Atlanta , the largest city and capital of the state, serves as an important economic center of the South and the nation.
	The early colony was named in honor of King George II of Great Britain.
	Over the years the state has acquired many nicknames. Nicknames include the Buzzard State, in commemoration of an early state law to protect buzzards; and the Goober State, for the state's enormous annual peanut crop.
	Georgia is sometimes referred to as the Cracker State, a term of uncertain origin.