The city of Mobile, Alabama is situated in Mobile County along the Mobile River and on the Gulf Coast. The city of Mobile also serves and the county seat. The population during 2010 was nearly 200,000 and the Mobile Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) population was 412,992, making it the second biggest MSA within the state of Alabama. Mobile is the biggest city on the coast between Louisiana, St. Petersburg and New Orleans.
The original home of Mardi Gras is within the city of Mobile. "Mobile" is in fact a name of the Maubilla Indians, who once lived in the region. The city is known as the "Azalea Capital of the World" due to its displays of numerous varieties of azaleas.
In the year 1702, Mobile was founded and was later incorporated as a city during 1819. Mobile came under numerous changes of rule in the prevailing years. In the beginning, the establishment ruled as French Louisiana's capital until the British assumed control in 1763. Throughout the American Revolution, the Spanish seized the city, and during the war of the year 1812, the United States took over. During the Civil War, the city of Mobile was part of the Confederacy and survived a Union Naval forces blockade. For 50 years, the city's proximity near a large international seaport increased its fortunes. Shipping cotton was its main industry. Now the local economy is dominated by the chemical, aerospace, maritime and petroleum businesses. Tourism is also a significant industry.
The city of Mobile has lots of companies involved in the following sectors: medicine and research, retail trade, aerospace, construction and manufacturing. Businesses within Mobile produce engines, aircraft, paper and wood pulp, chemicals, paint, cement, aluminum, pumps, rayon fibers and ship-related stuff. Other major sectors are transportation, utilities and trade; education; healthcare; government; professional and business services.
Mobile benefits from its international seaport, the Port of Mobile. A lot of steamship lines serve the port. More than 300 companies involved in the maritime industry are situated here, including large ship building and ship repair businesses. The city of Mobile is home to the Brookley Complex, a Foreign Trade Zone with more than 100 businesses. Aerospace companies such as Mobile Aerospace Engineering are located here. Many local residents are working at Mobile Aerospace Engineering, the biggest private employer within the city.