The tourism sector grew consistently over the subsequent decades, and by the early 21st century it accounted for the largest single portion of the state’s economy. By the late 1800s, citrus farming for shipment to the national market, phosphate mining, the lumber industry, and cigar manufacturing was of growing importance in Florida’s economy.Īt about the same time, tourism started to develop during the winter months. Florida shares a land border with only two other states, both along its northern boundary: Georgia (east) and Alabama (west). The greater part of Florida lies on a peninsula that protrudes southeastward from the North American continent, separating the waters of the Atlantic Ocean from those of the Gulf of Mexico and pointing toward Cuba and the Caribbean Sea beyond. The capital is Tallahassee, located in the northwestern panhandle. Florida is the most populous of the southeastern states and the second most populous Southern state after Texas.
It was admitted as the 27th state in 1845. Florida, constituent state of the United States of America.
