Miami-Dade County is the most populous county in Florida, located at the southeastern tip of the state. It’s a major cultural, economic, and transportation hub for the U.S. and the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
📍 Geography & Size
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County Seat: Miami (the largest city in the county and a global destination)
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Area: About 2,431 square miles (6,300 km²) — the largest county in Florida by land area.
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Covers urban areas, suburbs, the Florida Keys (northern part), and a large portion of Everglades National Park.
👥 Population
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Over 2.6 million residents (as of 2024), making it the most populous county in Florida.
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Very diverse — large communities of Cuban, Haitian, Colombian, Venezuelan, and other Latin American/Caribbean backgrounds.
🏛 Government
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Uses a strong mayor–commission form of government.
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Official name: Miami-Dade County (changed from “Dade County” in 1997 to highlight the internationally recognized name “Miami”).
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Governed by a Mayor and a Board of County Commissioners.
💼 Economy
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Major sectors: tourism, trade, finance, healthcare, transportation, real estate, and technology.
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Home to PortMiami, one of the largest cargo and cruise ports in the world.
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Miami International Airport (MIA) is a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
🎭 Culture & Attractions
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Known for South Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood, Everglades, Zoo Miami, and the Art Deco Historic District.
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Hosts major events like Art Basel Miami Beach, Calle Ocho Festival, and the Miami International Boat Show.
🌎 Special Role
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Functions as a gateway city for Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Highly bilingual (English & Spanish are widely spoken).
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Plays a key role in U.S. immigration, trade, and cultural exchange.