Tennessee

Tennessee is the 36th largest state in the United States. It shares borders with Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Missouri. Tennessee has 95 counties, and the largest city in the state is the capital Nashville. Its estimated population as of 2007 is 6,156,719.http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47000.html

The climate in Tennessee varies due to its diverse topography. The western and central portions of the state have a meteorological classification of humid subtropical climates. The eastern portion of the state, especially along the elevations of the Appalachian Mountains, is classified as a mountain temperate climate.http://www.iexplore.com/world_travel/Tennessee/Climate

The average summer temperature for Tennessee is 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The average rainfall for the state is 50 inches. Winter snowfall averages 5 inches for western and central Tennessee and 16 inches for the eastern portion of the state and its higher elevations.http://www.iexplore.com/world_travel/Tennessee/Climate

Nashville is known for its deep roots in country music. Home to the Grand Ole Opry since 1925, aspiring artists have flocked to the city from around the world in hopes of becoming the next country star.

Graceland, the 14-acre estate that was home to Elvis Presley, is located in Memphis, Tennessee.http://www.elvis.com/graceland/tours/elvis_overview.asp Every year more than 600,000 visitors tour the mansion and its surrounding grounds.http://www.elvis.com/graceland/tours/elvis_overview.asp It is the second most visited home in the United States, topped only by the White House in Washington D.C.http://www.elvis.com/graceland/tours/elvis_overview.asp

Tennessee is home to the NFL's Tennessee Titans. Hockey fans show their pride for the Nashville Predators. The University of Tennessee takes pride in its football and basketball teams, the Volunteers. The University of Memphis shows their spirit for their football team the Memphis Tigers, and Vanderbilt University of Nashville enjoys the basketball and football teams.

• Actor Morgan Freeman
• Frontiersman Davy Crockett
• Singer Tennessee Ernie Ford
• Singer Dolly Parton
• Singer Minnie Pearl
• Singer Tina Turner
• Actress Cybill Shepherd