Virginia is the birthplace of eight US presidents, including George usa-state/washington/" data-it-autolink="1">Washington and Thomas Jefferson. It hosts the Pentagon, CIA headquarters, and the historic colonial sites of Jamestown and Williamsburg.
Geography & climate
Virginia lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 37.5°N, 79°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 110,786 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Virginia all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Virginia is Richmond, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Virginia Beach, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 8.7M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Virginia was admitted to the Union in 1788 as the 10th state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
Virginia is nicknamed “Old Dominion”, with the state motto Sic semper tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants). The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Virginia is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Virginia.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Virginia offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Virginia can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | VA | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Richmond | — |
| Largest city | Virginia Beach | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 8.7M | people |
| Area | 110,786 | km² |
| Statehood | 1788 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 10 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | Old Dominion | — |
| Motto | Sic semper tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants) | — |
| Latitude | 37.5 | degrees |
| Longitude | -79 | degrees |
Did you know?
Virginia is the birthplace of more US Presidents than any other state — eight in total, including Washington, Jefferson, and Madison.
