Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and the 18th largest in the United States, with a population of approximately 610,949 (2005 estimate).[2] The Charlotte metropolitan area (MSA) had a census estimated population of 1,583,016 in 2006. As of 2005, the Charlotte-Gastonia-Salisbury combined statistical area (CSA) had a regional population of 2,120,745.[3] The City of Charlotte estimates its population to be 664,342 as of January 1, 2007, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.