Though North Carolina has been historically known as a rural state, it has undergone rapid urbanization over the last 30 years.

Charlotte, the state’s largest city, is home to both Bank of America and Wachovia, as well as 5 other Fortune 500 companies, and is the second largest banking center in the United States.

In addition to its bustling economy, North Carolina offers more than 1.2 million acres of national forest land.

The Blue Ridge Mountains, which are part of the Appalachians, run through the western part of the state, descending into rolling foothills that cover half the state. The range’s highest peak, Mount Mitchell, reaches 6,684 feet into the air, making it the tallest in the eastern United States.

North Carolina gave birth to flight when the Wright Brothers first ascended in Kitty Hawk in 1903. It is also the birthplace of Pepsi Cola.

With 210 days of sunshine per year and mild temperatures year round, the Tar Heel State’s lush, green terrain is perfect for outdoor activities.

Wild horses are known to roam the Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands offering 130 miles of coastline.

 
North Carolina in Numbers:
 
Horse Population: 256,000 horses
Total Economic Impact: $ over 704 million
Population: 8,683,242
Land Area: 48,711 sq mi. (126,161 sq km)
Capital: Raleigh
Counties: 100
State Parks: 29
Highest Point: Mt Mitchell at 6,684 feet,2,037 m
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean
Geographic Center: Chatham County 10 mi. NW of Sanford

 
10 largest Cities:

C
Charlotte: 610,949
Raleigh: 341,530
Greensboro: 231,962
Durham: 204,845
Winston-Salem: 193,755
Fayetteville: 129,928
Cary: 106,439
Wilmington: 95,476
High Point: 95,086
Asheville: 72,231