Nashville is the seat of Davidson County as well as the capital of the US State of Tennessee. It is the second most populous city in that area after Memphis. Nicknamed 'Music City', Nashville, is said to be the seat of country music in the United States. Other industries that prosper in Nashville include healthcare, publishing, banking, and transportation. It was founded in 1779 and incorporated as a city a few years later in 1806. A 2007 census determined that the metropolitan area of Nashville has around 1.5 million inhabitants, which are referred to as Nashvillians.

As the "Home of Country Music", revenue from music recording and production contributes in a major way to the city's economy. Renowned music labels make Nashville their home and it is said the city has the second biggest music production center in the country after New York. As of 2006, it was estimated that the total impact Nashville's music industry had on the US economy was around $6.4 million. However, despite being known for its music industry, Nashville's biggest industry is Health Care. There are over 250 healthcare companies in the city including the Hospital Corporation of America. Another industry that's gaining momentum in Nashville is the automotive industry.

Top tourist sites in the city include the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as well as the Ryman Auditorium, which was the home of the Grand Old Opry until 1974. The CMA Music festival is also an event that brings in tourists from all over the country.