Atlanta is the capital city of Georgia, United States. It is a major economic and cultural centre in the Southeastern region of the country. The city was founded in 1837 and has grown into a significant metropolitan area. As of 2025, Atlanta has a population of approximately 6.27 million people in its metropolitan region. The city operates under a mayor-council form of government, and the current mayor is Andre Dickens.

Atlanta is located at a latitude of 33.76° N and a longitude of 84.40° W. It covers a total area of around 131.7 square miles. The city has several districts and neighbourhoods, each contributing to its economic and social diversity. The metropolitan area is among the largest in the United States.

The city is a major transportation hub, home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the world. Atlanta is in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone and has multiple postal codes ranging from 30301 to 30322. The area codes include 404, 470, 678, and 770.

Economically, Atlanta has a strong financial base. In 2024, its metropolitan GDP was approximately $440 billion. It serves as a headquarters for major companies, including The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, and The Home Depot. The city is also a significant centre for media, healthcare, and technology industries.

Atlanta has played an important role in U.S. history, especially in the Civil Rights Movement. It is home to historical sites, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. The city also has a strong presence in sports, hosting teams like the Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), and Atlanta Hawks (NBA).

• Population Growth: As of 2025, the Atlanta metropolitan area has a population of over 6.2 million people.
• Economic Standing: Atlanta's economy ranks among the top ten in the United States, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately $276 billion.
• Projected Expansion: The Atlanta Regional Commission forecasts that the 21-county Atlanta region will add 1.8 million residents by 2050, bringing the total population to 7.9 million.
• Diverse Demographics: The city has a growing Hispanic and Latino population, expected to account for 21% of the region's population by 2050, up from 12% today.
• Ageing Population: By 2050, nearly 12% of the region's population, or more than 900,000 people, will be aged 75 or older, reflecting a rapidly growing older adult demographic.
• Economic Forecast: The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta estimates a real GDP growth rate of 2.3% for the first quarter of 2025.
• Housing Market Dynamics: The increase in new residents is intensifying competition in the housing market, especially in suburbs like Alpharetta, Marietta, and Decatur, leading to higher housing prices.
• Transportation Hub: Atlanta is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world's busiest airports, serving as a major transport hub for both domestic and international travel.
• Cultural Diversity: The city has a large LGBTQ+ community, with 12.8% of its population identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, ranking it third among major US cities.
• Political Landscape: Demographic shifts, particularly the growth of young people of colour, are influencing Atlanta's political environment, impacting elections and policy decisions.

Atlanta operates under a mayor-council form of government. The mayor is the chief executive, responsible for overseeing city departments, managing public services, and implementing policies. The current mayor (2025) is Andre Dickens. The Atlanta City Council serves as the legislative body, consisting of 15 members, including 12 district representatives and three at-large members. The council is responsible for passing laws, approving budgets, and ensuring public accountability.

The City of Atlanta is divided into multiple districts, each represented by a council member. The Atlanta Police Department (APD) manages law enforcement, while the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department handles fire safety and emergency response. The Department of Public Works oversees infrastructure, waste management, and public transportation.

Atlanta is part of Fulton County, though parts of the city extend into DeKalb County. The Atlanta Public Schools (APS) system manages public education in the city. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports, is managed by the city’s aviation department.

State governance also impacts Atlanta, with Georgia’s governor and legislature playing a role in funding and policy decisions affecting the city. Atlanta remains a key economic, political, and transportation hub in the Southeastern United States.

Atlanta has one of the largest economies in the United States. In 2024, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Atlanta metropolitan area was approximately $440 billion. The city is a major business hub with headquarters of several large companies, including The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, and UPS. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, plays a key role in global trade and logistics.

The finance, technology, and healthcare sectors are major contributors to Atlanta’s economy. The city has a strong presence in banking, with major institutions like SunTrust Banks and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The technology industry is growing, with many startups and large companies investing in innovation. Healthcare systems such as Emory Healthcare and Piedmont Healthcare provide employment and services to the region.

Atlanta is also a major centre for film and media production, with Georgia being one of the top locations for movie and television filming. The city benefits from tourism, with attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park. With a strong job market and business-friendly policies, Atlanta continues to grow as a key economic hub in the Southeastern United States.

Atlanta has a well-developed infrastructure that supports its role as a major business and transportation hub. The city’s transport network includes Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports, handling over 100 million passengers annually. The MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) system provides rail and bus services, connecting key areas within the city and surrounding regions. However, Atlanta is known for heavy road traffic, and expansion projects are ongoing to improve highways and reduce congestion.

The city has an extensive highway system, with major interstates I-75, I-85, and I-285 passing through Atlanta, facilitating trade and daily commuting. The Port of Savannah, located in Georgia, serves as a key point for cargo movement, benefiting businesses in Atlanta. The Norfolk Southern and CSX rail networks provide freight rail services, supporting industries like manufacturing and logistics.

Atlanta’s energy and utility infrastructure is managed by companies such as Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light, ensuring a stable power supply. The city is also expanding its renewable energy projects to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.