The State of Tennessee, commonly referred to as Tennessee, is a prominent state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It was admitted to the Union as the 16th state on June 1, 1796. Tennessee covers an area of approximately 42,139 square miles (109,247 square kilometers) and is home to more than 6.9 million residents as of 2021. Nashville, the state capital, is also the largest city in Tennessee. The state is divided into 95 counties, each with its own county seat. Tennessee shares borders with eight other states, including Kentucky to the north, Virginia to the northeast, North Carolina to the east, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south, Arkansas to the west, and Missouri to the northwest. Tennessee boasts a diverse geography with the Appalachian Mountains dominating the eastern part of the state and the Mississippi River forming its western border. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in eastern Tennessee, attracts millions of tourists annually, offering picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife. Economically, Tennessee thrives in various industries including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and agriculture. State government plays a vital role in the economy, employing a significant portion of the workforce. Additionally, Tennessee houses several major corporations and automotive manufacturing plants. Tennessee is celebrated for its rich musical heritage, particularly in country and blues genres, with Nashville often referred to as the “Country Music Capital of the World.” The state also holds historic significance, as the site of pivotal events during the American Civil War.