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Jutting out between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, Florida is by its very nature a place apart. The state’s unique location and climate give it an atmosphere unlike any other. From the white beaches and high-rises of Miami to the quirky, tropical Florida Keys, from orange groves to Everglades, the Sunshine State is a lush playground for visitors and residents alike.

Florida’s recorded history begins with the arrival of Ponce de León in 1513, around Easter (“Pascua Florida” in Spanish). Though the Spanish quickly established forts such as St. Augustine (the oldest continuously inhabited city in the continental United States), the territory was disputed by Spain, France and England. Ceded to the British by treaty in 1762, Florida returned to Spanish control from the American Revolution until 1819, when it was acquired by the United States. Florida became the 27th state in the Union in 1845.

The imprint of Spain’s presence can still be found in many Florida place names and in the architecture of the state’s oldest settlements. This Spanish influence has taken on new meaning in modern-day Florida, which boasts one of the biggest Hispanic populations in the country, including large Cuban communities in Miami and Tampa.

Long a haven for retirees wishing to winter in the sun, in recent times Florida has attracted a younger demographic as well, with many families resettling here, particularly around Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa. This influx has spurred the state’s population growth, leading to a six-fold increase over the past 50 years.

Even as new residents continue to pour in, Florida remains a vacation hot spot. The Sunshine State’s warm winter weather makes it one of the nation’s most popular tourist destinations for those looking to escape the cold, while the state’s beautiful beaches and other attractions (such as Disney World) ensure it attracts visitors all year round.

Mostly flat, with little elevation to speak of (the state’s highest point is a mere 345 feet above sea level), Florida rarely experiences high temperatures below 70 or above 95. The southern third of the peninsula, low and almost completely flat, is home to the Everglades (or “River of Grass”), with its alligators and other feral swamp creatures. In the far South lie the Florida Keys, where the climate is turns tropical and the locals march to their own drummer.

Hot, humid and very laid-back, subtropical Florida contrasts in both climate and attitude to the rest of the East Coast. Bathed on all sides by warm waters that allow residents to enjoy sports all year-round, Florida exists in a world all its own.