State of Washington Facts and Information

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Washington is the 42nd state, admitted in 1889. The complex geography of Washington State includes highly varied landscapes and numerous microclimates. These same conditions are mirrored in its people, creating a diverse range of opinions, cultures, and lifestyles: high-tech, aerospace and agricultural industries; native, immigrant, urban and rural communities; outdoor enthusiasts, coffee drinkers, theatergoers, and technophiles.

Geographically, the state is large (66,582 square miles) and bisected by the “Cascade Curtain,” a mountain range that divides the state’s more rural and agricultural east from the urbanized Interstate 5 corridor and the coastal west.

 

Washington is the nation’s 14th most populous state with 6,400,000 residents in 2006, and had an estimated growth rate of 120,000 additional residents over the last year. Census figures reveal that minorities comprise 21% of the state’s population, 12% of the state population lives in poverty, and 12% live in rural areas.

 

Washington supports a highly diversified economy. The state remains a leading national producer of apples, wheat, and timber. Meanwhile, software, biotech, medical, aerospace, and defense industries play key roles.

 

International trade is another vital economic engine; Washington State exported nearly $38 billion dollars in goods in 2005 ranking it 4th in US trade exports.

 

Tourism and other information services are also important; visitors are attracted by the state's diverse scenic wonders and arts and cultural offerings. The travel industry ranks among the leading industries in Washington, accounting for $4.8 billion of the gross state product in 2003.

 

HistoryLink is a comprehensive online resource on the history of Washington.

The Washington State Legislature provides a great list of state symbols.