Located in the southeastern region of the United States, Florida is the southernmost continental state in the country. The Spanish controlled Florida until 1819, when it was bought by the United States. In 1861, the province separated from the country and joined the Confederate States of America. After the defeat of the Confederates in the American Civil War in 1865, Florida became an American state again.
Florida is a peninsula surrounded by large bodies of water: it is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides. To the north lie the states of Alabama and Georgia. The state is dominated by plains and large lakes, such as the Okeechobee, the fourth largest in the United States.
In terms of climate, Florida is one of the states with the highest temperatures in the United States. Its predominant climate is subtropical; the southernmost part of the state has a tropical climate. Winters in the region are usually mild and dry, and summers are hot and humid. Florida has, on average, about 300 days of sunshine annually, making it known as “The Sunshine State”.
The state has a high population growth, one of the largest in the United States. Its economy is mainly based on tourism, however, it also stands out in agriculture, especially in the cultivation of oranges. Many tourists, attracted by the warmer temperatures, seek out Florida beaches. In addition, it is in the state that the largest theme park in the world is located, Walt Disney World, a destination for millions of tourists from all over the world.