the 28th largest US city by land area and the 23rd most populous. The state is divided into 67 counties, and includes 460 incorporated municipalities, 291 towns, and 169 cities. These urban areas cover only 9.6% of the state's total area, but make up 60.4% of Alabama's population.

The 5 Biggest Cities in Alabama

1. Birmingham

Located in the north-central part of the state, Birmingham is Alabama’s largest city, with a population of around 210,710. Birmingham was founded in 1871 during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, when three former farm towns were merged to form the city. Historically, the city’s steel industry played a significant role in its development, and industry continues to play a key role in Birmingham's economy. During the 1970s and 1980s, Birmingham’s economy was transformed by investments in medical research and biotechnology. The city is now a top banking hub, and construction and engineering corporations also thrive in the city. Birmingham serves as a cultural hub of Alabama.

2. Montgomery

With a population of 199,518 individuals, Montgomery is Alabama’s second most populous city. It is also the state capital of Alabama and the county seat of  Montgomery County. Montgomery is located on the banks of the Alabama River, and was formed by the merger of two towns in 1819. The city’s central location in the Black Belt of the state has enabled it to become a processing center for a variety of commodity crops such as cotton, soybeans, and peanuts. With its well-developed transport infrastructure, including extensive railway connections, Montgomery continues to be a regional distribution hub for many different types of industries.

3. Huntsville

Huntsville, the third largest city in the state, is located in the Appalachian region of northern Alabama. It is the county seat of Madison County, and also extends into Limestone County and Morgan County. The 2017 census estimates Huntsville’s population to be approximately 194,585. The city's economy is driven by military and aerospace technology facilities and research, including the United States Army Aviation Missile Command, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Cummings Research Park, and University of Alabama in Huntsville.

4. Mobile

Alabama’s fourth largest city, Mobile, has a population of 190,265. The city is located on the Mobile River, at the head of Mobile Bay, and is the state’s only seaport. Mobile is the county seat of Mobile County. The city was established in 1702 by French colonialists, where it served as the capital of colonial New France, and was later incorporated as part of the United States in 1813. The city is a major industrial hub, particularly for the steel, shipbuilding, construction, medicine, and aerospace industries.

5. Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa is the fifth most populated city in Alabama. The city has a population of approximately 100,287, and serves as the county seat of Tuscaloosa County. It is located on the banks of the Black Warrior River, at the Atlantic Seaboard fall line, and was designated as a town in 1819. Higher education is a key part of Tuscaloosa's economy, as it is home to the University of Alabama and multilple colleges, although the city also has well-developed service and manufacturing sectors.

Classification of Cities in Alabama

Municipalities in Alabama are divided into eight classes based on population. Class 1 cities are those with a population of 300,000 or more. Although none of the state’s cities meet this requirement, Birmingham is still regarded as a Class 1 city. Class 2 cities are those with a population between 175,000 and 299,999 inhabitants, which includes Montgomery, Huntsville, and Mobile. Class 9 includes all towns and cities with populations of less than 6,000.

The 10 Largest Cities In Alabama by Population

Rank City Population (2017 Census Estimate) County

1 Birmingham 2,10,710 Jefferson Shelby
2 Montgomery 1,99,518 Montgomery
3 Huntsville 1,94,585 Madison Limestone
4 Mobile 1,90,265 Mobile
5 Tuscaloosa 1,00,287 Tuscaloosa
6 Hoover 84,920 Jefferson Shelby
7 Dothan 68,202 Houston
8 Auburn 63,973 Lee
9 Decatur 54,405 Morgan Limestone
10 Madison 48,861 Madison Limestone

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

10 States With The Largest African-American Populations

African-American men and women in
business discussion.

African Americans have a long proud cultural history in the U.S., and are working all across the country to overcome generations of unfair practices.

African-American History

The proportion of the African-American population in the US states have significantly varied since the days of institutionalized slavery and the Civil War. The changes over the years have largely been dictated by movements in search of better economic opportunities. While the African-Americans have made significant achievements in several fields, they still trail other groups of people in the country in terms of wealth and education.

Trends in African American Population in the US

District of Columbia (50.7% African American)

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the African American population in the District of Columbia (DC) is around 305,125. This accounts for 50.7 percent of the total population, and 0.8 percent of the entire nation’s Black (African American) population. In recent years, the African American population in Washington has declined in a city that has long been a hub of black political movement and culture. In 1980, 70.3 percent of DC's population was black, while from 2000 to 2010 the area's relative African American population declined by 11 percent. Lack of jobs, low educational access, and soaring property prices have combined to force the African American population to leave D.C. and head to other areas like Maryland and Virginia. Historically, D.C. was preferred by African Americans as it was the nation’s capital, and, in 1867, they gained the right to vote there. In 1900, many opportunities for Federal jobs were also extended unto them.

Mississippi (37.3% African American)

Mississippi’s African American Population is 1,098,385, which is 37.3 percent of the state’s population, and 2.8 percent of the entire African American population, as per 2010 the US Census. The state is renowned for Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American man to serve in the U.S Congress in 1870. At the time of his election to Congress, African Americans had gained the right to vote following the post-Civil War Reconstruction era. However, this right was taken away from them not long thereafter. Unemployment among African Americans is still a major problem in the state. Mississippi's African American unemployment rate is the 9th highest among 24 states with measurable black populations. It is also 3 to 4 times higher than that of the white population.

Louisiana (32.4% African American)

Louisiana’s African American population is 1,452,396. This accounts for 32.4 percent of the state’s total population, and 3.7 percent of the nation’s African American population. The state is historically known for producing such notable Blacks as Israel Meyer Augustine Junior (the first African American to become a District Judge in 1970), and the famous Jazz musician and trumpet player Louis Armstrong who was born in a New Orleans ghetto in 1901. Louisiana ranked at 43rd in the nation in terms of black male high school graduation rates. African American poverty levels are the highest of all races in the state. Culturally, African Americans in Louisiana have a rich, longstanding tradition of oral storytelling.

Georgia (30.5% African American)

African Americans in Georgia number around 2,950,435. They account for 30.5 percent of the state’s population, and 7.6 percent of the nation’s African Americans. The state, which has often been dubbed as "The Black Mecca," is the birth and burial place of civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. Georgia’s African American population traces its origins to slaves brought there from West Africa between 1750 and 1810. Wealthy rice planters in Georgia relied on West African slaves to grow their rice for export. Booker T. Washington delivered his famous "Atlanta Compromise" speech on September 18, 1895, in Atlanta, the state capital. Poverty levels are still a problem for African Americans in the state.

Maryland (29.4 % African American)

Maryland’s African American population is 1,700,298, which accounts for 29.4 percent of the state’s population, and 4.4 percent of America’s African American population. Harriet Tubman, a nurse and slave abolitionist, was born in 1820 in this state. Tubman, herself a runaway slave, led hundreds of other slaves to freedom along the escape route known as the "Underground Railroad." This "railroad" was a secret network of safe houses where deserting slaves stayed on their northward journeys to freedom. Still, there are many challenges for African Americans living today in Maryland. Unemployment rates among them are twice those seen among whites. They are also 5.6 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than whites, according to a 2015 Common Dreams study. They are also 8 times more likely to die of HIV/AIDS complications than whites. In recent years, a subtle form of segregation has come into the education system, as schools have once again become increasingly racially and economically segregated (according to a Civil Rights Project report from 2013).

South Carolina (27.9% African American)

South Carolina’s African American population is 1,290,684, accounting for 27.9 percent of the state’s population and 3.3 percent of the US African American population. The state is known for the Stono Rebellion of September 9th, 1739, which was the largest slave uprising in the colonies before the American Revolution. That day, 20 black slaves met secretly near the Stono River to plan an escape. Later, they went into the local Hutcheson’s store, where they killed two storekeepers and stole the guns and powder they then used to battle against their slave owners, according to America’s Library. In the modern-day, Tim Scott in 2014 became the first African American Republican Senator from South Carolina since the post-Reconstruction period of the late 19th Century. Among African Americans, unemployment is nearly 3 times more than rates among whites according to EPI. Nationally, high school graduation rates for African Americans were 69 percent and the lowest among racial groups, but in South Carolina, these stood at 71 percent, second last after Hispanics, according to the National Center for Education Statistics' 2011-2012 report. Famous black people born in South Carolina include tennis player Althea Gibson, musicians James Brown and Chubby Checker, comedian Chris Rock, activist Jesse Jackson, and many others.

Alabama (26.2% African American)

Alabama’s African American population is 1,251,311, and it accounts for 26.2 percent of the state’s population and 3.2 percent of the nation’s Africa American population according to the 2010 census. Alabama is steeped in black history. In early 1965, protesters led by Martin Luther King Jr., who were yearning for African Americans receiving the right to vote and other basic civil liberties, were met with violent resistance by state and local authorities while marching from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery. Their protests were part of what triggered the landmark Voting Rights Act to be passed. In the field of education, African Americans in Alabama lag behind other groups. According to a National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) 2011-2012 report, at 67 percent of African Americans had the lowest rate of public high school graduation compared to all other races. Nonetheless, the state is a bastion of black achievements, as former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, sportsmen Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens, Terrell Owens, Charles Barkley, Ozzie Smith, Evander Holyfield, Willie Mays, and Joe Louis, activists Rosa Parks and Richard C. Boone, and musician Nat King Cole are all from Alabama. Still, Alabama grapples with high unemployment rates among its African American populace. In the second quarter of 2015, unemployment among African Americans stood at 10.9 percent, more than double, the white unemployment rates in the state.

North Carolina (21.5% African American)

There are 2,048,628 African Americans in North Carolina, accounting for 21.5 percent of the state’s total population and 5.3 percent of the nation’s African American population. Abolitionists Harriet Jacobs and Thomas H Jones were born here, as was Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown, an educator. In 1902, Dr. Hawkins founded the Palmer Memorial Institute that educated 2,000 African American students throughout its 70-year long history, according to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. Still, today graduation rates for African Americans are the second-lowest among races in the state after Hispanics, according to a 2011-2012 report by the National Center for Education Statistics. Unemployment is also a problem in the state and, according to a 2015 US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the rate of African American unemployment currently stands at 10.3 percent, which is almost double the entire nation’s average of 5.3 percent. In the modern-day, Henry Frye made history as the first African American Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court in 1983. The state is also the birthplace of boxers Sugar Ray Leonard and Floyd Patterson, musicians Max Roach, Ben E, King, and Nina Simone, attorney Loretta Lynch, and dancer Harold Nicholas.

Delaware (21.4% African American)

Delaware’s African American population is around 191,814, which accounts for 21.4 percent of the state’s total population and 0.5 percent of the nation’s African American population. The first-ever documented African American in Delaware (which was then New Sweden) was a West Indies slave named Antoni Swart. The first perpetrators of black slavery in Delaware were the Dutch, who had settled there in 1631. In 1776, the state’s senate made a declaration against slavery in the first constitution. 1787 slave masters were fined 20 pounds, and many slaves freed. Nonetheless, Delaware was one of the last states in the nation to allow slavery to remain. Prominent African Americans from Delaware include desegregation activist Louis Redding, Herman M. Holloway Sr., the first African American elected to the state’s Senate, and Dr. Eugene McGowan, the first African American psychologist in the state’s public school system. Unemployment in Delaware among African Americans stands at 12 percent. Graduation rates for African Americans in Delaware were the lowest in 2014 among all other races. Furthermore, a 2014 report released by the Center for Community Service and Research at the University of Delaware stated that African Americans in the state are twice more likely to live in poverty than whites living there.

Virginia (19.4% African American)

The African American population in Virginia is around 1,551,399, accounting for 19.4 percent of the state’s total population and 4 percent of the nation’s African American population. African Americans have lived in the state since 1619 when a Dutch ship sold about 20 African slaves here. As black slavery took root in Virginia after 1680, the numbers of African Americans increased. By 1704, 10,000 slaves were living in Virginia. Slavery was officially abolished in 1865 but black civil rights remained largely ignored for many years thereafter. Despite the challenges, Virginia produced many notable black personalities. Arthur Ashe was the first African American man to win a tennis grand slam (the Wimbledon and the U.S Open). Willie Lanier became the first African American to play middle linebacker for Kansas City Chiefs. Virginia also produced the civil rights leaders James Farmer and Irene Morgan
Odds Being Overcome, and Shifting Trends
Regardless of the ongoing challenges in academic and employment opportunities for African Americans in the U.S., there are still exceptionally talented black individuals excelling and becoming prominent people in their respective states and nation. These achievers are dispelling the traditional myths associated with the views of many on the progress of African Americans in the country.

Percentage Of African-American Population By State
Rank US States With The Largest Relative African American Populations Alone Or In Combination With Other Races, Per 2010 US Census

1 District of Columbia 50.7% African American
2 Mississippi 37.3% African American
3 Louisiana 32.4% African American
4 Georgia 31.4% African American
5 Maryland 30.1% African American
6 South Carolina 28.5% African American
7 Alabama 26.4% African American
8 North Carolina 21.6% African American
9 Delaware 21.0% African American
10 Virginia 19.9% African American

By James Karuga

•culled from www.worldatlas.com