Columbus is an American city—the state capital of and largest city in the state of Ohio, USA. It is the 14th largest city in the United States, with a population of 879,170 (2017 estimate). Columbus is the county seat of Franklin County.
The city has a diverse economy based on education, government, insurance, banking, fashion, defense, aviation, food, clothes, logistics, steel, energy, medical research, health care, hospitality, retail, and technology. Columbus is home to the Battelle Memorial Institute, the world's largest private research and development foundation; Chemical Abstracts Service, the world's largest clearinghouse of chemical information; NetJets, the world's largest fractional ownership jet aircraft fleet; and The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the United States.
Also known as “The Horseshoe”, the Ohio Stadium is located on the campus of the Ohio State University. The Ohio Stadium is the home venue for American football team, the Ohio State Buckeyes. COSI, standing for Center of Science and Industry, is a popular science museum and research center, known for having more than 300 interactive exhibits throughout its themed exhibition areas.
As of 2013, Columbus has the headquarters of five corporations in the U.S. Fortune 500: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, American Electric Power, L Brands, Big Lots, and Cardinal Health. Columbus is home to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, which was named the number one zoo in the USA by the USA Travel Guide in 2007, and number one best zoo by Besties Readers Choice in 2012. The fast-food corporations Wendy's and White Castle are also based in the Columbus metropolitan area.
All year round, Columbus celebrates with its festivals and annual events. Wildlights is an annual holiday tradition held at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, featuring millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, Santa, reindeer, and other holiday festivities. The nation’s largest multi-sport festival, the Arnold Sports Festival, is held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in the spring. There are many festivals in the summer, including the COSI Science Festival, Columbus Asian Festival, Columbus Pride Festival, and Downtown Columbus’ Independence Day celebration, Red, White & BOOM! Even in the fall, we have the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, Fashion Week Columbus, and the Ohio State Fair. There are events in Columbus to enjoy for any time of the year.
In 2016, Columbus was ranked as one of "The 6 Best Big Cities" by the Money Magazine. In 2013, Forbes Magazine gave Columbus an A rating as one of the top cities for business in the U.S., and later that year included the city on its list of Best Places for Business and Careers. In 2012, Columbus was ranked in BusinessWeek's 50 best cities in America. Columbus was also ranked as the no. 1 up-and-coming tech city in the nation by Forbes in 2008, and the city was ranked a top ten city by Relocate America in 2010. In 2007, fDi Magazine ranked the city #3 in the U.S. for cities of the future, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was rated #1 in 2009 by USA Travel Guide.
Read more here or watch this fun video created by the City of Columbus!