SafekipediaMiami
Adapted from Wikipedia · Adventurer experience
Miami is a coastal city in the U.S. state of Florida. It is the second-most populous city proper in Florida.
Miami is a major center for finance, commerce, culture, arts, and international trade.
PortMiami, the city's seaport, is the busiest cruise port in the world. The Miami area is the second-most visited city in the U.S. after New York City.
Toponymy
Miami was named after the Miami River. The river’s name came from the word Mayaimi. This was the old name for Lake Okeechobee and also the name of the Native American people who lived there.
People often call Miami many different names, like The Magic City or Gateway to the Americas.
History
Main article: History of Miami
For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Miami.
See also: Cuban migration to Miami and National Register of Historic Places listings in Miami
The Tequesta tribe lived in the Miami area for about 2,000 years before Europeans came. A village with many people was at the mouth of the Miami River around 500–600 BCE. The tribe moved to Cuba by the mid-1700s.
In 1566, admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, Florida's first governor, claimed the area for Spain. Spain ruled Florida for centuries, except for a short time when Britain controlled it. Spain gave Florida to the United States in 1821. In 1836, the U.S. built Fort Dallas on the Miami River. This led to fighting in the Second Seminole War.
Miami was founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle. She owned the land where Miami was built and was a citrus grower. After a cold period that hurt other crops, her crops survived. She convinced Henry Flagler, a railroad builder, to extend his railroad to the area. Miami became an official city on July 28, 1896, with just over 300 people.
In the early 1900s, many people from the Bahamas and other places moved to Miami, helping build the city. Miami grew a lot in the 1920s as more people moved there. After World War II began, Miami became important for U.S. defense. Many people from Cuba moved to Miami after 1959, making the city more international.
Geography
Miami and its suburbs are between the Everglades to the west and Biscayne Bay to the east. The city is about 6 feet above sea level. The highest points are along the Miami Rock Ridge, which runs under much of eastern Miami. Miami’s main part is along the shores of Biscayne Bay, with many natural and man-made islands. The largest island includes Miami Beach and South Beach. A warm ocean current, the Gulf Stream, runs just 15 miles off the coast, helping keep Miami’s weather mild and warm all year.
The land under Miami is made of a special kind of rock called Miami oolite or Miami limestone. This rock is covered by a thin layer of soil and is not more than 50 feet thick. It formed from changes in sea level during past ice ages. Long ago, sea levels were higher, and southern Florida was covered by shallow sea. Over time, reefs formed, and a large lagoon lay behind them. When sea levels dropped, the lagoon’s floor was left above water, and the limestone we see today was formed from small stones and shell pieces.
Below the surface lies the Biscayne Aquifer, an underground source of fresh water. It is closest to the surface near Miami Springs and Hialeah. Most of the drinking water for the Miami metropolitan area comes from this aquifer. Because of this, it is hard to dig deep in Miami without hitting water, which makes underground building challenging. Some underground parking exists, but most transportation systems are raised or at ground level.
Miami’s western edge borders the Everglades, a tropical marshland. Alligators from the marshes sometimes wander into Miami areas and onto major roads.
Miami is divided into several areas: north, south, west, and Downtown. The heart of the city is Downtown Miami, on the eastern side. It includes neighborhoods like Brickell, Virginia Key, Watson Island, and PortMiami. Downtown Miami is the largest business area in Florida, with many banks, courts, and tall buildings. Just to the northwest is the Health District, home to hospitals and research centers.
The southern side of Miami has neighborhoods like Coral Way, The Roads, and Coconut Grove. Coral Way is a historic area with old homes. Coconut Grove, established in 1825, has narrow streets and many trees. It is known for its parks, shops, and restaurants.
The western side includes areas such as Little Havana, where many people from Central America and Cuba live. The northern side has diverse communities, including Midtown, Wynwood (an art area with murals), and Little Haiti. Wealthier areas like the Design District and Upper Eastside feature beautiful homes.
Miami has a tropical climate with hot, wet summers and warm, dry winters. Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s °F, with frequent thunderstorms. Winter temperatures are milder, ranging from the 70s °F. Though rare, Miami has seen snow flurries once in 1977. The city’s climate is influenced by its low elevation, coastal location, and the nearby Gulf Stream. Hurricanes are a concern from June to November, and rising sea levels pose future challenges.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Miami
Further information: Cuban migration to Miami
Miami is a big city in South Florida. It is the second-largest city in Florida and the center of the Miami metropolitan area, which has many people. Miami is larger than its nearest neighbor, Hialeah. Miami also has many people from Miami-Dade county.
Miami grew quickly in the early 1900s. By the 2020 census, Miami had 442,241 people.
In 1970, Miami was very diverse, with many people from different backgrounds. Over time, the city has changed, with many people moving in from places like Cuba and other parts of Latin America. By 2020, the city continued to grow, becoming one of the most diverse places in the United States.
In 2010, many people in Miami came from Cuba, Central America, and South America. There were also people from places like Haiti, Jamaica, and other parts of the world.
In 2010, most people in Miami were from European backgrounds, but there were also many from Asian countries like India, China, and the Philippines.
In a study from 2014, many people in Miami practiced Christianity, with a large group being Protestant and another being Catholic. Other religions like Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism also had followers, but fewer people. Some people did not follow any organized religion.
There has been a church for Norwegian sailors in Miami since the early 1980s. In 2011, a special guest helped open a new building for the church, which serves many Scandinavians living in Florida, including those who work at Walt Disney World.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 1,681 | — | |
| 1910 | 5,471 | 225.5% | |
| 1920 | 29,571 | 440.5% | |
| 1930 | 110,637 | 274.1% | |
| 1940 | 172,172 | 55.6% | |
| 1950 | 249,276 | 44.8% | |
| 1960 | 291,688 | 17.0% | |
| 1970 | 334,859 | 14.8% | |
| 1980 | 346,865 | 3.6% | |
| 1990 | 358,648 | 3.4% | |
| 2000 | 362,470 | 1.1% | |
| 2010 | 399,457 | 10.2% | |
| 2020 | 442,241 | 10.7% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 487,014 |  | 10.1% |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1900–1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2024 | |||
| Historical racial composition | 2020 | 2010 | 2000 | 1990 | 1980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 14.0% | 11.9% | 11.8% | 12.2% | 19.4% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 70.2% | 70.0% | 65.8% | 62.5% | 55.9% |
| Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) | 11.9% | 16.3% | 19.9% | 24.6% | 23.7% |
| Asian (Non-Hispanic) | 1.3% | 0.9% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 1.0% |
| Native American (Non-Hispanic) | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | |
| Some other race (Non-Hispanic) | 0.6% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% | |
| Two or more races (Non-Hispanic) | 2.0% | 0.7% | 1.7% | N/A | N/A |
| Population | 442,241 | 399,457 | 362,470 | 358,548 | 346,865 |
| Demographic characteristics | 2020 | 2010 | 2000 | 1990 | 1980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households | 212,146 | 183,994 | 148,388 | 130,252 | 134,046 |
| Persons per household | 2.08 | 2.17 | 2.44 | 2.69 | 2.59 |
| Sex Ratio | 97.8 | 99.2 | 98.9 | 93.5 | 88.0 |
| Ages 0–17 | 16.5% | 18.4% | 21.7% | 23.0% | 21.4% |
| Ages 18–64 | 69.0% | 65.6% | 61.3% | 60.4% | 61.6% |
| Ages 65 + | 14.5% | 16.0% | 17.0% | 16.6% | 17.0% |
| Median age | 39.7 | 38.8 | 37.7 | 35.9 | 38.2 |
| Population | 442,241 | 399,457 | 362,470 | 358,548 | 346,865 |
| Economic indicators | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–21 American Community Survey | Miami | Miami-Dade County | Florida |
| Median income | $31,472 | $32,513 | $34,367 |
| Median household income | $47,860 | $57,815 | $61,777 |
| Poverty Rate | 20.9% | 15.7% | 13.1% |
| High school diploma | 79.2% | 82.5% | 89.0% |
| Bachelor's degree | 33.1% | 31.7% | 31.5% |
| Advanced degree | 13.2% | 11.9% | 11.7% |
| Language spoken at home | 2015 | 2010 | 2000 | 1990 | 1980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 23.0% | 22.6% | 24.7% | 26.7% | 36.0% |
| Spanish or Spanish Creole | 70.0% | 69.9% | 66.6% | 64.0% | 57.5% |
| French or Haitian Creole | 4.5% | 4.9% | 6.0% | 7.7% | 2.6% |
| Other Languages | 2.5% | 2.6% | 2.7% | 1.6% | 3.9% |
| Nativity | 2015 | 2010 | 2000 | 1990 | 1980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % population native-born | 42.0% | 41.9% | 40.5% | 40.3% | 46.3% |
| ... born in the United States | 39.3% | 39.3% | 37.9% | 37.3% | 43.4% |
| ... born in Puerto Rico or Island Areas | 1.8% | 1.7% | 1.9% | 2.2% | 2.9% |
| ... born to American parents abroad | 0.9% | 0.9% | 0.6% | 0.7% | |
| % population foreign-born | 58.0% | 58.1% | 59.5% | 59.7% | 53.7% |
| ... born in Cuba | 27.6% | 27.5% | 30.3% | 32.1% | 35.9% |
| ... born in Nicaragua | 5.4% | 5.7% | 7.2% | 7.3% | N/A |
| ... born in Honduras | 5.0% | 5.4% | 4.5% | 1.9% | N/A |
| ... born in Haiti | 2.8% | 3.2% | 3.9% | 5.0% | N/A |
| ... born in Colombia | 2.8% | 2.4% | 1.9% | 1.2% | N/A |
| ... born in Venezuela | 1.8% | 1.4% | 0.6% | 0.4% | N/A |
| ... born in the Dominican Republic | 1.7% | 1.9% | 2.0% | 1.2% | 0.6% |
| ... born in Peru | 1.1% | 1.0% | 0.9% | 0.6% | N/A |
| ... born in Argentina | 1.0% | 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.2% | N/A |
| ... born in Mexico | 0.9% | 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.4% | 0.1% |
| ... born in other countries | 7.9% | 7.4% | 7.0% | 9.4% | 17.1% |
Economy
Brickell Avenue has many international banks, making it important for finance.
Miami is a big city for business, with many global companies and banks. It is known for its strong international business community. The city has large companies like Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean International. Recently, more companies have moved to Miami, including Citadel LLC.
Miami is also important for television, music, movies, and music videos, especially for Spanish-language shows and recordings.
Miami has many tall buildings, especially in Downtown and Brickell. The city has some of the tallest skyscrapers in the state of Florida.
PortMiami is the biggest cruise ship port in the world. It welcomes many ships and passengers each year. The port also brings in goods from places like South America and the Caribbean.
Tourism is very important to Miami, creating many jobs. The city is famous and attracts many visitors. Popular spots include South Beach and the Art Deco District. Big events like Art Basel and the Miami Open draw crowds from all over.
Culture
See also: LGBT culture in Miami, List of films and television shows set in Miami, Music of Miami, and Nicknames of Miami
Miami has a rich culture from people all over the world. It is called the "Magic City" and the "Capital of Latin America" because many people there speak Spanish.
The city has been used in many movies and TV shows, such as Bad Boys, Miami Vice, CSI: Miami, Burn Notice, Jane the Virgin, and The Golden Girls. Video games like Hotline Miami and the Grand Theft Auto series, including Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, also use Miami.
Entertainment
Venues
Miami has many places for fun, like theaters, museums, parks, and music centers. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is one of the biggest in the United States. It has operas, ballets, concerts, and musicals.
Other places include the Olympia Theater, Wertheim Performing Arts Center, the Fair Expo Center, the Tower Theater, and the Bayfront Park Amphitheater. Miami's first boat-in movie theater opened in 2020.
Events
Miami has many festivals each year. The Calle Ocho Festival is the country's largest Latin music festival. The Miami International Film Festival happens each March for 10 days. The Miami Jewish Film Festival happens in January.
Miami is also a place for fashion, with events like Miami Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami in the Wynwood Art District.
Music and performing arts
See also: Music of Miami
Miami attracts many musicians and actors. The city has orchestras, music schools, such as the Florida Grand Opera, Florida International University's Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music and Performing Arts, Frost School of Music, and the New World School of the Arts.
Museums and visual arts
Miami has many museums, including the Frost Art Museum, Frost Museum of Science, HistoryMiami, Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami Children's Museum, Pérez Art Museum, Lowe Art Museum, and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark in Coconut Grove.
Cuisine
Miami's food comes from many cultures, especially Latin American, Caribbean, Soul, and Jewish cuisine. This creates a special South Florida style called Floribbean cuisine.
Cuban immigrants brought dishes like the Cuban sandwich and medianoche. These are now common in Miami, especially in Little Havana. Miami is also known for its seafood, found in many restaurants along the Miami River and around Biscayne Bay. The city has chains like Burger King and Benihana.
Dialect
The Miami area has its own way of speaking American English, called the "Miami accent". This accent developed among people whose families have lived in Miami for generations, especially Hispanics like Cuban Americans. The Miami accent is rhotic, meaning the "r" sound is always pronounced.
Sports
Main article: Sports in Miami
See also: Florida Panthers, Inter Miami CF, Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, Miami Hurricanes, and Miami Marlins
Miami has many favorite sports teams. The Miami Dolphins play football, the Miami Heat play basketball, and the Miami Marlins play baseball. There is also a soccer team called Inter Miami. These teams play in different places around the city.
The city has also hosted big sports events, like tennis tournaments and car races. Many people enjoy watching these games and events in Miami.
The following are the major professional sports teams in the Miami metropolitan area:
| Club | Sport | Miami Area since | League | Venue | League Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dolphins | American football | 1965 | National Football League | Hard Rock Stadium | 1972 (VII), 1973 (VIII) |
| Florida Panthers | Ice hockey | 1993 | National Hockey League | Amerant Bank Arena | 2024, 2025 |
| Miami Heat | Basketball | 1988 | National Basketball Association | Kaseya Center | 2006, 2012, 2013 |
| Miami Marlins | Baseball | 1993 | Major League Baseball | LoanDepot Park | 1997, 2003 |
| Inter Miami CF | Soccer | 2018 | Major League Soccer | Nu Stadium | 2025 |
Beaches and parks
The City of Miami has many beautiful places to visit, managed by the National Park Service, the Florida Division of Recreation and Parks, and the City of Miami Department of Parks and Recreation.
Miami's warm weather is great for outdoor fun all year. With marinas, rivers, bays, canals, and the Atlantic Ocean nearby, people enjoy boating, canoeing, sailing, and fishing. Biscayne Bay has colorful coral reefs, making snorkeling and scuba diving very popular. The city has over 80 parks and gardens. Some of the biggest and most loved parks are Bayfront Park and Museum Park (right in the center of Downtown, where you'll find the Miami-Dade Arena and Bayside Marketplace), Tropical Park, Peacock Park, Virginia Key, and Watson Island.
Other fun places to explore in or near Miami include Zoo Miami, Jungle Island, the Miami Seaquarium, Monkey Jungle, Coral Castle, Charles Deering Estate, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and Key Biscayne.
Law and government
Main article: Government of the City of Miami
See also: List of mayors of Miami
Miami has a special kind of government called the mayor-commissioner system. The city has five commissioners who are elected from different parts of the city. Together with the mayor, they make important decisions for the city. The mayor is chosen by all the voters and also picks a city manager to help run things.
The city commissioners meet regularly in Miami City Hall, located on Dinner Key in the Coconut Grove neighborhood. In the United States House of Representatives, Miami is represented by Republicans Maria Elvira Salazar and Mario Diaz-Balart, along with Democrat Frederica Wilson.
City Commission
See also: List of mayors of Miami
- Eileen Higgins – Mayor of the City of Miami
- Miguel Angel Gabela – Miami Commissioner, District 1
Allapattah and Grapeland Heights
- Damian Pardo – Miami Commissioner, District 2
Arts & Entertainment District, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Way, Downtown Miami, Edgewater, Midtown Miami, Park West and the South part Upper Eastside
- Rolando Escalona – Miami Commissioner, District 3
Coral Way, Little Havana and The Roads
- Ralph "Rafael" Rosado – Miami Commissioner, District 4
Coral Way, Flagami and West Flagler
- Christine King – Miami Commissioner, District 5
Buena Vista, Design District, Liberty City, Little Haiti, Little River, Lummus Park, Overtown, Spring Garden and Wynwood and northern part of the Upper Eastside
- James Reyes – City Manager
- George Wysong – City Attorney
- Todd B. Hannon – City Clerk
Politics
For much of the 1900s, Miami and the area around it, Miami-Dade County, often supported the Democratic party. But in recent years, things have changed. In the 2020 presidential election, some voters, especially in the Cuban-American community, supported the other party. This showed a big move in political views for the area.
| Year | Democratic | Republican | Third parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 49.7% 72,780 | 49.0% 71,756 | 1.3% 1,895 |
| 2020 | 59.1% 95,577 | 40.1% 64,743 | 0.8% 1,296 |
| 2016 | 68.5% 94,109 | 28.6% 39,267 | 2.9% 3,929 |
Education
See also: Miami-Dade Public Library System
Colleges and universities
The University of Miami in nearby Coral Gables opened in 1925. It is Florida's top private university. Miami-Dade County has many students in colleges and universities.
Miami also has many other schools and training centers. These help people learn job skills.
Colleges and universities in and around Miami:
- Barry University, Miami Shores
- Broward College, Fort Lauderdale
- Everglades University, Boca Raton
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
- Florida International University, University Park
- Florida Memorial University, Miami Gardens
- Keiser University, Fort Lauderdale
- Miami Dade College, Miami
- Miami International University of Art & Design
- Nova Southeastern University, Davie
- Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach
- Palm Beach State College, Lake Worth Beach
- St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens
- Southeastern College, West Palm Beach
- Talmudic University of Florida, Miami Beach
- University of Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill
- University of Miami, Coral Gables
Primary and secondary schools
Miami's public schools are part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. It is the biggest school system in Florida. The schools have students from many backgrounds.
Some well-known high schools in Miami include Design and Architecture High School, MAST Academy, Coral Reef High School, and the New World School of the Arts. The schools teach many languages.
Miami has many private schools too. These include Catholic, Jewish, and other types of schools. They give families many choices.
Supplementary education
The Miami Hoshuko is a part-time school for Japanese students and people of Japanese heritage. It now meets in Westchester and has offices in Doral.
Media
Main article: Media in Miami
See also: Film in Miami, List of newspapers in Florida, List of radio stations in Florida, and List of television stations in Florida
Miami has one of the largest television areas in the country. It is the second largest in Florida after Tampa Bay. The city has important newspapers, with The Miami Herald being the largest. El Nuevo Herald is the largest newspaper for Spanish speakers. Both newspapers moved from Downtown Miami to Doral in 2013.
Other newspapers include Miami Today, Miami New Times, and Miami SunPost, along with many smaller local papers. Miami is also home to major television networks and music companies, such as Telemundo and Univision. The city is an important place for making TV shows and movies.
Transportation
Main article: Transportation in South Florida
See also: Brightline and Tri-Rail
Most people in Miami drive to work alone, but some share rides or use public transport. A few people walk, and even fewer use taxis or bikes. Some people work from home. Not many homes do not have a car, and Miami has fewer cars per home than the country average.
Expressways and roads
Venetian Causeway (left) and MacArthur Causeway (right) connect Downtown and South Beach.
State Road 886, also called Port Boulevard, links Downtown Miami and PortMiami over Biscayne Bay.
Miami’s roads follow a grid. Flagler Street goes east to west, and Miami Avenue goes north to south. Addresses use directions like “NW” based on this grid. Major roads are far apart, with many named streets in between.
Miami has several big highways and roads connecting different parts of the city and nearby areas. There are also six bridges that cross Biscayne Bay, linking the mainland with islands along the coast.
Public transportation
See also: [Metrobus (Miami-Dade County)](/wiki/Metrobus_(Miami-Dade_County), Metromover, and Miami-Dade Transit
Miami has public transport including Metrorail, Tri-Rail, Metromover, and buses. Metrorail is a train on tracks above ground with two lines and many stops, linking suburbs and the city center. Tri-Rail is a train running from Miami to West Palm Beach. The Metromover is a free train on tracks above ground that goes around Downtown Miami.
Many people use public transport in Miami, but trips can take time, and waiting can change. There are plans for new light rail systems to connect different parts of the city.
Miami is where Amtrak’s Atlantic Coast trains stop, with services going to cities like New York. Construction is happening for a new central station that will bring together many transport options.
Airports
See also: Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Palm Beach International Airport
Miami International Airport is the main airport for the area, with many passengers each year. It offers flights to cities around the world. Other nearby airports also serve the region, including one for smaller private planes.
Cycling and walking
The city has supported more biking and walking in recent years. Studies have looked at how easy it is to bike or walk in Miami compared to other big U.S. cities.
Public safety
| Miami Causeways | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | Termini | Year built |
| Rickenbacker Causeway | Brickell and Key Biscayne | 1947 |
| Venetian Causeway | Downtown and South Beach | 1912–1925 |
| MacArthur Causeway | Downtown and South Beach | 1920 |
| Julia Tuttle Causeway | Wynwood/Edgewater and Miami Beach | 1959 |
| 79th Street Causeway | Upper East Side and North Beach | 1929 |
| Broad Causeway | North Miami and Bal Harbour | 1951 |
International relations
See also: List of sister cities in Florida
Miami has many friends around the world. These are called sister cities. Some of Miami’s sister cities are:
- Agadir and El Jadida in Morocco (since 1995)
- Barranquilla and Bogotá in Colombia (since 2015 and 1971)
- Buenos Aires in Argentina (since 1979)
- Kagoshima in Japan (since 1990)
- Kaohsiung in Taiwan (since 1987)
- Lima in Peru (since 1977)
- Madrid and Murcia in Spain (since 2014 and 1993)
- Nice in France (since 1986)
- Palermo in Italy (since 1997)
- Qingdao in China (since 2005)
- Salvador in Brazil (since 2006)
- San Salvador in El Salvador (since 1991)
- Santiago in Chile (since 1986)
- Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic (since 1987)
- Southampton in the United Kingdom (since 2019)
Miami also works together with:
Notable people
Main article: List of people from Miami
Miami has been home to many famous people. These people have come from many different places. They have done important things in areas like entertainment and sports. The city still draws people from all over the world.
Images
Related articles
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