Florida is a state which is situated in southeastern US. Florida sits in between two shores: the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The state of Florida is the only American state that borders the Gulf and the Atlantic. Towards the north of Florida, are the states of Georgia and Alabama. Florida State is the 4th most populated state in America with an estimated population of about 18 million. The state capital is Tallahassee. The biggest city is Jacksonville.
The state is mostly a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida. Florida State is a region which is prone to destructive hurricanes. Florida's coastline is approximately 1,350 miles long, making it the contiguous United States. The climate is tropical within the south and subtropical within the north. The Florida Everglades is among the most well-known national parks within the world, inhabited by creatures such as the Florida panther, the American alligator and the manatee.
The most significant sector within the state's economy is tourism. In the last year, the state was the top U.S. destination state. Each year, there are over 60 million tourists which travel here to bask in the hot weather, to enjoy the exceptional beaches, and to go to the world-famous amusement parks, like for example the Walt Disney World Resort. Mainly in the state of Orlando, amusement parks are an essential part of the tourism business. The Walt Disney Resort alone comprises over 20 hotels and four theme parks. Universal Orlando Resort is another major attraction, as well as SeaWorld and Busch Gardens.
In Florida State, agriculture is the second most essential trade. The economy of Florida State was historically based upon cattle farming and the production of sugarcane, citrus, tomatoes and strawberries. In 2006, 67 percent of all citrus fruits grown in the U.S. were grown within the state of Florida. The vast majority of oranges commercially produced in the state of Florida are destined for processing. Florida also produces more sweet corn and green beans than any other state. An important region for agriculture is the The Everglades Agricultural Area.
The third biggest business in the state of Florida was phosphate mining. Mined within the Bone Valley, Phosphate provides roughly 25% of world's supply. Practically all of the phosphate needed by U.S. farmers is mined in the state of Florida. Phosphate is used primarily as fertilizer. 5% of phosphate production is utilized for other products and 5% is used for livestock feed supplements.
Another essential sector of the economy is the US Military. The state of Florida has 24 military bases with Unified Combatant Commands within Doral and Tampa. The roughly 109,390 military employees currently stationed within Florida contribute around $52 billion each year to the state economy.
The high concentration of retired people in Florida State is considered to be an asset to the economy of the state as older folks flock to the state during their golden years. Sport fishing and commercial fishing contribute roughly $6 billion annually to the state economy.