Alabama, nickname "The Heart of Dixie" or "The Yellowhammer State," is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States of America. It was admitted December 14, 1819 into the Union and is the 22nd State. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Montgomery is the capital. The largest city by population is Birmingham. The largest city by total land area is Huntsville. The oldest city is Mobile, founded by French colonists.