Summary
- • Tennessee has 95 counties.
- • The state capital is Nashville.
- • Tennessee's highest point is Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet.
- • The state's lowest point is the Mississippi River at 178 feet.
- • Tennessee borders 8 other states.
- • The state's total area is 42,144 square miles.
- • Tennessee's official state tree is the Tulip Poplar.
- • The state bird is the Northern Mockingbird.
- • Tennessee has over 10,000 documented caves.
- • The state flower is the Iris.
- • Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- • The state has over 500,000 acres of lakes.
- • Tennessee's state animal is the raccoon.
- • The population of Tennessee in 2020 was 6,910,840.
- • Nashville is the most populous city with 689,447 residents as of 2020.
Buckle up and get ready to take a wild ride through Tennessee, the state thats got it all—from the soaring heights of Clingmans Dome to the soulful sounds of Memphis. With 95 counties, a thriving music scene in Nashville, and a landscape that boasts both the Great Smoky Mountains and the mighty Mississippi River, Tennessee is a state of both natural wonders and vibrant culture. So grab your cowboy boots and a side of BBQ, because were about to dive deep into the Volunteer States fascinating facts and figures, from its bustling cities to its storied past.
Demographics
- The population of Tennessee in 2020 was 6,910,840.
- Nashville is the most populous city with 689,447 residents as of 2020.
- The median age in Tennessee is 38.7 years.
- 78.4% of Tennessee's population identifies as White.
- 16.8% of the population identifies as Black or African American.
- 5.7% of Tennessee residents are Hispanic or Latino.
Interpretation
In the dynamic state of Tennessee, where country music and southern hospitality flow as freely as sweet tea on a hot summer day, the numbers tell a story of diversity within unity. With a population just shy of 7 million, the bustling streets of Nashville serve as a melting pot for nearly 700,000 souls, showcasing the heartbeat of the Volunteer State. As the median age hovers at a sprightly 38.7 years, it's clear that Tennessee is a land where tradition harmonizes with modernity. And while the vast majority proudly wave the banner of the White population, the vibrant threads of Black, African American, Hispanic, and Latino communities weave a colorful tapestry that enriches the very fabric of Tennessee life.
Economy
- The state's GDP was $364.5 billion in 2020.
- Tennessee's unemployment rate was 3.2% as of March 2023.
- The median household income in Tennessee is $54,833.
- Tennessee is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies.
- The state's largest industry by employment is health care and social assistance.
- Tennessee's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal rate.
- The state has no income tax on wages and salaries.
Interpretation
Tennessee, the land of music and whiskey, is showing strong economic resilience despite its low minimum wage and lack of income tax. With a robust GDP of $364.5 billion and a booming healthcare industry, the state stands tall with 10 Fortune 500 companies calling it home. However, with a median household income of $54,833, the serenade of economic success may not reach all Tennesseans equally. As the state dances to the beat of its own financial drum, balancing prosperity and inequality remains a harmonious yet challenging melody.
Education
- 86.9% of Tennesseans aged 25+ have a high school diploma or higher.
- 27.3% of Tennesseans aged 25+ have a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The University of Tennessee system has over 50,000 students.
- Tennessee has 13 public universities.
- The state has 40 community colleges and technical schools.
- Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, is the state's highest-ranked university.
- Tennessee's public school system serves over 1 million students.
Interpretation
Tennessee: where nearly 9 out of 10 adults have a high school diploma, but only about 1 in 4 can boast a bachelor's degree. With over 50,000 students in the University of Tennessee system and a variety of public universities, community colleges, and technical schools to choose from, the state's educational landscape is diverse. While Vanderbilt University shines as the top dog, serving as a beacon of higher learning in Nashville, the public school system shoulders the weight of educating over 1 million young minds. In the Volunteer State, education may come in all shapes and sizes, but the pursuit of knowledge is a common thread that weaves its way through the fabric of society.
Geography
- Tennessee has 95 counties.
- The state capital is Nashville.
- Tennessee's highest point is Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet.
- The state's lowest point is the Mississippi River at 178 feet.
- Tennessee borders 8 other states.
- The state's total area is 42,144 square miles.
Interpretation
Tennessee may be the state with the bluesy tunes, but with 95 counties and a capital named after those shiny music awards, Nashville, it's clear there's more to it than just sweet melodies. From the heights of Clingmans Dome to the low points along the mighty Mississippi River, Tennessee's topography is as diverse as its musical influences. With its prime location, bordered by 8 other states, Tennessee is no stranger to sharing the spotlight. And with a total area of 42,144 square miles, there's plenty of room for all the twang and tranquility this state has to offer.
Government and Politics
- Tennessee has produced 3 U.S. Presidents: Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson.
- The state legislature is called the Tennessee General Assembly.
- Tennessee has 11 representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- The state Supreme Court consists of five justices.
- Tennessee was the last state to secede from the Union during the Civil War.
- The state was the 36th and final state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.
- Tennessee's state constitution has been revised three times since its original adoption in 1796.
Interpretation
Tennessee can proudly boast a presidential legacy that rivals a small reunion at a family picnic, with three U.S. Presidents hailing from its borders. The state's General Assembly may not be as flashy as the presidency, but it surely knows how to keep things in order. With 11 representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee must be a pro at playing the bipartisan game. Don't be fooled by the modest five justices on the state Supreme Court - quality over quantity, right? Oh, and let's not forget Tennessee's flair for dramatic timing; seceding from the Union as the grand finale of the Civil War and swooping in as the final state to give women the right to vote with the 19th Amendment. Clearly, Tennessee likes to make an entrance - a dazzling star in the constellation of the United States.
History and Culture
- Tennessee became the 16th state on June 1, 1796.
- The state's nickname is 'The Volunteer State'.
- Memphis is known as the 'Home of the Blues'.
- Nashville is called 'Music City' due to its rich musical heritage.
- The Battle of Nashville was a significant Civil War battle fought in 1864.
- Davy Crockett, the famous frontiersman, was born in Tennessee.
- The Grand Ole Opry, founded in 1925, is the longest-running radio broadcast in US history.
Interpretation
Tennessee sure knows how to make history sing! From being the 16th state to proudly earning the moniker of 'The Volunteer State', its rhythm resonates through the Home of the Blues in Memphis and the melody of Music City in Nashville. Even in the battlegrounds of the Civil War, Tennessee left a mark with the Battle of Nashville. And let's not forget the legends born on its soil, like Davy Crockett and the iconic Grand Ole Opry. This state doesn't just make music, it makes memories that last longer than its longest-running radio broadcast.
Infrastructure
- The Tennessee Valley Authority, created in 1933, provides electricity to 7 states.
- Tennessee has 6 interstate highways running through it.
- The state has 79 public airports.
- Tennessee's largest airport is Nashville International Airport.
- The state has over 95,000 miles of public roads.
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, located in Tennessee, is the largest science and energy laboratory in the Department of Energy system.
Interpretation
Tennessee seems to have mastered the art of connectivity and energy efficiency, from powering up the Southeast with the Tennessee Valley Authority's electricity to paving the way with an intricate web of interstate highways and a vast network of public roads. With its numerous airports facilitating swift travel and Oak Ridge National Laboratory at the forefront of cutting-edge science, it's clear that Tennessee is not just a crucial link in the chain of progress but also a force to be reckoned with in the realms of innovation and infrastructure.
Nature and Wildlife
- Tennessee's official state tree is the Tulip Poplar.
- The state bird is the Northern Mockingbird.
- Tennessee has over 10,000 documented caves.
- The state flower is the Iris.
- Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- The state has over 500,000 acres of lakes.
- Tennessee's state animal is the raccoon.
Interpretation
Tennessee, a state that proudly boasts a quirky array of official symbols, seems to be determined to embody the motto "expect the unexpected." From the graceful Tulip Poplar tree to the melodious Northern Mockingbird, and the mischievous raccoon, each state symbol reflects a unique facet of Tennessee's diverse natural landscape. With over 10,000 documented caves and more than half a million acres of lakes, Tennessee is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. So, whether you're birdwatching in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or embarking on a spelunking adventure, Tennessee offers an abundance of surprises for those willing to look beyond the surface.
Sports
- Tennessee has 8 professional sports teams.
- The Tennessee Titans (NFL) play at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
- The Nashville Predators (NHL) play at Bridgestone Arena.
- The Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) play at FedExForum.
- The University of Tennessee's football team plays at Neyland Stadium, which seats over 100,000.
- The Bristol Motor Speedway hosts NASCAR races and seats 162,000, making it one of the largest sports venues in the world.
Interpretation
Tennessee may be known for its country music and southern charm, but let's not forget its impressive roster of professional sports teams. From the gridiron to the ice rink, the Volunteer State is home to eight teams that keep fans on the edge of their seats. With stadiums and arenas like Nissan Stadium and Bridgestone Arena drawing crowds from near and far, Tennessee is a sports haven that shows no signs of slowing down. The only thing bigger than the races at Bristol Motor Speedway is the passion of Tennesseans for their sports teams – proving that in the heart of the South, sports reign supreme.
Tourism and Recreation
- Tennessee has 56 state parks.
- The state has 12 ski areas and resorts.
- Graceland, Elvis Presley's former home, attracts over 500,000 visitors annually.
- The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is the largest freshwater aquarium in the world.
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US.
- Dollywood, partially owned by Dolly Parton, is the state's largest ticketed attraction.
- The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival attracts over 80,000 attendees annually.
Interpretation
Tennessee seems to have found the perfect harmony between nature and entertainment, offering a diverse array of attractions that cater to every taste. From the serene beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the exhilarating ski resorts dotting the landscape, the state is a playground for both outdoor enthusiasts and music lovers alike. With iconic landmarks like Graceland and the Tennessee Aquarium drawing crowds by the hundreds of thousands, it's clear that Tennessee knows how to captivate its visitors with a blend of cultural allure and natural splendor. Whether you're seeking a touch of history, a dash of adrenaline, or a dose of musical magic, Tennessee's got it all – and then some.