Your J-1 guide to
North Carolina
The The Tar Heel State
North Carolina has two styles of barbecue, and people feel strongly about both. The eastern style uses vinegar-based sauce, while the western style uses tomato-based sauce. This friendly debate is a big part of the state’s identity.
The nickname ‘Tar Heel’ started as an insult connected to North Carolina’s early tar and turpentine industry. Soldiers from the state later reclaimed this name with pride during the Civil War.
North Carolina’s license plates say ‘First in Flight.’ This honors the Wright Brothers, who completed the world’s first successful airplane flight in 1903 at Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks.
College basketball is serious here. The rivalry between Duke University and the University of North Carolina (UNC) is one of the most talked-about sports competitions in the state.
The state offers two very different experiences. Asheville combines mountain culture with a strong arts community, including the historic Biltmore Estate. Charlotte is the state’s modern business center, known for banking and professional sports.
Quick Facts
Population
11.3 million
2026 estimate
Capital
Raleigh
Seat of state government
Largest City
Charlotte
Approx. 911,311 residents
Highest Point
Mount Mitchell
2,037 meters
BECAME A U.S. STATE IN
1789
12th State
Learn more about North Carolina
Visit the USA: North Carolina
Destinations from the experts at Brand USA
North Carolina Travel Guide
The official visitor guide and travel tips
Things to do in North Carolina
Attractions, events, and local festivals
North Carolina Sports
Pro, college, and recreational leagues
Iconic North Carolina Foods
Signature dishes and food festivals
