Climate

Located in the temperate zone, North Carolina boasts a generally mild climate with abundant and well-distributed rainfall. The state's favorable climate, the many miles of beautiful beaches, and the towering mountains attract throngs of seasonal visitors and vacationers each year. The significant factor in weather variation is altitude. Throughout the year the average temperature varies more than 20 degrees Fahrenheit from the lower coast to the highest elevations. The greater part of the state is protected by mountain ranges from severe cold in the winter months. To the east, temperatures are modified by the Atlantic Ocean. This influence raises the average winter temperature and decreases the average day-to-night range. The variation in daily temperatures reaches a peak in May and October. Summer temperatures can reach 100 degrees on occasion but usually remain in the 90-degree range.

North Carolina Fast Facts

Population       8,186,268

Total Area        53,821 square miles

Land Area        48,718 square miles

Water Area      5,103 square miles

Shoreline         3,375 miles

Highest Point   Mt. Mitchell at 6,684 feet

Lowest Point    Atlantic Coast, sea level

Border States   Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

Agriculture       Poultry and eggs, tobacco, hogs, milk, nursery stock, cattle, soybeans

Industries         Tobacco products, textile goods, chemical products, electric equipment, machinery, tourism

Largest Cities   Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Cary, High Point, Wilmington, Asheville

State Capital    Raleigh

Statehood        November 21, 1789

State Bird        Cardinal

State Flower    Dogwood

State Nickname           “Old North State” or “Tar Heel State”

State Tree        Pine

Economic Development

The Fayetteville Metropolitan region is the economic growth center of southeastern North Carolina. Location and demographics both play an important role in this expansion. This area is situated halfway between New York and Miami along the Interstate 95 corridor and within close proximity to Interstate 40. An outstanding workforce is enhanced by the continual influx of exiting military personnel from Ft. Bragg and Pope Air Force Base that are highly disciplined, well-trained in many technical fields, and have an outstanding work ethic. Many major manufacturers have found fertile ground in North Carolina's soil, although the largest employers in this area are government installations that pour billions of dollars into the regional and state economies.