North Carolina, located in the southeastern United States, is divided into 100 counties and encompasses numerous cities, with Charlotte being the largest city and a major financial hub, followed by Raleigh, the state capital, and other significant cities such as Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem. The state has a population of approximately 10.7 million people, spread over a land area of 53,819 square miles, making it one of the most populous states in the country. North Carolina’s geography is diverse, ranging from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Atlantic coastal plains in the east, with the Piedmont region in the center housing much of the state’s population and industry. Major airports in North Carolina include Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), which is one of the busiest airports in the country, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), and Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, all offering domestic and international flights. The state is home to a wide array of higher education institutions, including prestigious universities such as Duke University in Durham, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), North Carolina State University (NC State) in Raleigh, and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. North Carolina’s healthcare system is robust, with world-renowned hospitals like Duke University Hospital, UNC Hospitals, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and Atrium Health in Charlotte, offering cutting-edge medical care and research. The state’s economy is diverse, with major industries including finance, biotechnology, education, manufacturing, and agriculture. Charlotte is a major center for banking, housing the headquarters of Bank of America and the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, while the Research Triangle Park, located between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, is one of the largest research hubs in the world, attracting companies in technology, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Agriculture continues to be important, with North Carolina being a leading producer of tobacco, sweet potatoes, and poultry. Tourism also plays a significant role in the economy, with attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Outer Banks, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park drawing millions of visitors annually. North Carolina’s blend of urban development, natural beauty, and strong educational institutions makes it a vital part of the southeastern U.S. economy and culture.