Seattle is the largest city in the state of Washington and a major cultural and economic hub in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its rainy weather, iconic skyline, and booming tech industry, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.
Overview
- Population: ~750,000 (over 4 million in the metro area)
- Founded: 1851
- Nicknames: The Emerald City, Jet City
- Geography: Located between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, surrounded by evergreen forests and mountains
Landmarks and Attractions
- Space Needle – built for the 1962 World's Fair
- Pike Place Market – one of the oldest continuously operated public markets
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Seattle Great Wheel and Waterfront
- Mount Rainier views and ferry rides across Puget Sound
Economy
Seattle is a tech and innovation powerhouse, with major contributions from:
- Amazon (HQ) and Microsoft (nearby in Redmond)
- Boeing’s historic presence in aerospace
- Healthcare, biotech, and green energy sectors
- Thriving startup and digital economy
Culture and Lifestyle
- Birthplace of grunge music (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden)
- Rich coffee culture — home of the original Starbucks
- Diverse population with strong Asian-American and tech immigrant communities
- Outdoor-friendly lifestyle: hiking, kayaking, biking, and skiing
Education and Research
- Home to the University of Washington (UW), a top-tier research university
- Active research in science, medicine, and climate change
Transportation
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Link light rail and Metro bus system
- Ferries connect to surrounding islands and cities
- Walkable neighborhoods and expanding bike infrastructure
Fun Facts
- It rains over 150 days per year, but total rainfall is less than New York City
- Home to one of the highest concentrations of tech workers in the country
- The iconic Pike Place Fish Market is famous for fish throwing