TNTennessee
Volunteer State · Capital: Nashville · South (Upland South)
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Bordering states: Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri.
4 fun facts about Tennessee
- Nashville is "Music City" — home to country music, the Grand Ole Opry, and over 180 recording studios.
- Memphis gave the world both Elvis Presley's Graceland and the Civil Rights Museum (at the Lorraine Motel where MLK was assassinated).
- Tennessee whiskey (Jack Daniel's, George Dickel) is legally distinct from bourbon — it requires maple charcoal filtering.
- The state has the highest concentration of black bears in the eastern US (Great Smoky Mountains).
Frequently asked questions about Tennessee
Is Tennessee a US state?
Yes, Tennessee is one of the 50 US states. It was admitted to the Union in 1796, making it the 16th state. Its capital is Nashville and its largest city is Nashville.
What is the capital of Tennessee?
The capital of Tennessee is Nashville.
When did Tennessee become a state?
Tennessee became a US state in 1796. It is the 16th state admitted to the Union.
What is the abbreviation for Tennessee?
The 2-letter USPS abbreviation for Tennessee is TN.
How big is Tennessee?
Tennessee ranks #36 of 50 US states by area — a mid-sized US state.
What is the population of Tennessee?
Tennessee has a population of 5 to 10 million.
What region is Tennessee in?
Tennessee is in the South region of the United States, per the US Census Bureau.
What time zone is Tennessee in?
Tennessee observes Eastern Time (the state spans multiple time zones).
Learn more
→ How to learn the 50 states (full guide)