The City of Seattle is located in the State of Washington, on Puget Sound, 182 kilometres (113 miles) from the American-Canadian border. Seattle has a population of approximatey 590,000, with Greater Seattle estimated to have a population of approximately 3,800,000. Seattle is the commercial, cultural and advanced technology hub of the US Pacific Northwest and a major port city for trans-Pacific and European trade. High commercial standards abound with Starbucks, Microsoft and Nordstrom based in the city.

Surrounded by steep hills and mountains, lush forests and greenery with glimpses of sparkling water everywhere, visitors soon learn why Seattle is known as The Emerald City. Seattle is flanked by two major mountain ranges: the Olympics and the Cascades, with Mount Rainier in full view. It is situated on the shores of two large lakes and Puget Sound, with wilderness less than an hour away. Nearby are the San Juan Islands, Pacific Ocean beaches and major rivers. This setting, combined with Seattle’s mild climate, provide abundant recreational opportunities year-round. Outdoor activities include boating, fishing, golf, water sports, hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and skiing.

Among the most popular urban attractions are the Seattle Center and the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Hiram Chittenden Locks, Woodland Park Zoo, Tillicum Indian Village, Seattle Aquarium, waterfront, lakeside and Puget sound beaches, Pioneer Square, the International District and local wineries and breweries. The city-wide Seafair festival in August is a long-time Seattle tradition.

Seattle is renowned for its world-class music and dance, evidenced by the Experience Music Project, Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet. There are numerous galleries in addition to the Seattle Art Museum and Seattle Asian Art Museum. Drama and literature flourish, with 80 theatre companies, the Seattle Poetry Festival and the Northwest Bookfest in operation. The Seattle region has become a major attraction for the television and film industries and supports a major International Film Festival. Major league sports include Seahawks football, Mariners baseball, SuperSonics basketball, Seattle Storm women's basketball and Seattle Sounders soccer.

For more information, please visit Seattle's web site.