Charlotte, North Carolina, is a thriving urban center and the largest city in the state. Known as The Queen City, Charlotte boasts a population of approximately 911,000 in the city limits as of 2023, making it the 14th-most populous city in the United States and the most populous in North Carolina. The Charlotte metropolitan area is home to nearly 2.88 million people, ranking it as the 21st-largest metro area in the country, and it forms part of an 18-county combined statistical area with an estimated 3.47 million residents as of 2024.

Founded in 1755 and incorporated in 1768, Charlotte serves as the county seat of Mecklenburg County. The city features a dynamic economy with a metro GDP of $228.9 billion (2022) and is recognized for its financial, cultural, and recreational landmarks, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Bank of America Stadium, U.S. National Whitewater Center, Carowinds amusement park, and several museums such as the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. With a mix of modern skyscrapers and vibrant neighborhoods, Charlotte continues to attract residents, businesses, and visitors, solidifying its reputation as a growing hub in the Southeastern United States.