Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and located in the foothills of the southern Appalachians in the north-central part of the state. It is the largest city of Atlanta and a major Southern financial and cultural force. It is an important national and international business center. It has more than 110 municipalities covering a total of more than 6000 square miles. Ted Turner had once stated that Atlanta Atlanta has "absolutely everything going for it—climate, location, great transportation, easy air access, and a government that's both cooperative and supportive."
Atlkanta is characterized by mild climate with all four seasons. Closeness to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico influences the climate of the city. It has mild winters because of the mountains to the north which retard the southward movement of polar air masses.

Area: 132 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 1,010 feet above sea level

Average Temperatures: January, 40.5° F; July, 79.1° F; annual average, 64.2° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 50.77 inches

Population: 470,688 (as on July 2005)

Local festivals include:

• Dogwood Festival in Spring
  
  
• Arts Festival in fall
  
  
• Memorial Day weekend Jazz Festival
  
  
• Peachtree Road Race
  
  
• National Black Arts Festival

Atlanta attractions: Zoo Atlanta, Six Flags Over Georgia, Atlanta Botanical Garden, CNN studio tours, World of Coca-Cola

Performing arts: Alliance Theatre Company, Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra