Washington.

Washington is the only US state named after a president, with Mount Rainier National Park, the Cascade volcanic peaks, the Columbia River Gorge, and the rainy Pacific Northwest forests of the Olympic Peninsula.

Geography & climate

Washington lies in the West of the United States, set at approximately 47.4°N, 121.5°W and falling within a cool temperate climate band. The state covers around 184,661 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 Washington all flow from this geographic profile.

Capital, principal city & population

The capital of Washington is Olympia, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Seattle, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 7.7M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.

Statehood & history

Washington was admitted to the Union in 1889 as the 42nd 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

Washington is nicknamed “The Evergreen State”, with the state motto Al-ki (By and by). 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 Washington 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 Washington.

Travel, food & culture

For visitors, Washington 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 Washington can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.

By the numbers

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Did you know?

Washington produces more apples than any other US state — about 60 percent of US apples come from the Yakima Valley alone.