The population of Birmingham, Alabama in 2023 is 197,000, making it the second most populous city in the state after Huntsville.

However, when including the metropolitan area, it still has the largest population. The nearby suburbs of Bessemer and Hoover are included in the Birmingham metropolitan area.

Birmingham also has the most skyscrapers in the state.

Located just an hour's drive away is Montgomery, home to factories of Hyundai and Hyundai Heavy Industries, as well as the Mercedes-Benz factory in Tuscaloosa and the Mando factory in Opelika towards Auburn.

The name is derived from the British steel city of Birmingham, and although the spelling is the same, it is pronounced as "Birmingham" in American English.

History and Culture

Birmingham was established in 1871 and flourished in the early 20th century due to the steel industry, leading to the growth of various performance venues. In the 1960s, it became a center for the civil rights movement.

Main Attractions

  • Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: A museum that covers the history of the civil rights movement, it is an important historical site in Birmingham.

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  • Vulcan Park and Museum: A park centered around the iconic Vulcan statue of Birmingham, it offers a place to enjoy views of the city.

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  • Alabama Theatre: A historic theater built in 1927, it screens various performances and films.

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Korean Community

About 2,000 Koreans reside in Birmingham, including small business owners and international students.

Transportation

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is located about 8 km from downtown Birmingham and is easily accessible by rental car.