Florida is a large peninsula state in the southeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.

Florida's geography makes it unique among American states. Much of the land sits barely above sea level, creating vast wetlands like the Everglades, a slow-moving river of grass stretching across southern Florida that's home to alligators, panthers, and countless bird species. The state has no mountains and rarely sees snow, staying warm year-round thanks to its southern location and surrounding water.

The warm climate has shaped Florida's history and economy. Orange groves spread across central Florida, producing much of America's orange juice. Tourism drives the state's economy: families visit beaches, theme parks like Walt Disney World, and the Kennedy Space Center, where NASA launches rockets into space. Retirees from colder states often move to Florida to escape harsh winters.

Florida became the 27th state in 1845. Its largest cities include Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa. The state capital is Tallahassee. Florida's nickname is the “Sunshine State” because of its typically sunny weather, though powerful hurricanes sometimes sweep in from the Atlantic during late summer and fall.