Chicago by the Numbers

• 3 | Metropolis

  3 million people live in Chicago. 59 million live within a one-day drive. It's not hard to believe they would find greatness in numbers.

• 30 | Epicenter

  30 Fortune 500 headquarters make Chicago a capital enterprise. 2 of the country's top business schools ensure it will remain so in the future.

• 30 | Fabric

  30 different ethnic groups have populations of at least 25,000. 198 unique neighborhoods capture Chicago's diverse culture with more free festivals than any other city.

• 18 | Playground

  18 miles of bike paths thread together urban landscape with natural beauty. 570 parks breathe life into the city. 31 beaches connect Chicago to an ocean of fresh water.

• 3 | Gallery

  3 of the world's tallest buildings tower over a sprawling cityscape. 2 more will join their ranks by 2011, making Chicago the embodiment of modern architecture.

• 70 | Classroom

  70 museums showcase some of the world's greatest and most complete collections. 1 of the only free zoos in the country welcomes visitors daily.

• 10 | Mecca

  10 Major League sports franchises represent Chicago. 600 stores elevate shopping to an art form along Michigan Avenue. 200-plus theater companies bring audiences to their feet.

• 1 | Banquet

  1 is how top food critics everywhere are ranking the city's dining.

• 2 | Hub

  2 international airports make Chicago one of the world's most accessible cities. And while you're here, cabs and public transportation will whisk you away to a number of attractions which, dare we say, are too many to count.