Southern facts for kids

The word Southern is an adjective that describes something related to the south. It can refer to a direction, a place, or even a characteristic of something that comes from the south. For example, if you are looking at a map, "southern" means towards the bottom of the map, or towards the South Pole. Many places, organizations, and even people have "Southern" in their names to show their connection to a southern region.

What Does "Southern" Mean?

"Southern" is used in many ways, often to describe things located in or connected to the southern part of a country, continent, or the world. It helps us understand where something is from or what its main characteristics might be.

Southern Places on Earth

• Southern Hemisphere: This is the half of Earth that is south of the Equator. It includes continents like Australia, Antarctica, most of South America, and parts of Africa and Asia. When it's winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it's summer in the Southern Hemisphere!
• Southern Ocean: This is the ocean that surrounds Antarctica. It's known for its very cold waters and strong winds. It's home to unique marine life, like penguins and whales.
• Southern United States: This is a large region in the southeastern and south-central parts of the United States. It's known for its unique history, culture, music, and food.
• Southern (country subdivision): In some countries, "Southern" is used as part of the name for a specific region or part of a country, like a province or state.

Southern Schools and Universities

Many schools and universities use "Southern" in their names, often because they are located in the southern part of a state or region.

• Southern University: This is a university located in the U.S. state of Louisiana.
• Southern Adventist University: You can find this university in Collegedale, Tennessee, in the United States.
• Southern Connecticut State University: This school is located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States.
• Southern High School: There are many high schools across the United States and other countries that use "Southern" in their names.

Southern Companies and Organizations

"Southern" is also a common part of names for businesses and groups, especially those that serve a southern area.

• Southern Company: This is a large electricity company in the U.S. that provides power to millions of customers in the southeastern United States.
• Southern Records: This is an independent record label, which is a company that produces and distributes music.
• Southern Television: This was a TV company in the United Kingdom that used to broadcast television programs. It is no longer operating.
• Southern (train operating company): This is a train company that operates passenger train services in the southern part of England.

Southern Sports Teams and Events

Sports often use "Southern" to describe conferences, teams, or events that are based in a southern region.

• Southern 500: This is a famous NASCAR car race that takes place in the United States. There was also a former NASCAR race with a similar name.
• Southern Conference: This is a college athletic conference in the U.S. It means a group of colleges and universities whose sports teams compete against each other.
• Southern Jaguars: This is the name for the sports teams of the main campus of Southern University.
• Southern League: This name is used for various sports leagues, including baseball and football leagues.