Tennessee Geography Basics Quiz
Location, borders, capital, regions (10 questions).
Tennessee Geography Basics Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Tennessee, known as the ‘Volunteer State,’ boasts a rich and diverse geography. From its borders with eight neighboring states to its distinctive three Grand Divisions and its vibrant capital, understanding Tennessee’s basic geographical features is key to appreciating its unique character and history. This quick guide provides essential facts about its location, boundaries, capital, and regional layout.
Key Geographical Facts
Primarily in the Southeastern United States, a landlocked state.
Shares boundaries with eight U.S. states: KY, VA, NC, GA, AL, MS, AR, MO.
Nashville, centrally located in the state’s Middle Tennessee Grand Division.
Divided into three distinct “Grand Divisions”: East, Middle, and West Tennessee.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee is situated in the southeastern United States, characterized by its elongated, east-west orientation.
- It is a landlocked state, meaning it has no direct coastline to an ocean.
- Eight states share a border with Tennessee (Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri), tying with Missouri for the most bordering states.
- Nashville, the state capital, is a major cultural and economic hub located in Middle Tennessee.
- The state is naturally and culturally divided into three “Grand Divisions”: East Tennessee (mountainous), Middle Tennessee (rolling hills and plateaus), and West Tennessee (lowlands and the Mississippi River Plain).
- The Appalachian Mountains, including the Great Smoky Mountains, are a dominant feature of East Tennessee.
- The Mississippi River forms Tennessee’s entire western border, separating it from Arkansas and Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states border Tennessee?
Tennessee borders eight other U.S. states: Kentucky and Virginia to the north; North Carolina to the east; Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south; and Arkansas and Missouri to the west, separated by the Mississippi River.
What are the three Grand Divisions of Tennessee?
Tennessee is historically and geographically divided into three “Grand Divisions”: East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and West Tennessee. Each has distinct geological features and cultural characteristics.
Where is Nashville located within Tennessee?
Nashville, the capital city of Tennessee, is located in the Middle Tennessee Grand Division, positioned along the Cumberland River.
Is Tennessee a landlocked state?
Yes, Tennessee is a landlocked state. It does not have any direct access to an ocean or sea.
What major geographical features are found in East Tennessee?
East Tennessee is characterized by its mountainous terrain, including a significant portion of the Appalachian Mountains, particularly the Great Smoky Mountains along its eastern border with North Carolina. It also features numerous river valleys and lakes.
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