Tennessee in a nutshell
Three Regions of Tennessee
The three stars on Tennessee’s state flag represent the three glorious regions in our beautiful state.
West Tennessee – Enlivened by river towns and gracious Southern hospitality, West Tennessee is also host to the second most visited home in the United States, Graceland, home to Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n Roll.
Middle Tennessee – Holds the thriving state capital, along with horse farms and picturesque rural communities. Also home to the longest running radio show in the world, the Grand Ole Opry and the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and NHL’s Predators.
East Tennessee – Offers an Appalachian holiday with spectacular mountains and homefolk as colorful as autumn leaves in the Smokies. Headlined by two internationally known aquariums and the Bristol Motor Speedway.
Top 10 Must See Visitor Attractions in Tennessee
- Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg
- Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol
- Ober Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg
- Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga
- Memphis Zoo, Memphis
- Casey Jones Village, Jackson
- Golf & Games Family Park, Memphis
- Graceland, Memphis
- Grand Ole Opry House & Opry Museum, Nashville
- Jack Daniels, Lynchburg
Major Cities
- Memphis population ca. 650 k
- Nashville population ca. 600 k
- Knoxville population ca. 178 k
- Chattanooga pop. 167 k
Weather, Climate & Temperatures
Tennessee has a generally mild climate while enjoying the beauty of four distinct seasons.
- Average summer temperatures 89 F to 67.5 F
- Average winter temperatures 49.4 F to 30.4 F
- Average annual rainfall 49.69 inches
- Average annual snowfall 5.6 inches in Memphis; 16 inches in NE Tennessee
Average temperatures in Nashville, Tennessee, in Fahrenheit and (Celsius):
| Monat | Max | Min |
| Jan | 49 (9,4) | 31 (-0,6) |
| Feb | 51 (10,5) | 33 (0,6) |
| Mar | 59 (15) | 35 (1,7) |
| Apr | 71 (21,6) | 48 (8,8) |
| May | 80 (26,6) | 57 (13,9) |
| Jun | 88 (31) | 66 18,8) |
| Jul | 91 (32,7) | 70 (21,1) |
| Aug | 90 (32,2) | 68 (20) |
| Sep | 85 (29,4) | 61 (16,1) |
| Oct | 74 (23,3) | 49 (9,4) |
| Nov | 59 (15) | 38 (3,3) |
| Dec | 50 (10) | 32 (0) |
State Data & Essentials
State Name
Tennessee – State Abbr.: TN
Statehood
1-Jun-1796
– Statehood Ranking: 16
Land Area
41,217 square miles (106,748 qkm)
– Land Area Ranking: 34
Population
6,346,105 (2010 Census); 5,689,283 (2000 Census)
Capital
Nashville
Biggest City
Memphis
Nickname
The Volunteer State
Motto
Agriculture and Commerce
Highest Point
2.025 m / 6,644 ft (Clingmans Dome)
Lowest Point
55 m / 180 ft (Mississippi River)
Daylight Saving Time: yes
Tree
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron Tulipifera)
Flower
Iris (Genus Iridaceae)
Bird
Mockingbird (genus Mimus polyglottos)
Animal
Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
Song
5 State Songs: My Homeland, Tennessee / When It’s Iris Time in Tennessee / My Tennessee / Tennessee Waltz / Rocky Top
