Seattle

Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and the seat of King County, Washington. It lies along Puget Sound at the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, with the Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascade Range to the east. The city sits on hills around Elliott Bay and two large lakes. As of recent estimates, it has about 730,000 residents; the metropolitan area is roughly four million.

Founded in 1851 and incorporated in 1869, Seattle developed as a logging and shipping center. The region’s aerospace industry, led by Boeing, contributed to 20th‑century growth. The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 triggered a major rebuilding effort that produced a brick downtown. In the later 20th century, technology and software industries became central to the city’s economy.

Economy and culture: Seattle hosts major technology and retail firms, including several Amazon campuses in South Lake Union and downtown. The University of Washington and a vibrant arts scene—museums, theaters, and music—support a diverse cultural life. The city is known for its coffee culture; Starbucks originated in Seattle in 1971.

Transportation and infrastructure: Seattle–Tacoma International Airport serves the region. Ferry routes link the city with islands and the Olympic Peninsula. The Link light rail and an expanding bus network connect neighborhoods, while Interstate 5 provides the main north–south corridor. Ongoing growth has brought housing affordability and transportation challenges.