A Global Metropolis
Atlanta’s resilience and progressive leadership enabled the region to become the “Capital of the South.” In rising from the ashes following the American Civil War, fighting for equal rights, and welcoming the world for the Centennial Olympic Games; Atlanta has established one of the country’s strongest economies. As an economic powerhouse, Metro Atlanta’s gross domestic product of $324. 9 billion outweighs countries such as Singapore, Finland, and New Zealand. Twenty-six Atlanta-based companies are among the 2018 Fortune 1000, of which 15 companies are also ranked in the 2018 Fortune 500. Since 2013, Site Selection Magazine has ranked Georgia the #1 state for doing business, attributing to our talented workforce, global access, world-class infrastructure, and affordability.Atlanta boasts a strong global economy with an expansive ecosystem of foreign-owned companies across the region and a strong emphasis on exporting.
Global Rankings
- #3 Global Fortune 500 Headquarters
- #3 Tech Meccas of Tomorrow by Forbes Magazine
- #6 in the World by A.T Kearney’s Global Cities Outlook
- 1 of 19 “Knowledge Capitals in the World” by the Brookings Institution
- 1 of 100 Rockefeller Foundation Resilient Cities Network
- “Best of the World” destinations to visit by the National GeographicTraveler
Key Industries
- Financial Technology: 70 percent of all U.S. processing payments go through Georgia
- Cyber-security: 25 percent of global security revenue market share is generated by companies in Georgia
- IoT Mobile: #1 Mobile friendly city
- Health IT: Georgia is the Health IT Capital
- Digital Media: Worldwide location for feature film production
- Supply Chain & Advanced Manufacturing: Metro Atlanta is #1 for number of top logistics IT providers
- Automotive: Auto industry hub for engineering and software development
- Aerospace: Georgia is home to more than 900 aerospace companies and innovation centers
World’s Most Traveled & Efficient Airport
With 2,700 daily arrivals and departures, Hartsfield-Jackson has ranked the world’s busiest airport since 2000 by welcoming more than 104 million passengers each year. With more than 150 domestic destinations and nearly 80 international destinations, Hartsfield-Jackson serves as one of the most connected airports in the world. In 2015, Hartsfield-Jackson handled more than 626,000 metric tons of cargo which supports nearly 30,000 jobs in metro Atlanta.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
A Diverse and Welcoming Community
Atlanta is home to the second fastest growing foreign-born population in the U.S. More than 700,000 across the region have migrated to Atlanta and add to the communities rich, diverse culture. Georgia immigrant businesses generate $2.9 billion.
Welcoming Atlanta
A Global Community
Atlanta’s global ecosystem is supported by a dynamic community of international representatives and organizations; including more than 70 consulates and trade offices, 40 bi-national chambers of commerce, 17 sister cities, and strategic partners such as the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Invest Atlanta, and many more.
- Consulates, Honorary Consuls, and Trade Offices Directory
- Bi-national Chambers of Commerce Directory
- Atlanta Sister Cities Commission
- The World Affairs Council
- The Atlanta World Trade Center
- Georgia Council for International Visitors
- Atlanta Council on International Relations
Global Education
Metro Atlanta is home to a vibrant, well-educated workforce with one-third of Atlantans holding a college degree. With numerous IB programs and more than 53 dual immersion programs across the state, primary and secondary schools develop globally competent graduates to support our economy. Metro Atlanta is also home to more than 60 colleges and universities who host more than 17,000 international students each year.