seattle is known as the emerald city due to its lush landscapes and abundance of parks. the mild maritime climate ensures moderate temperatures and keeps the city green, allowing outdoor activities to be enjoyed year round. virtually surrounded by water (lake washington to the east, puget sound to the west, and cut through the middle by the ship canal), seattle is a major port city and a hub of international trade and commerce. with the olympic mountain range to the west and the cascade mountain range to the east, seattle is a place like no other.

the city by the numbers:

• land area: 84 square miles
• highest point: 521' above sea level - high point, west seattle
• latitude: 47° 39' north
• longitude: 122° 17' west
• population (as of 2000): 563,374
  • population of the greater seattle area: 3,275,000
• population density: 6,736 people per square mile
• park area: ~6,200 acres of land, including:
  • the woodland park zoo
  • the seattle aquarium
  • the washington park arboretum
• major annual festivals and events:
  • bumbershoot
  • the folklife festival
  • the bite of seattle
  • the seattle international film festival
  • seafair

the weather by the numbers:

• average annual rainfall: 37" - less than atlanta, new york, or washington dc
• average temperatures:
  • october: 60°
  • january: 45°
  • april: 58°
  • july: 75°
• longest day of the year: june 21, 16 hours of daylight
• shortest day of the year: december 21, 8.5 hours of daylight