Seattle: Overview

Seattle is the largest city in the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Located on an isthmus between Puget Sound (an inlet of the Pacific Ocean) and Lake Washington, the city is about 100 miles (160 km) south of the Canadian border. With an estimated population of 730,000 (as of 2018) and over 3.87 million in its metropolitan area, Seattle ranks as the 15th-largest city in the U.S. and the 21st-largest metro area.

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Geography & Nature

• Surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests.
• Known as the "Emerald City" due to its lush greenery.
• Home to thousands of acres of parkland, offering rich outdoor recreational opportunities.

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Economy & Industry

• Major economic engine of the Pacific Northwest.
• Headquarters of Amazon and Microsoft.
• Recognized as a global tech hub.
• A major gateway for trade with East Asia.
• 4th-largest port in North America for container handling (as of 2021).

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History & Culture

• Inhabited by Native Americans for at least 4,000 years prior to European settlement.
• Became a regional center for performing arts and technology in modern times.

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Iconic Landmarks

• Space Needle: Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it remains Seattle's most iconic structure and a symbol of the Pacific Northwest.

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Arts & Performing Arts Scene

Seattle is renowned for its rich performing arts culture, including:

Major Institutions:

• Seattle Symphony Orchestra: Century-old, award-winning, based at Benaroya Hall.
• Seattle Opera: Internationally acclaimed, especially for Richard Wagner performances.
• Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB): Top-ranked ballet school in the U.S., performing at McCaw Hall.
• Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras (SYSO): Largest symphonic youth organization in the country.

Theatres & Venues:

• 5th Avenue Theatre (est. 1926): Hosts Broadway-style musicals with local and international talent.
• Town Hall Seattle: A 900-seat Romanesque Revival venue for lectures, recitals, and cultural events.
• Around 100 theatrical production companies and over two dozen live theatre venues.
• Seattle has 28 equity theaters, second only to New York.

Music & Alternative Venues:

• Famous venues include the Crocodile Cafe and the Showbox Theater.

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Festivals & Events

• Seattle International Film Festival: Longest-running film festival, lasting 24 days.
• The Bite of Seattle: Popular food festival, showcasing local cuisine.

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Lifestyle & Attractions

Seattle offers something for everyone—whether your interests lie in:

• Technology
• The Arts
• Outdoor Activities
• Cultural Experiences