Washington State Geography

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State Geography:

So you want to know about Washington? Here are some highlights! Also check out the links to other sites about Washington.

Population (1994): 4,867,000 (19th in size)

State size: 68,139 square miles (20th in size)

State Capital: Olympia (named after the Olympic Mountains)

Major cities: Bellevue, Olympia, Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma

Admission to union: The 42nd State

Date entered the union: November 11, 1889

Origin of state name: Named after George Washington, the first president of the United States.

Nicknames: The Evergreen State

Bordering states: Idaho and Oregon, with Canada to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

State bird: Willow Goldfinch

State flower: Coast Rhododendron

State tree: Western Hemlock

Motto: By and By

Geographic Landmarks	Top of Page
Seattle is one of the major focal points in the north-western United States.
Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Range, and the Olympic National Park are local landmarks.

Points of Interest	Top of Page

Major Industries	Top of Page
Major industries include forestry and paper making, and agriculture such as dairy and cattle farming, wheat and fruit. Manufacturing includes aircraft and other industries. Hydroelectric power generation and tourism also contribute to the economy.

Historical Highlights	Top of Page
Early inhabitants were primarily traders. Initially part of the Oregon Territory, Washington separated from Oregon in 1853.

Population and Culture	Top of Page

Climate	Top of Page

Interesting Tidbits	Top of Page

Washington State Flag

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