North Carolina is a U.S. state located in the southeastern region of the country. Its capital is Raleigh, though its largest city is Charlotte. It's known for its varied landscape, ranging from Atlantic Ocean beaches to the Appalachian Mountains.
The state boasts a population of around 10.5 million people, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates from 2020, making it the 9th-most populous state. North Carolina is also part of the country's "Research Triangle," which includes the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This area is highly recognized for technological companies and high-quality educational institutions, including Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
North Carolina has a diverse economy because of its great availability of hydroelectric power, its plentiful natural resources, and its excellent location. It produces textiles, paper and furniture, and it's also known for tobacco growings.
Also, North Carolina is notable for its attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge National Parkway, the Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout National Seashores, the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk, Guilford Courthouse and Moores Creek National Military Parks, Carl Sandburg's home near Hendersonville, and the Old Salem Restoration in Winston-Salem.
North Carolina is often associated with NASCAR and stock-car racing, as it is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and many team headquarters. It is also known for its distinctive bluegrass music, and its barbecue - each region having its own style.
