North Carolina

Information and Tourism

The southeastern state of North Carolina is something of an enigma. Whereas many US states fit neatly into a particular category of lifestyle or culture, North Carolina is as diverse as they come. Food plays a major role here. Winston-Salem is the birthplace of the global Krispy-Kreme doughnut brand. Barbecues are big, too, and Asheville has an unusually high number of breweries for its size.

North Carolina also plays host to many of America's military personnel. The largest concentration of marines and sailors in the world can be found here. Elizabeth City has one of the busiest US Coast Guard air stations.

Visitors to North Carolina usually have it in mind to explore either the Blue Ridge Mountains or the state's Atlantic coastal region, the Outer Banks. In between the two is an urban area known as the Piedmont region, which tends to escape the notice of many tourists.

North Carolina has strong links with jazz and blues music. The jazz pianist Thelonious Monk hails from the city of Rocky Mount. In particular, the region of Piedmont is known for its own style of blues, which can be easily recognized thanks to its distinctive fingerpicking approach.

The state is regularly affected by extreme weather conditions. It is hit by a hurricane roughly once every ten years, many of them causing a great deal of damage. One of the most destructive was Hurricane Hugo, which raced across North Carolina in the year 1989, and reached as far inland as the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north of the state. In April 2011, there were an astonishing 25 tornado touch-downs, many of them in the capital of Raleigh.

North Carolina Information and Fast Facts

• Country: USA
• Population: approximately 9.7 million
• Capital city: Raleigh
• Biggest city: Charlotte
• Biggest urban area: Charlotte Metropolitan Area
• Language: American English
• Area: 53,820 square miles / 139,390 square kilometers
• Highest point (Mount Mitchell): 6,680 feet / 2,040 meters

	WORLD GUIDES TO NORTH CAROLINA
	World Guide to Asheville, NC, USA Asheville is located at the confluence of the Swannanoa River and the French Broad River, in North Carolina (NC). With plenty of 1920s charm, Asheville offers stunning countryside and hiking trails, including the Blue Ridge Mountains.
	World Guide to Charlotte, NC, USA Charlotte is situated Piedmont area and is known as the 'Queen City'. One of the most important financial centers in the United States, Charlotte contains many breathtaking skyscrapers and attractions centered around Tyron Street.
	World Guide to Durham, NC, USA Durham is a popular tourist destination in North Carolina and became a prosperous city as a direct result of its historic tobacco industry. Today, much of Durham has been restored and the city is home to the vast Duke University.
	World Guide to Greensboro, NC, USA One of the largest and most historic cities in the state of North Carolina, Greensboro is located in the Piedmont area. Much of Greensboro's downtown district has been renovated and features many green areas and arts venues.
	World Guide to Raleigh, NC, USA Raleigh, North Carolina's capital city, dates back to 1792, when it was founded. With much of the city life centered around Capitol Square, Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle, together with nearby Durham and Chapel Hill.

Map of North Carolina