Washington, US

About

Washington became the 42nd state admitted to the Union on November 11, 1889. Its diverse landscape and economy support a growing population.

Geography and Climate

Washington covers 71,362 square miles of mountains, forests, coastal regions and arid areas. It shares a border with Canada and borders Oregon, Idaho and the Pacific Ocean. Prominent geographical features include the volcanic Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier along with the Columbia River.

The climate ranges from rainy in the west to semi-arid in the east. Summers are mild while winters are cold with significant snow in mountain areas.

Economy and Industry

Major industries include aerospace, technology, forestry, agriculture and tourism. Many global companies started in Washington like Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks and Costco. It is a top producer of lumber and apples. The Hanford Site supported Cold War nuclear projects.

Popular tourist attractions are the Space Needle, Mount Rainier National Park and Pike Place Market.

Culture and Demographics

Washington has about 7.5 million residents with the largest ethnicity being white at 67%, followed by Hispanic/Latino and Asian. Pacific Northwest culture is laidback and progressive with Native American influences. Seattle is known as a vibrant hub for arts and innovation.

Government and Politics

The capital is Olympia while Seattle is the largest city. The current governor is Jay Inslee, Democrat. Washington has voted for Democratic presidential candidates since 1988.

Washington is known for its rainy climate, major technology companies and Pacific Northwest culture. It has a diverse landscape supporting a strong forestry industry and agriculture. As both a coastal and mountainous state, Washington offers many natural highlights.

Quick Facts about Washington

View of Puget Sound from Harborview Park image

Geography

Washington is located at 47°30'0"N 120°30'5"W (47.5001200, -120.5014700). It has 3 neighbors: Idaho, Oregon and British Columbia.

Washington map

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The largest city of Washington is Seattle with a population of 769,714. Other cities include, Spokane population 222,050, Tacoma population 219,945, Vancouver population 186,192 and Bellevue population 148,073. See all Washington cities & populated places.

Largest Cities in Washington (more)

Cities, Towns, Villages, Neighborhoods & Other Populated Places in Washington.

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People born in Washington, including writer Adora Svitak, artist David Ireland, actress Alexys Nycole Sánchez, .

List

• Scott Forstall (American software engineer) he was born in 01/01/1968
• Chief Seattle (Duwamish chief) he was born in 01/01/1786
• Red Badgro (Player of American football) he was born in 01/12/1902
• Pat Murphy (American author of science fiction and fantasy novels) she was born in 09/03/1955
• Bill Crow (American bassist) he was born in 27/12/1927
• Sol Lesser (film producer) he was born in 17/02/1890
• Julia Quinn (American novelist) she was born in 12/01/1970
• Lisa Jackson (American romance novelist) she was born in 01/01/1951
• David Ray Griffin (American philosopher) he was born in 08/08/1939
• Laurel Rose Willson (Disgraced American writer) she was born in 18/08/1941
• Carole Nelson Douglas (American writer) she was born in 11/05/1944
• Bob Crosby (American dixieland bandleader and vocalist (1913-1993)) he was born in 25/08/1913
• Eleanor Columbus (actress from the United States) she was born in 12/10/1989
• G. C. Edmondson (American writer) he was born in 11/10/1922
• Cait London (American writer) she was born in 01/01/2000
• Don Lanphere (American musician) he was born in 26/06/1928
• Joe S. Bain (American economist) he was born in 12/07/1912
• Donald Trunkey (US physician) he was born in 01/01/1937