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

Orlando’s metropolitan area is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.

The greater Orlando area draws more than 40 million visitors annually with its several major theme parks, a balmy climate, and extensive convention facilities.

Orlando’s evolution is divided into two eras: before and after the opening of the Walt Disney World theme park in 1971.

Prior to that year, the quiet town functioned mainly as a service center for the surrounding citrus-growing region and as the seat of sparsely populated Orange County.

Following the opening of Disney World, the Orlando area quickly transformed into a booming metropolis that was home to both a major tourist playground and high-technology industry.

The city is named for Orlando Reeves, a soldier who was killed during the second of the Seminole Wars (1835-1842).