Miami

by The Linguist

Miami, Florida

Miami is a major port city located in southeastern Florida in the United States. With a population of over 470,000 people within the city limits, Miami is the seventh largest city in the United States. The Miami metropolitan area, which includes the cities of Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, has over 6 million residents, making it the 8th largest metropolitan area in the nation.

Population and Demographics

As of 2019, the population of Miami was estimated to be 470,914, making it the 44th most populous city in the United States. Miami is part of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area, which had an estimated population of 6,198,782 in 2019, making it the 7th largest metro area in the U.S.

Miami has a very diverse population, with a large Hispanic/Latino community. According to the 2019 census data, the racial makeup of Miami is:

  • White: 72.6%
  • Black or African American: 19.2%
  • Asian: 1.0%
  • Native American: 0.3%
  • Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.1%
  • Two or more races: 2.6%
  • Other race: 4.2%

Over 70% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino of any race. The largest Hispanic/Latino groups are Cubans (34.9%), Nicaraguans (5.6%), Colombians (3.9%), and Venezuelans (3.2%).

A 2019 Census survey found that 69.4% of Miami residents speak a language other than English at home. After English, the most commonly spoken languages are Spanish (64.7%), Haitian Creole (6.3%), and French (2.2%).

Miami has a relatively young population, with a median age of 40.7 years old. Over 18% of the population is aged 65 years and over while 22% is under age 18.

History

The Miami area was inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous cultures including the Tequestas. The area was claimed by Spain in 1566 and a mission was constructed one year later. Read more about the history of Miami on Wikipedia.

Economy

Some of the major industries and employers in Miami include:

  • Tourism – Miami sees over 14 million visitors per year contributing $18 billion annually. Major attractions include beaches, museums, performing arts venues, restaurants, and nightlife.
  • PortMiami – One of the busiest cruise ship ports in the world with over 5 million passengers annually. Also a major cargo shipping hub.
  • Finance – Major banks headquartered in Miami include BankUnited, Bank of America, Popular Inc., and Ocean Bank.
  • Media/Technology – Major media and tech companies with a presence in Miami include Univision, Sony Music, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft.
  • Healthcare – Major hospitals and research centers include Jackson Memorial Hospital, Baptist Hospital, and University of Miami Health System.

For more details on Miami’s economy and major employers, visit the Miami-Dade County website.

Attractions and Landmarks

As an international tourist destination, Miami has many major attractions and landmarks. Some of the most popular include:

  • South Beach – Famous beaches with art deco architecture, nightclubs, restaurants, and the promenade.
  • Bayside Marketplace – Large open-air shopping and dining complex on the waterfront.
  • Perez Art Museum Miami – Modern and contemporary art museum with interactive exhibits. Located at 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132. Phone: (305) 375-3000.
  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – Historic estate with Italian Renaissance-style villa and gardens. Located at 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129. Phone: (305) 250-9133.
  • Wynwood Walls – Outdoor mural park with huge, colorful street art.
  • Miami Seaquarium – Aquarium with dolphin shows, orcas, and marine animal exhibits. Located on Rickenbacker Causeway. Website.
  • Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – 83-acre tropical garden with rare plant species and educational exhibits. Located at 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Miami, FL 33156. Phone: (305) 667-1651.
  • Little Havana – Historic Latin American neighborhood known for Cuban culture, restaurants, music, and cigar shops.

The Miami Marlins baseball team plays at loanDepot Park located at 501 Marlins Way, Miami, FL 33125. Phone: (305) 480-1300.

For more on attractions, landmarks, and things to do in Miami, visit the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau website.

Location and Geography

Miami is located in southeast Florida on the Atlantic Coast. It is located at the coordinates 25.7617° N, 80.1918° W.

Other major geographic features and landmarks include:

  • Biscayne Bay – Large coastal lagoon that borders Miami Beach and Downtown Miami.
  • Hibiscus, Palm, and Star Islands – Chain of artificial islands located between Miami Beach and Downtown Miami.
  • Everglades National Park – Large tropical wetlands preserve located just southwest of Miami.
  • Biscayne National Park – National park that protects Biscayne Bay, the offshore barrier reef, and other natural areas.

Here is a map showing Miami’s location in Florida:

Miami is located in Miami-Dade County in the state of Florida. Miami-Dade County has over 30 municipalities including Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and Hialeah. For more information on Miami-Dade County government services and departments, visit the Miami-Dade County website or contact:

Miami-Dade County
111 NW 1st Street
Miami, FL 33128
Phone: (305) 375-1000

Education

Public education in Miami is managed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the fourth largest school district in the United States. The district has over 350 schools serving more than 350,000 students. For more on Miami schools, visit the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website.

Major colleges and universities in Miami include:

  • University of Miami
  • Florida International University
  • Miami Dade College
  • Barry University
  • Johnson & Wales University
  • Florida Memorial University

Transportation

Miami has a major international airport, seaport, train station, highways, and public transit system.

The major transportation hubs in Miami include:

  • Miami International Airport (MIA) – One of the busiest airports in the world with over 45 million passengers annually. Located 8 miles northwest of Downtown Miami. Website.
  • PortMiami – Major seaport and cruise ship terminal located in Biscayne Bay. Handles over 7 million tons of cargo and 5 million cruise passengers annually. Website.
  • MiamiCentral Station – Miami’s main train station served by Amtrak, Tri-Rail, and Virgin Trains USA at the Brightline. Located in downtown Miami. Website.

Miami’s rapid transit system is called Metrorail and consists of two major train lines. The city also has a large bus network called Metrobús. For public transit information, visit the Miami-Dade Transit website.

Major highways and interstates serving Miami include I-95, I-195, I-395, SR 826, SR 836, and US Routes 1, 27, and 41.