West usa-state/virginia/" data-it-autolink="1">Virginia is an entirely Appalachian state, the only one to form by seceding from another state (Virginia) during the Civil War, with the New River Gorge — recently designated a National Park.
Geography & climate
West Virginia lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 38.5°N, 80.5°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 62,755 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 West Virginia all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of West Virginia is Charleston, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Charleston, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 1.8M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
West Virginia was admitted to the Union in 1863 as the 35th 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
West Virginia is nicknamed “The Mountain State”, with the state motto Montani semper liberi (Mountaineers are always free). 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 West 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 West Virginia.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, West 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 West Virginia can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | WV | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Charleston | — |
| Largest city | Charleston | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 1.8M | people |
| Area | 62,755 | km² |
| Statehood | 1863 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 35 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Mountain State | — |
| Motto | Montani semper liberi (Mountaineers are always free) | — |
| Latitude | 38.5 | degrees |
| Longitude | -80.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
West Virginia is the only US state to be formed by breaking away from another state — it broke from Virginia in 1863 to remain in the Union.
