Atlanta

Atlanta is the capital and the most populous city in the state of Georgia, and the core city of the ninth most populous metropolitan area in the United States. As of July 2007, the city of Greater Atlanta statistical area population was 5,626,400. Residents of the city are known as Atlantans.

Despite its large metropolitan population, Atlanta ranks as the 33rd-largest city in the United States, and the sixth-largest city in the southeastern region – behind Jacksonville, Memphis, Charlotte, Louisville, and Nashville. Atlanta has in recent years undergone a transition from a city of regional commerce to a city of international influence. Between 2000 and 2006, the metropolitan area grew by 20.5%, making it the fastest growing metropolitan area in the nation. Atlanta is sometimes considered a poster child for cities worldwide experiencing rapid growth and urban sprawl, though the city has recently been commended by bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency for its eco-friendly policies.