Southeast US Map

About Southeast US Map

Explore the Southeast US map, which shows 7 states as part of the Southeast United States, and these states are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Sometimes states like Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia are also considered part of the Southeast United States, and these are not highlighted on the map. The core 7 states are highlighted in green, and this Southeast USA map also shows state boundaries and international borders.

About Southeastern United States

The Southeastern United States, or “The Southeast,” is one of the country’s most dynamic and historic regions with a profound impact on art, culture, economy, and life throughout the country. There is some variation in how the boundaries of the Southeastern United States are defined; many consider the core seven states to be Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Other definitions may also include Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. These states share cultural, historical, and/or geographical characteristics and are generally considered to be part of the larger American South.

Geography and Climate

Southeastern states: Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. The landscape is varied and includes the rugged mountains of the Appalachian range in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina as well as the generally flat and low coastal plains and barrier islands along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The peninsula of Florida extends into the subtropics and tropics. The majority of the region has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers and mild winters. Most of the region receives an average annual rainfall of 40–60 inches or more, and supports a wide variety of flora and a tremendous array of ecosystems including forests, wetlands, and estuaries. The Everglades of Florida is the largest such ecosystem in the United States, covering most of southern Florida.

Population and Urban Centers

The Southeast, or the “South” as many of its residents refer to it, is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. The six core states of the Southeast—Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia—boast a combined population of over 80 million. This region is home to many of the country’s largest cities, some of the nation’s and the world’s leading business, financial, technology, entertainment, and media centers. The economic and transportation hub of the country is located in Atlanta, Georgia, the world’s busiest airport by total passenger traffic ( ATL). Other large cities in the Southeast, such as Miami, and up-and-coming destination, such as Charlotte, pull large numbers of both domestic and international migrants seeking to relocate to these areas. Whether you’re moving within the same state or across the country, relocation to the Southeast is a viable option for many.

Economic Importance

The Southeastern United States has evolved from an historically agricultural-based economy to become one of the country’s most diverse and contemporary economies. Many of the 8 Southeastern states, including those known as the “Bible Belt,” continue to sustain a strong agriculture economy, where crops such as cotton, tobacco, peanuts and citrus fruits are produced (Georgia and Florida are two of the leading citrus-producing states in the country). Other sectors of the economy have grown at a rapid pace. For example, many factories throughout the region are involved in the manufacture of a variety of products, from clothing to food products, as well as major items such as aircraft and parts for space travel. Tourism is also a huge industry in many Southeastern states, including large theme park destinations, beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, and historic cities such as Charleston, South Carolina. The financial industry is also very strong, particularly in Florida and South Carolina, while North Carolina and Tennessee are known for banking, healthcare and advanced manufacturing industries that contribute greatly to the U.S. economy. In Florida alone, tourism generates tens of billions of dollars each year.

Cultural Identity and Heritage

Southeastern culture is a unique and definable mix of Native American, African American, and European American influences in art, music, cuisine, traditions, and ethics. The Southeast is the birthplace of the blues, gospel, and country music, which are an integral part of its heritage. These genres, combined with Southern cuisine of barbecue, fried chicken, seafood, biscuits and gravy, grits, and sweet tea, create a cultural melting pot. At the heart of the region’s social conduct is what is often referred to as “Southern hospitality,” which includes qualities such as politeness, graciousness, and a strong sense of community values.

Historical Significance

The Southeastern United States played a significant role in many important historical events. The colonial period, the Civil War, Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s all left their mark on individual Southeastern states. Many sites throughout the region have landmarks, museums and historic sites that tell the region's history from colonial times through the Civil Rights Movement. The many cultures, historic sites and opportunities for learning and exploration in the Southeastern states draw scholars and tourists alike from across the country and around the world.

Tourism and Natural Attractions

Tourism is a major industry in the Southeast supported by a range of different natural features and cultural landmarks. Here in Florida people flock to its beaches and in the Great Smoky Mountains hikers and campers make their way to the Tennessee NC border. The historic towns of Charleston and Savannah attract many visitors as do the many festivals, live music venues and sports event venues. Venues that host professional tennis tournaments such as the ones we have found are ideal locations. Around these attractions are many National Parks, Coastal Reserves and scenic byways which contain hiking trails, areas for fishing and boating as well as viewing wildlife.