Clarkston is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia, in the eastern Atlanta metropolitan area, just outside Interstate 285. Home to roughly 14,800 residents within about 1.4 square miles, it is one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the United States. The city is often called "the most diverse square mile in America" and "the Ellis Island of the South," reflecting its role as a resettlement hub for refugees since the 1990s. Clarkston's transformation into an international community began with refugee resettlement programs that brought families from countries across the globe to the city's apartments and walkable neighborhoods. Today residents trace their origins to more than 150 ethnic groups speaking more than 60 languages, giving the city a cultural richness unusual for a community of its size. Local markets, restaurants, and community organizations reflect this global character. The city hosts campuses of Georgia State University and Georgia Piedmont Technical College, adding an educational dimension to its economy and community life. Public schools are operated by DeKalb County School District, including Clarkston High School. Clarkston's compact, walkable layout and transit access are central to its identity. MARTA bus routes serve the city and connect to the region's rail network, and Interstate 285 places downtown Atlanta and the surrounding metro within easy reach. Nearby Stone Mountain provides a major regional recreation destination. The city's small physical footprint fosters a pedestrian-friendly environment where services, schools, and transit are within walking distance for many residents, and its global character and welcoming reputation have made Clarkston a nationally recognized example of immigrant integration.