Southern US Map

About Southern US Map

This Southern US map shows the southern states of the United States in green. The southern states are: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. This southern usa map also shows capital cities of each southern US state with a capital icon with Alaska and Hawaii in the bottom left corner of the map of Southern USA.

Southern United States

The Southern United States or simply the South, is a cultural region in the United States characterized by a distinct historical, linguistic, and cultural identity. Often associated with long-standing traditions and diverse landscapes, the South is a significant area of the country from the Atlantic plain of Florida to the Great Plains and the grain, ranching, and fruit production areas of counties in eastern Oklahoma. While some definitions of the South include as many as 17 states, others are more limited, including eight states from Alabama to West Virginia. The South has played a tremendous role in the history of American agriculture, politics, and culture and the states listed above represent this profound impact.

Geography and Climate

Southern states vary from Gulf Coastal Plain states, like Louisiana and Mississippi, dominated by low relief, and river states like Virginia and Tennessee, dominated by the Southern Appalachian Mountains. While the mountain uplands are forested and generally rural, the Gulf Coastal Plain is often characterized by developed urban areas and intense agricultural and industrial activities, particularly along the Mississippi Plain. The Mississippi River and many other major Southern rivers are important economic resources and transportation corridors. The Southern United States is generally a humid subtropical region with hot, wet summers, generally mild winters, and plenty of precipitation throughout most of the year. This climate supports a wide variety of crops including cotton, tobacco, citrus fruits, and rice.

Population and Major Cities

The South has more people than many realize. Five major states—Texas, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia—account for 55 percent of the region’s population. The South is home to more than 125 million people, including those living in rapidly growing cities like Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and Charlotte. These cities boast robust economies and lower costs of living when compared to other parts of the country. Many of the South’s industry sectors are experiencing growth and development, and the region’s residents come from a diverse array of backgrounds. In fact, many South residents are African American, Hispanic, or immigrants themselves.

Economic Significance

The Southern economy has come a long way from its agricultural roots in rural King Cotton country. Today, the economy in the South is a diverse, dynamic mix of energy, manufacturing, technology, healthcare and tourism industries. Energy hub Texas leads the way in oil and gas production, while other Southern states such as North Carolina and Georgia are the hub of the banking and technology industries. The South is also a major exporter of goods, shipping agricultural products, energy and other resources to markets around the world. The region’s ports on the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast play a critical role in the country’s trade efforts.

Cultural Heritage and Influence

Southern culture, with influences from Native American, African, and European sources, is embodied in the region's music, cuisine, customs, and traditions that are reflected in its people. The South is the birthplace of blues, jazz, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. The South offers a “smorgasbord” of cuisines including fried chicken, barbecue, and gumbo. Many customs and traditions surrounding hospitality, family, and community are part of Southern life. Southerners are known and revered for their famous “Southern hospitality.”

Historical Importance

The South is a diverse region that has had a profound effect on the development of America. Its tumultuous past includes the pivotal moment of the Civil War in the 1860s, an event that continues to have an impact on politics and culture in the South to this day. In the 20th century, the South became the focal point of the civil rights movement as many leaders and activists struggled to bring an end to racial segregation and demand equal rights for their fellow citizens. Today, most famous landmarks and historical sites in the South continue to attract tourists and scholars seeking to better understand the South’s history.

Tourism and Attractions

Tourism is a major industry throughout the Southern States with millions of tourists visiting each year to explore historic cities and towns, beautiful landscapes and recreational opportunities and to experience various festivals and cultural functions. Many famous vacation destinations are located in Florida; famous for its beaches, Nashville, Tennessee, “Music City” and the historic districts of Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. America’s natural and recreational treasures are found throughout the region as well. For example, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the Tennessee/North Carolina border, offers visitors a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding and much more. The Southern States also host many unique festivals and events each year including Mardi Gras in Louisiana.