State (pop., 2000: 15,982,378), southeastern U.S. Comprising a peninsula and adjoining mainland areas, it is bordered by Alabama and Georgia, with the Gulf of Mexico lying to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
It covers 58,680 sq mi (151,981 sq km); its capital is Tallahassee . Indian groups entered Florida from the north as early as 10,000 years ago. It was explored by St. Augustine . Florida became a British possession in 1763 after the French and Indian War . The area reverted to Spanish control after the American Revolution (1783) but was used by the British as a base of operations during the War of 1812 . Andrew Jackson 's capture of Pensacola during that war led to the cession of Florida to the U.S. in 1819. A war with the Seminole Indians followed (see Seminole Wars ). Florida became a state in 1845. It seceded from the Union in 1861, then was readmitted in 1868. In the late 20th century, it became one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. It produces about 75% of the nation's citrus fruits and is second only to California in vegetable production. Tourism is a leading industry, with Disney World a major attraction. Electronics manufacture is important, and the aerospace industry, led by the Kennedy Space Center (see Cape Canaveral ), employs many thousands of people. The state, and especially the city of {{link=Miami">Miami , with its large Cuban population, plays a major economic role in the Caribbean region. Among its many recreational areas is Everglades National Park.