18/06/2025
Did you know Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina and the 15th-largest city in the United States. It is a major financial, cultural, and transportation hub in the southeastern U.S., with a rapidly growing population and a dynamic economy.
Geography & Location:
Charlotte is located in the south-central part of North Carolina, near the border with South Carolina. It sits in the Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
Population:
As of 2024, Charlotte has a population of over 900,000 residents, with the greater metropolitan area (the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro) exceeding 2.8 million. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
Economy:
Charlotte is known as a major banking center—second only to New York City in banking assets. It is home to the headquarters of Bank of America and the East Coast operations of Wells Fargo. Other major industries include energy (Duke Energy), motorsports (NASCAR), healthcare, and technology.
Transportation:
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a major hub, consistently ranked among the top 10 busiest airports in the country.
• The city also features an expanding light rail system (LYNX Blue Line) and a modern bus network.
• Several interstates intersect the city, including I-77 and I-85, making it a transportation crossroads of the Southeast.
Education & Culture:
• Charlotte is home to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) and several other colleges.
• It has a vibrant arts scene, with institutions like the Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
• It also hosts numerous festivals, concerts, and cultural events year-round.
Sports:
Charlotte is a major sports city, home to:
• The Carolina Panthers (NFL)
• The Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
• Charlotte FC (MLS)
• Several NASCAR teams and events (including the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway)
Climate:
Charlotte has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Snowfall is rare but possible, and thunderstorms are common in summer.
Curious Facts:
• Charlotte is nicknamed the “Queen City”, named in honor of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of Britain.
• The city has deep roots in both Revolutionary War and Civil Rights history.
• It’s a major center for NASCAR, with the NASCAR Hall of Fame located downtown.
