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Population (2025 est.)7,315,076
Discover • Explore • Connect
Music Cities, River Towns and Mountain Trails
TennesseeTennessee stretches across three Grand Divisions: West, Middle, and East. Memphis connects visitors with blues, soul music, and Mississippi River history; Nashville is a center for songwriting and state government; Knoxville and Chattanooga provide gateways to East Tennessee. Between them are farming communities, wooded plateaus, lakes, and small downtowns.
Tennessee at a Glance
Population (2025 est.)7,315,076.webp){kind=icon}
CapitalNashville.webp){kind=icon}
Largest CityNashville.webp){kind=icon}
Counties95 counties.webp){kind=icon}
Land Area41,225 sq mi.webp){kind=icon}
Water Area905 sq mi.webp){kind=icon}
Statehood1796.webp){kind=icon}
Highest PointKuwohi — 6,643 ft
Explore Tennessee
County Guides in Tennessee
Choose a county to explore local information, resources and the businesses listed for that area.
Counties of Tennessee
Bedford CountyBradley CountyCoffee CountyDavidson CountyMcMinn CountyMeigs CountyMonroe CountyPolk CountyShelby CountyWilliamson County
Get to know the cities, towns and landscapes of Tennessee. Browse the photographs and official resources on this page for places to explore and practical information.
Featured Counties
Bedford CountyBedford County was formed in 1807 from Rutherford County and additional territory, with Shelbyville as its seat. A tornado affected the courthouse in 1830,…
Bradley CountyAndrew Taylor's log house became known as Taylor's Place and served travelers near the area's springs. Cleveland was formally designated the Bradley County seat…
Coffee CountyCoffee County was formed in 1836 from portions of Bedford, Warren, and Franklin counties. It was named for John Coffee, whose historical roles included…
Davidson CountyDavidson County was created in 1783 by an act of North Carolina, before Tennessee became a state. Nashville is its seat. State archive resources…
See More of Tennessee
Bedford CountyBedford County was formed in 1807 from Rutherford County and additional territory, with Shelbyville as its seat. A tornado affected the courthouse in 1830,…
Bradley CountyAndrew Taylor's log house became known as Taylor's Place and served travelers near the area's springs. Cleveland was formally designated the Bradley County seat…Coffee CountyCoffee County was formed in 1836 from portions of Bedford, Warren, and Franklin counties. It was named for John Coffee, whose historical roles included…Davidson CountyDavidson County was created in 1783 by an act of North Carolina, before Tennessee became a state. Nashville is its seat. State archive resources…
ABOUT THE STATE
America
Local communities make a national story tangible. Across Tennessee, libraries, schools, businesses, public spaces, and volunteer groups give neighbors places to meet, learn, work, and contribute. Exploring a community means listening to its people and understanding both its achievements and its challenges.
Places, People and Stories
Freedom to Build
Freedom gives people room to create businesses, raise families, serve their communities, and pursue a future they choose.
Community Makes Us Stronger
Strong communities grow when neighbors participate, local institutions serve well, and people invest time and care close to home.
Opportunity Within Reach
Education, work, entrepreneurship, and community connections can open practical paths for people to build more secure and meaningful lives.
Building Tomorrow Together
A shared future grows from responsible choices today—supporting families, strengthening communities, preserving local heritage, and creating room for new ideas.
LATEST FROM
Tennessee Headlines
Latest reporting from Tennessee Lookout. Coverage may include state and national stories.
Tennessee Lookout
‘No Kings’ events across Tennessee focus on vote turnout ahead of November election
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Read the full storySTATEWIDE COVERAGEPresented by Local Supporters
Around Tennessee Headlines
Stories from every corner of Tennessee Headlines.
‘No Kings’ events across Tennessee focus on vote turnout ahead of November election
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Oct 17, 2026 • 2 min read
In the nation’s capital, rallygoers hoist umbrellas at No Kings get-out-the-vote event
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Oct 17, 2026 • 2 min read
Trump back on the road as analysts see more congressional races shifting in Dems’ favor
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Losing bidder claims state changed terms on I-24 toll lane project
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Finance reports: Tennessee Democrats boost funding for key races in final push to election day
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min readSTATE SYMBOLS
Nickname Motto Bird Flower Tree State Animal
The Spirit and Symbols of Tennessee
Symbols that represent Tennessee
Volunteer State
Volunteer State is a widely used name for Tennessee.
Agriculture and Commerce
Agriculture and Commerce is the state motto.
Northern mockingbird
Northern mockingbird is the state bird of Tennessee.
Iris
The iris is Tennessee’s cultivated state flower. Passionflower and Tennessee coneflower are designated state wildflowers.
Tulip poplar
Tulip poplar is the state tree; eastern red cedar is separately designated the state evergreen tree.
Raccoon
Raccoon represents Tennessee among its official animal symbols.
A State with Many Stories
From the Mississippi River to the Smoky Mountains. Explore the communities, public lands, and local traditions that give Tennessee its own sense of place.
PHOTO JOURNAL
TENNESSEE
Volunteer StateExplore Tennessee through photographs, state facts and useful public resources.
Our State. Our Stories.★
STATE RESOURCES
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Tennessee Resources
Explore Tennessee through photographs, state facts and useful public resources.
Government
Find state agencies, public contacts, and local government information.
Schools
Find public education information, school contacts, and family resources.
Health Services
Find public health programs and information about health services.
Emergency Preparedness
Find preparedness guidance and official emergency information.
State Parks
Find parks, visitor information, and recreation planning resources.
Trails and Public Lands
Find public lands, visitor maps, and current access information.
Utilities
Find the agency responsible for utility regulation or consumer assistance; contact your provider for local service and outages.
Libraries
Find library services, local collections, and public learning resources.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Find the correct agency for licensing, registration, and appointments.
Transportation
Find transportation agencies, road information, and travel updates.
Postal Services
Find post offices, mailing services, and ZIP Code information.
Veterans
Find veteran services and official benefits information.
Employment
Find workforce services, job-search resources, and training information.
Need a Place to Start?
Browse official links for public services, parks and visitor information.
HELP DESK
Questions About Tennessee
Answers and links for residents and travelers.
Nashville is the state capital. Nashville is the largest city.
Tennessee has 95 counties.
Kuwohi — 6,643 ft.
The official tourism guide provides destinations and trip-planning information.
Use the National Park Service’s Tennessee directory and the parks resources above. Check current access and conditions with the managing agency.
Start with the official government directory and choose the agency for the service you need.
Consult Tennessee Driver Services to find the correct service and current requirements.
See Tennessee Emergency Management Authority for the relevant state resources, and use the National Weather Service for forecasts and alerts.
Use U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for official service and benefits information.
The population shown is the 2025 Census estimate, sourced through the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis FRED table. Land and water figures use 2025 Census geography.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
My Local Guide
Start with a region. Explore its towns.
My Local Guide