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Orlando

Orlando is a city in central Florida and the county seat of Orange County, United States.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Orlando is a city in central Florida and the county seat of Orange County, United States. It is known for its theme parks and tourism industry, and it is one of Florida’s largest cities by population. The Orlando metropolitan area is also among the largest in the state.

History

Orlando was incorporated in 1875 and developed from an earlier inland settlement in central Florida. It became a city in 1885 and later grew into a major metropolitan centre.

Geography and population

Orlando is located in central Florida in Orange County. It is one of the state’s largest cities and the centre of a large metro area. The city had a population of 307,573 at the 2020 census, making it the fourth-most populous city in Florida and the most populous inland city in the state. The Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford metropolitan area had 2,673,376 residents at the 2020 census.

Tourism and economy

Orlando is strongly identified with tourism, especially theme parks and related hospitality industries. The city is frequently described as a major U.S. travel destination.

Culture and identity

Orlando is known by the nickname 'The City Beautiful' and is associated with a mix of urban, suburban, and visitor-oriented districts. Its public image is closely tied to entertainment and recreation.

Key facts

  • Orlando is the county seat of Orange County and was incorporated in 1875.
  • The city had a population of 307,573 at the 2020 census.
  • Orlando is widely associated with major theme parks and tourism.
  • It is the fourth-most populous city in Florida and the most populous inland city in the state.
  • The Orlando metropolitan area had 2,673,376 residents at the 2020 census.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Orlando located?
Orlando is in central Florida in the United States and is the county seat of Orange County.
What is Orlando known for?
Orlando is best known for tourism and theme parks, including major resort destinations in the metropolitan area.
How many people live in Orlando?
The city’s population was 307,573 at the 2020 census.
What is Orlando’s metro population?
The Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford metropolitan area had 2,673,376 residents at the 2020 census.
When was Orlando incorporated?
Orlando was incorporated in 1875.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida
    Supports: City location, county seat, population, metro population, incorporation year
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/place/Orlando-Florida
    Supports: City location, county seat, metropolitan role, population figures