Nashville

Nashville
Official name	Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
Type	Capital city
	Nashville at sunset
State	Tennessee
Country	United States
Established	1806
Population	700,000
Area (km²)	1362
Time zone	Central (CST/CDT)
ZIP code(s)	37201–37250
Area code(s)	615, 629

Nashville is the capital and largest city of Tennessee. Famous worldwide as the home of country music, it is also a center for healthcare, education, and vibrant Southern culture.

Overview

Population: ~715,000 (metro area over 2 million)
Nicknames: Music City, The Athens of the South
Founded: 1779, named after Revolutionary War hero Francis Nash
Geography: Located in central Tennessee, along the Cumberland River

Landmarks and Attractions

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium
Broadway – live music bars and honky-tonks
The Parthenon (full-scale replica of the Greek original)
Johnny Cash Museum
Nissan Stadium and Bridgestone Arena

Economy

Nashville’s economy is fueled by:

Music and entertainment
Healthcare services – home to HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt Medical Center
**Tourism and hospitality**
**Higher education and publishing**

Culture and Identity

Known as the epicenter of country, bluegrass, and Americana music
Hosts major events: CMA Fest, Bonnaroo (nearby), and countless live shows nightly
Thriving food scene: hot chicken, BBQ, and Southern comfort food
Diverse neighborhoods and strong creative community

Education and Research

Vanderbilt University and Belmont University
Numerous music schools, art institutes, and seminaries
Growth in tech, medical research, and entrepreneur support

Transportation

Nashville International Airport (BNA)
WeGo bus system and rideshare-friendly layout
Interstates I-40, I-65, and I-24 converge in the city

Fun Facts

The nickname “Music City” was given by a British diplomat in the 1800s
Elvis Presley recorded over 200 songs in Nashville
The city has more than 180 live music venues