Seattle is a vibrant urban center in a spectacular natural setting. The city has a population of over five-hundred-thousand with a total metropolitan area population of over three million.

It is located in the center of western Washington, bordered by Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains to the west and Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountain range to the east.

Seattle is built on seven hills, with many stunning water and mountain views. It has a temperate climate with mild, pleasant summers and winter temperatures rarely below freezing.

Outdoor activities abound with boating, sailing, fishing, swimming, and water skiing for water enthusiasts, and hiking, camping, and skiing in the nearby mountains and forests.

The attractive downtown area features a unique waterfront, with a bustling marketplace where fresh seafood and local produce are sold, piers with ferry service to the islands of Puget Sound, and numerous shops, galleries and pubs.

The arts are an important part of Seattle life, and the symphony orchestra, chamber music groups, opera, ballet, theaters, and museums are renowned.

A continual flurry of cultural and entertainment activities also takes place at Seattle Center, home of the 1962 World's Fair.

The city has superb seafood and ethnic restaurants, bakeries and coffeehouses, with many excellent wineries in the area. Attractive beaches and parks are also highlights to be enjoyed in Seattle.