Kentucky is famed for its bluegrass meadows, the Kentucky Derby horse race, bourbon whiskey production (95 percent of the world's bourbon comes from here), and Mammoth Cave — the world's longest cave system.
Geography & climate
Kentucky lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 37.8°N, 85°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 104,659 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Kentucky all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Kentucky is Frankfort, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Louisville, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 4.5M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Kentucky was admitted to the Union in 1792 as the 15th state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
Kentucky is nicknamed “The Bluegrass State”, with the state motto United we stand, divided we fall. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Kentucky is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Kentucky.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Kentucky offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Kentucky can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | KY | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Frankfort | — |
| Largest city | Louisville | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 4.5M | people |
| Area | 104,659 | km² |
| Statehood | 1792 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 15 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Bluegrass State | — |
| Motto | United we stand, divided we fall | — |
| Latitude | 37.8 | degrees |
| Longitude | -85 | degrees |
Did you know?
Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the world's longest known cave system, with over 700 km of mapped passages.
