Ohio's capital and largest state has a little under two and a half million people, counting the metropolitan area. It's thought of as a business and commerce driven city, great to kickstart a career. It is located on the confluence of Scioto and Olentangy River. A glacier during a past ice age scoured most of the land to flatness.

In ancient times, the city was inhabited by the Adena people, of whom almost nothing remains. The first Europeans in the area were the French; other traders, mostly in fur, followed. Relationships with the natives in the area were turbulent and violent, with the French, and later with the newly formed USA. The city was formally formed as a municipality and a capital in 1812. The establishment of major railroads in the 19th century made the city an important volunteer Union Army base, and later, a major prison. The image of the city is tied to steel, buggy factories, and the literary wonder James Thurber. A sizeble German population, now declined somewhat, left the charming brewery district and the German Village.

A diversified economy helped the city weather The Great Depression better than its counterpart. The downtown area, once kind of slummy, has been incredibly revitalised, and is where most of the tourism goes down. Now, while not a major tourist destination, it is definitely a satisfying and enriching one in every way - natural beauty, heritage, science and technology and culture.

Essential travel information and Columbus City tips for your visit

• Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-05:00). Switches to Daylight Saving.
• Currency: USD
• Electricity and Internet: Plugs type A and B 120V, 60Hz AC
• Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Arabic
• Security: 911 is the common emergency number.
• Off-Beaten Path: Shroom Mound, Hayden Falls Park
• Tipping: 15-20% is customary for service staff; 10% for taxis.
• Tourist Traps: Easton Town Centre, Scioto Mile