Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2013, the estimated population of Charlotte according to the U.S. Census Bureau was 792,862, making it the 16th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area ranks 23rd largest in the US and had a 2013 population of 2,335,358. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of a sixteen-county market region or combined statistical area with a 2013 U.S. Census population estimate of 2,493,040. Residents of Charlotte are referred to as "Charlotteans". Charlotte is considered a "GamĀ­ma+ world city".The city is a major U.S. financial center, with both Bank of America and Wells Fargo's East Coast operations headquartered in the city. Charlotte is also home of the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL), the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Charlotte Hounds of Major League Lacrosse, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Carowinds amusement park, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center.