States and Territories
Tennessee, the "Volunteer State"
Abbreviation: TN
The name Tennessee is derived from the name of a Cherokee village, Tanasi. In 1796, Tennessee was the first territory admitted as a state under the federal Constitution (16th state). Before statehood, it was known as the Territory South of the River Ohio. Tennessee is one of the states that link the North and the South. The lonely pioneer, wearing a coonskin cap and carrying a flintlock rifle, is a symbol of Tennessee's great past. Pioneers crossed the mountains of Tennessee to settle in the wilderness. They brought with them the spirit of independence and daring that has become a part of Tennessee's history. Tennessee's rugged mountains, thick forests and beautiful lakes and rivers are ideal for outdoor sports. The capital Nashville is known as a center for country music; Memphis, Tennessee's largest city is a magnet for music fans, as the birthplace of urban blues and long-time home of Elvis.
GOVERNMENT
Capital: Nashville
Governor: Phil Bredesen, D (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: Lamar Alexander, R (to Jan. 2009); William Frist, R (to Jan. 2007)
House of Representatives: 9 districts | Search by zip code
STATISTICS
Population (April 2000): 5,689,283; National Rank: 16; Percent change since 1990: 16.7%; State Rank based on Percent Change: 14
Land Area: 41,220 sq mi. (106,759 sq km); National Rank: 36
10 largest cities (2000): Memphis, 650,100; Nashville-Davidson
ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 2001 (millions of dollars): 182,515; National rank: 18; Percent change since 1990: 48%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 14 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $26,808; National Rank: 35 (88% of the national average)
State Exports 2002 (millions of dollars): 11,621; National Rank: 17
Agriculture: Soybeans, cotton, tobacco, livestock and livestock products, dairy products, cattle, hogs.
Industry: Chemicals, transportation equipment, rubber, plastics.
Government
- Official State Homepage
- Project VoteSmart
- State and Local Government on the Internet
- Vital Records Information
Statistics
- Tennessee Profile - Fedstats
- Census 2000 Data for the State of Tennessee
- Census State Data Centers: Tennessee
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