Florida is considered a swing state in the US elections: the state is neither a stronghold of the Democrats nor the Republicans – the election results are open.
- Florida is the second most populous state in the United States after California and Texas.
- The Sunshine State lives mainly from tourism, the cultivation of citrus fruits and space travel.
- The outcome of the 2020 elections is completely open, because Florida is considered a swing state.
Orlando – As with every presidential election in the last two decades, there will be another exciting race in 2020 between incumbent Republican President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden. Who is in the lead in the end is decided primarily by the political center, for which both parties are trying hard.
- ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG: Overview of state Florida, including major cities and most commonly used abbreviations of Florida.
Florida – Recent History and Formation
The first European settlers in Florida were Spaniards: They came to the southeast coast of the North American continent at the beginning of the 16th century and founded a Spanish colony called “La Florida”.
In the second half of the 16th century the French and English reached Florida and there were disputes and armed conflicts between the colonial powers.
From 1763 Florida was under British rule for a century. During the American War of Independence, Spain regained control of Florida.
On March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th state to join the United States of America.
Florida – geography and largest cities
With an area of 170, 304 km², Florida ranks 22nd of the 50 American states. Florida borders Georgia and Alabama to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the west and south. The state is also known as the Sunshine State because of its mild climate and many hours of sunshine.
Florida is geographically composed of a long and wide peninsula, a piece of mainland (Florida Panhandle) in the northwest and several island chains in the south. The Florida Keys are one of the most famous islands and are connected by 42 bridges. The city of Key West, at the end of the island chain, is the southernmost city in the continental United States and only 170 km from Cuba. The landscape in Florida is characterized by subtropical vegetation with swamps and forests.
Florida is the most populous state in the USA after California and Texas: a total of 21. 48 million people live on the southeastern tip of the USA.
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, the biggest cities are:
- Jacksonville (823, 316)
- Miami (408, 568)
- Tampa (335, 709)
- Petersburg (244, 818)
- Orlando (239, 037)
- Hialeah (225, 461)
Florida – Population Composition
The population of Florida is made up as follows:
- 3% white, including 26. 1% Hispanics and Latinos
- 9% African American
- 3% Asians
- 8% other ethnicities
The high proportion of Hispanics and Latinos can be explained by immigration from Cuba, the Dominican Republic and other Central American countries.
The Florida economy
With an economic output of USD 926 billion (2016), Florida ranks fourth among the American states. The pleasant climate and beautiful beaches make Florida a tourist hotspot and one of the most popular retirement homes in the USA.
Numerous amusement parks such as Universal Studios and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando or Busch Gardens in Tampa are located in Florida.
In addition to tourism, the cultivation of citrus fruits is important for the economy. The NASA and the US Air Force entertain in Florida also the main starting point for their space missions.
Behavior at the polls in Florida
Florida was in the hands of the Democrats until the 1950s. That changed in the elections in 1954 and 1962. Since then, the state has been one of the so-called swing states, in which both of the major parties have a chance of victory. Due to its large population, Florida is also a deciding factor: The country provided 29 electors in the 2016 elections. She could just win Donald Trump. Our article on the current polls will show you whether Trump can secure himself in Florida in these elections or whether Biden will make the race.
Orlando
Population: 238,300 thousand people (2010)
Area: 286.7 sq. km
Founded: 1885
Time zone: UTC-5, summer UTC-4
The city of Orlando, one of the largest settlements in the state of Florida, grew out of a small village, the fate of which changed dramatically after the opening of Walt Disney parks on its territory. The abundance of entertainment complexes and attractions attracts thousands of tourists here. The marine park, which occupies a vast territory, includes oceanariums and aquariums. They are inhabited by different types of representatives of the water element. Among them there are sea lions, dolphins, killer whales. The park is notable for various attractions, in particular the Manta and Kraken roller coasters.
Universal Studios Florida amusement park was opened in 1990. Its territory is divided into thematic zones, each of which represents the plots of a popular animated or feature film. There are water attractions, roller coasters, 3-D cinemas, recreation areas for the youngest visitors and open areas for music shows. Here you can not only watch a movie of any genre, but also become its imaginary participant, feeling the presence in it.
The zoo and amusement complex is the “Kingdom of Animals”, opened in 1998. Almost two thousand species of animals live here in conditions close to natural. The territory of the zoo itself includes three thematic zones, one of which belongs to the inhabitants of the fauna. The other two include an exciting entertainment complex. Here you can take a boat trip on a raft, wander along the mysterious animal trails, see amazing geysers and explore the mysterious world of the rainforest.
A rare cultural attraction is the Wonder Works upside down house. There is a version that there used to be a research center here. During the creation of the tornado, its specialists did not calculate the power and strength of the elements. As a result, a giant whirlwind overturned the building. The building also impresses with its interiors. They, like the building, are upside down. They now house a museum, an earthquake simulation room, a virtual rollercoaster, a fear zone, and many other equally exciting attractions. Orlando’s wonders don’t end there. Its territory accommodates a number of entertainment complexes and attractions.