General Information:
As of 2008, Atlanta was named as the thirty third largest city in the United States, with an estimated population to be in the region of 540,921. Its metropolitan area, officially named the Atlanta Sandy Springs Marietta is the ninth largest metropolitan area in the country, inhabited by approximately 5.5 million people. Moreover, the Atlanta Combined Statistical Area has a population approaching 6 million, making it is the most populous metropolis in the American Southeast and the focal point of the emerging megalopolis known as the Piedmont Atlantic MegaRegion. Like most areas in the Sun Belt, the Atlanta region has seen explosive growth in the pastdecade, adding more than 1.13 million residents between 2000 and 2008. It is the fastest growing area of the United States behind the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Also in 2008, Atlanta became the eighth largest media market in the United States, with more than 2,387,520 households in its metropolitan area. Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Sports:
Atlanta is home to several professional sports franchises such as the NFL franchise The Atlanta Falcons, the MLB franchise The Atlanta Braves and the NBA team Atlanta Hawks. The Falcons (football) have played in Atlanta since 1966. The team currently plays at the Georgia Dome. They have won the division title three times, the last being in 2004 and one conference championship. Atlanta has hosted two Super Bowls since the Falcons have existed. Super Bowl XXVIII in 1994 and Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000 were both held in Atlanta.Atlanta has also held the 1996 Olympic Games which was highly successful too.
Media and Entertainment:
The city is also regarded as having a well known and active live music scene. The Fox Theatre is an historic landmark and one of the highest grossing venues in the world.This historic building still acts as the main entertainment building that Atlanta has to offer. The city also has a large collection of highly successful music venues of various sizes and music genres that host top and emerging touring acts. Popular local venues include the Tabernacle and the Variety Playhouse amongst others in the downtown area. Some of the bands and music acts to emerge from Atlanta include Kelly Rowland, REM, John Mayer and more.
Law:
Atlanta is governed by a mayor and a city council. The city council consists of 15 representatives one from each of the city's twelve districts and three at large positions. The mayor may veto a bill passed by the council, but the council can override the veto with a two-thirds majority.The mayor of Atlanta is Kasim Reed. The Governor's Mansion is located on West Paces Ferry Road, in a residential section of Buckhead. This is where the Governor of Atlanta is currently and has always resided.