Situated in the southeastern United States, Georgia is the 4th state to join the Union (on January 2, 1788) and with a population of 10,069,279 is today the 8th most populous state. Known as the Peach State and Empire State of the South. State Abbreviation: GA Capital City:Atlanta Largest City:Atlanta Number of Counties: 159 Area: 59,425 square miles Major Rivers: Altamaha, Chattahoochee, Coosawattee, Coosa, Alapaha, Broad, Etowah. Major Lakes: Allatoona, BlueEtowah, Hartwell, J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir, Jackson, Blackshea. Highest Point:Brasstown Bald 4,784 feet above sea level State Motto: Wisdom, Justice, Moderation State Bird:Brown Thrasher State Game Bird:Bobwhite Quail State Fish:Largemouth bass State Amphibian:American green tree frog State Tree:Southern Live Oak State Flower:Azalea State Gemstone: Quartz