How Well Do You Know Florida?

By Kerry Smith

As of April 1, 2020, the state had 21,538,187 residents, says the U.S. Census – a 14.6% jump since the previous census. And Fla. turned 177 years old on March 3.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida turned 177 years old on March 3, 2022, having joined the United States of America in 1845 as its 27th state.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state had a population of 21,538,187 on April 1, 2020 – a 14.6% increase compared to the 2010 Census.

Official state titles

Nickname: “The Sunshine State”
State Animal: Florida panther
State Bird: Mockingbird
State Freshwater Fish: Florida largemouth bass
State Marine Mammal: Manatee
State Reptile: Alligator
State Saltwater Fish: Atlantic sailfish
State Saltwater Mammal: Porpoise
State Saltwater Reptile: Loggerhead sea turtle
State Flower: Orange blossom
State Tree: Sabal palm
State Beverage: Orange juice
State Fruit: Orange
State Pie: Key lime pie

The U.S. acquired Florida from Spain in 1819, though it wasn’t formally transferred until 1821. On March 30, 1822, it became the “Florida Territory” with the same general boundaries that it has now. It became an official part of the U.S. Census in 1830.

Florida has a land area of 53,633.7 square miles and a water area of 12,106.1 square miles, making it 22% water. By area, it’s the 22nd largest state.

Florida trivia based on the 2020 census:

30.7%: Percentage of Floridians with at least a bachelor’s degree
9,865,350: Total number of housing units
56.2%: Percentage of the labor force employed

Reposted with permission
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