North Carolina map and facts
North Carolina, “the Tar Heel State”, is a South state in the South Atlantic division. Its capital is Raleigh.
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North Carolina in context
With 10,439,388 people counted in the 2020 Census, North Carolina holds about 3.1% of the US population. Its 53,819 square miles make it the 28th-largest state by area, and with 194 people per square mile it ranks 14th for population density.
North Carolina shares borders with Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia. Want to see how it measures up? Compare North Carolina with Georgia.
North Carolina FAQ
What is the capital of North Carolina?
The capital of North Carolina is Raleigh. The largest city is Charlotte, which is not the capital.
What is the population of North Carolina?
North Carolina had 10,439,388 residents in the 2020 Census, ranking 9th of the 50 states.
How big is North Carolina?
North Carolina covers 53,819 square miles (139,391 km²) including water, making it the 28th-largest state.
When did North Carolina become a state?
North Carolina became the 12th state on November 21, 1789.
What time zone is North Carolina in?
North Carolina is in the Eastern time zone.
What states border North Carolina?
North Carolina borders 4 states: Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia.