Tennessee.

Tennessee is best known as the home of country music in Nashville, the birthplace of blues and rock 'n' roll in Memphis, and the most-visited US national park (Great Smoky Mountains).

Geography & climate

Tennessee lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 35.7°N, 86.7°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 109,247 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 Tennessee all flow from this geographic profile.

Capital, principal city & population

The capital of Tennessee is Nashville, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Nashville, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 7M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.

Statehood & history

Tennessee was admitted to the Union in 1796 as the 16th 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

Tennessee is nicknamed “The Volunteer State”, with the state motto Agriculture and commerce. 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee.

Travel, food & culture

For visitors, Tennessee 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 Tennessee can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.

By the numbers

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Did you know?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the Tennessee-usa-state/north-carolina/" data-it-autolink="1">North Carolina border, is the most-visited national park in the US — over 14 million visitors per year.