State capital: Olympia
Official name: State of Washington (WA)

Largest city: Seattle
Other major cities: Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Spokane Valley, Federal Way, Kent, Yakima, Renton, Bellingham, Auburn, Kennewick, Lakewood, Aberdeen.
State nicknames: Evergreen State
State motto: Gradually
State formation date: 1889 (42nd in order)


Washington State is called the “land of contrasts.” On its territory you can see high mountains and river valleys, rain forests and semi-deserts. The state is located in the northwest of the country and belongs to the Pacific states of the United States.

The territory of Washington state is 184,827 km 2 (18th place among states). Passes from the north of the state state border with the Canadian province of British Columbia. From the east the state borders with Idaho, from the south with the state of Oregon, from the west the state of Washington is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The state's topography also determines its climate. The areas located west of the Cascade Mountains are characterized by very a large number of precipitation and a fairly mild climate with warm winters and relatively small seasonal temperature changes. Average January temperatures in the state's largest city, Seattle, on the Puget Sound coast, range from 3°C to 8°C, while July temperatures typically range from 13°C to 24°C.

State Population

Washington State has approximately 6,830,000 people (the thirteenth most populous state).

Racial composition of the population of Washington State

• White - 77.3%
• Black (African-American) - 3.6%
• Asians - 7.2%
• Native Americans (Indians or Alaskan Eskimos) - about 1.5%
• Native Hawaiian or Oceanian - about 0.6%
• Other races - 7.7%
• Two or more races - 2.1%
• Hispanic or Latino (any race) - about 11.3%

Washington state has relatively few African Americans, most of whom moved here from the southeastern United States during World War II after being drafted into the U.S. Armed Forces or working in the war industry.

Largest ethnic (national) groups among the population of Washington State

• Germans - 20.7%
• Irish - 12.6%
• English - 12.3%
• Mexicans - 8.2%
• Norwegians - 6.2%
• French - 3.9%
• Swedes - 3.8%
• Italians - 3.67%
• Scots - 3.3%
• Dutch - 2.5%
• Filipinos - 2.0%
• Poles - 1.9%

State history

It is believed that the lands of the northwestern United States, including the territory of modern Washington state, were among the first North America inhabited by Indian peoples. Archaeological research proves that people settled on the Olympic Peninsula at least nine thousand years BC.
The state's temperate climate and abundant hunting grounds favored the development of the region. For the peoples living on the ocean coast and in the Puget Sound area (Chinook, Lummi, Makah, Quileute, Snohomish and others), the main occupation was fishing. The tribes that lived on the eastern plateaus and in the Columbia River Valley (Cayuse, Nez Perce, Okanagan, Spokane, Yakama, Wenatchee, Palouse and others) lived by hunting, gathering and seasonal (during the spawning of salmon that moved up the river) fishing .

The first known European to set foot in what is now Washington State was Spanish captain Bruno de Eceta in 1775. In 1846, the state became part of the United States under the Oregon Treaty between the United States and Great Britain. On November 11, 1889, Washington became the forty-second state of the United States. The capital of the new state was the city of Olympia, which by that time was a major economic and political center of the region.

State attractions

Eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980

Mount Rainier is Washington State's tallest mountain

National Park Olympic

Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most scenic attractions in Washington state.

In 2009, Snoqualmie Falls was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a cultural landmark due to the beliefs and traditions of the Snoqualmie Indians.

Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington state, is famous for its incredibly beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Here you can find both glaciers and tropical forests.

Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington State, USA.

View of the Pacific Ocean from the beach of Olympic National Park.

Olympia is the capital of Washington state

Olympia Harbor, Washington State, USA

Seattle is the largest city in Washington state

Troll sculpture in Seattle

• Washington is the only state in America that was named after a president. Before becoming a state, the territory was called Columbia.
• Washington is home to 3 national parks, 9 national forest preserves and 100 state parks. The local forest, called The Ginkgo Petrified Forest, is the largest in the world.
• 80% of US glaciers are in Washington state. There are more than 8,000 lakes in Washington, and the existing rivers can stretch for more than 40,000 miles.
• According to the EPA and American Lung Association, Washington state has the most fresh air compared to other states in America.
• The highest point in Washington is Mount Rainier. She is also a sleeping volcano.
  The mountain was named after Peter Rainier, a British soldier who fought the Americans during the Revolutionary War.
• Washington supplies the rest of the states with fruit quite abundantly. 90% of the raspberry crop, 58% of apples, 47% of cherries, 42% of pears, 40% of grapes grow here.
• There are 140 airports in Washington, including 16 public airports.

Washington State's Ridiculous Laws

• Lollipops are prohibited.
• In accordance with the law, the driver vehicle A person with criminal intentions must stop before entering the city and notify the city police chief of his arrival.
• It is prohibited to paint the American flag with polka dots.
• It is forbidden to buy a mattress on Sunday.
• A person carrying a red flag (daytime) or a red light (nighttime) must walk 50 feet in front of any motor vehicle.
• It is illegal to pretend that your parents are rich.
• Breastfeeding in public is prohibited.
• If two trains meet at a crossing, each must wait until the other has passed.
• It is forbidden to buy meat in any form on Sunday.
• Men who deflower women, regardless of age or marital status, may be imprisoned for up to 5 years.
• It is prohibited to shell peanuts on the streets.
• It is prohibited to display a hypnotized or supposedly hypnotized person in a window.
• It is prohibited to dance and drink in the same establishment.
• You cannot carry a concealed weapon that is longer than 6 feet.
• If a woman sits on a man's lap on a bus or train without placing a pillow between her and the man, she is automatically punished with 6 months' imprisonment.
• It is prohibited to set fire to someone else's property without the owner's prior permission.
• It is prohibited to travel on a bus with an aquarium, as the splashing water may disturb other passengers.
• It is forbidden to buy televisions on Sunday.
• There cannot be more than two toilets in a building, where flushing is carried out using drinking water. – San Juan County Ordinance No. 7-1995 (approved June 7, 1995).
• It is forbidden to ride an ugly horse.

The state of Washington (Washington, area 184.6 thousand sq. km) is located in the northwesternmost part of the continental United States. The eastern part of the “Evergreen State” is occupied by the northern spurs of the Columbia Plateau; the Cascade Mountains range stretches across the entire center ( highest point- Rainier volcano, 4392 m), and the western part is formed by the Strait of Georgia, Puget Sound and the Mount Olympus massif (Olympes, 2424 m). This is the wettest state in the region, and in terms of precipitation it is not much different from its neighbors - Oregon or the Canadian province of British Columbia, but in terms of the number of cloudy days (more than 220 per year) it holds first place in the USA, and in terms of the number of water areas it is quite capable compete with Minnesota or Florida.

Most Big city state - was founded on November 14, 1851 and was then called New York, Alki or Duwamish (in honor of the Indian name of the area, tribe and river). Only 10 years later, in order to avoid confusion with the numerous names of the city, it was named Silt, in honor of one of the leaders, which gradually turned into modern Seattle. The city is located very picturesquely - in the west rises the impressive massif of Mount Olympes and Lake Washington, in the east - Lake Sammamish, the Newcastle Hills and the spurs of the Cascade Mountains, and a whole series of bays stretches to the north and south (Eliot, Salmon, Portage, Union, etc.) connected to the Pacific Ocean by the Strait of Georgia.

Dotted with islands, the misty and expansive Puget Sound is one of the best outdoor activities in the state. Most of the peninsula of the same name is occupied by the Olympic National Park, which protects mountain forests and the coasts of the lonely Olympes volcanic massif (2424 m). Just half an hour on the ferry across Eliot Bay and you can wander around the pleasant islands Bainbridge And Vashon, known as a good place for cycling and a relaxing holiday by the sea. And in Bremerton(24 km west of Seattle) - the main city of the Kitsap Peninsula and the main naval base of Puget Sound - is located the Naval Museum with its museum destroyer USS Turner Joy. A little further south lies the island park Blake with the Indian Cultural Center and the colorful village of Tillikum.

The resort area is located 60 km east of Seattle Salish Lodge and Snocalmie Falls (height 82 m). Nearby are the ski areas of four ski resorts - Alpental, Snocalmie Summit, Ski Acres And Hayak. Mount Rainier National Park occupies almost the entire perimeter of this picturesque mountain, rising southeast of Seattle, and is considered an excellent place for winter sports. And in Mount St. Helens Park you can see traces of something unusual natural phenomenon- "failed" volcanic eruption 1980, leaving behind only a giant crater on the northern slope of the mountain.

IN Paine Field, near the city of Everett, home to the largest aircraft assembly complex in the world, is the Military Aviation Museum (www.flyingheritage.com, Flying Heritage Collection). All of its exhibits, which were collected by one of the founders of Microsoft Corporation Paul Allen, date back to the Second World War and are not only exhibited in public, but also fly twice a month! Tickets cost from $12 to $8 depending on the age of the visitor; children under 5 years old have free admission.

IN Woodinville(32 km northeast of Seattle) there are two popular wineries - Chateau Saint-Michel (one of the first distilleries in Washington, its historical buildings and green Zone around serve as a favorite place for recreation and concerts) and Columbia Winery, as well as the Redhook Brewery and Forecasters Pub. Good vineyards can also be found around cities Kennewick, Pasco, Richland And Yakima.

Located right on the border with Idaho Old city Spokane with its historic Luff Carousel (1909) in Coastal Park, IMAX cinema, Ice Palace, Clock Tower and many picturesque towns nearby.

Washington State, USA (Washington, WA, USA) - Photo

Washington (Washington, WA, USA listen)) is a northwestern state of the United States of America that acquired its status in 1889. The state capital is . The largest cities in the state are Bellevue, Olympia, Everett, Spokane, Tacoma. The state borders on Columbia and the province of British Columbia.

The state has access to Pacific Ocean. There are both mountain ranges, semi-deserts and forests. The climate of the state is divided into two parts by mountains, one part of the state has a maritime climate, the other is very dry. The state has deserts, mountains and forests and even several active volcanoes.

The state is inhabited by almost 7 million people, with half of them living in the state capital. Washington's population density is quite high. The majority of citizens profess Christianity.

Washington State's GDP is very high and many of the world's top companies are headquartered here. Today, the very famous Boeing company operates here, and approximately 3,000 other companies supply parts to this company. Washington leads other states in electricity production. Farming in the state is very developed; grain crops, potatoes, and fruits are grown. Washington is one of the top three states in wine production. In addition, great attention is paid to livestock farming, poultry farming, dairy production and seafood production. The state allows medical marijuana, but does not allow energy drinks.

Washington is different in that it has a difficult interesting places There are entire cities and towns that you can visit, very rich in tourist attractions. So, city ​​of Puget Sound rich in port, theaters, museums and ancient buildings, and not far from the city there is a volcano called Rainier.

City of Olympia It is rich in many nature reserves and parks, in addition, the city has six theaters, a symphony orchestra and a jazz community. There are also very beautiful national parks, the tower Space Needle"and waterfall Snoqualmie.

tower " Space Needle»

City of Seattle famous for its incredible library, which opened in 2004. Its building has been recognized as one of the most beautiful; people come here to read and look at this incredible structure.

Washington is the only state in the United States of America that was named after President George Washington.

In the northeastern part of the United States, along the Pacific coast, lies the “evergreen” state of Washington. It is located near the Canadian District of Columbia. To the west it borders the state of Idaho. The city of Olympia bears the title of capital. Washington is called the “green lung” of the USA. The entire territory of the state is covered with lush evergreen vegetation.

Due to frequent rains, the plants remain constantly green. The west of the state has an oceanic climate. Heavy precipitation and strong temperature changes. In winter it can drop to -300C, and in summer reach +450C. In the east, the Cascade Mountains stretch in a long ridge. Here the climate is drier. And the average air temperature is +40C.

A fairly small number of African Americans live in Washington State. It is mainly occupied by indigenous people of the United States: Eskimos, Indians, Hawaiians, as well as other nationalities - Latin Americans, Asians and Spaniards.

State history

Historians claim that it was in the state of Washington that the first settlements of Indian tribes appeared. This happened around 9 millennia BC.

Favorable climatic conditions contributed to the rapid development of the area. For example, the Quileute and Chinook tribes began to settle on the Pacific coast. The main occupation of these peoples was fishing. Villages of the Cayuse, Palus and Yakama tribes appeared on the shores of the Columbia. They were engaged in hunting, fishing and gathering.

The first Europeans to land in the state were the Spaniards, led by Juan Hernandez (in 1774). As a result, the lands were colonized by Spain. And in 1778, the expedition of the British James Cook visited here. Long time Two powerful powers fought for this territory - Spain and Great Britain. But at the end of the 18th century they signed the Nootka Convention, as a result of which the state of Washington gained freedom. This convention freed the hands of other colonial states.

It is known that for several decades both Americans and British conducted their trade in the state. It was only in 1846 that specific borders between Britain and America were defined. And the territory of the state finally became the property of the United States.

In 1853, a new state appeared in the United States - Washington. And in 1889, the city of Olympia received the title of capital.

The state developed at lightning speed. In 1883, the transcontinental Pacific Ocean was held on its territory. Railway, which united the entire northwestern part of the United States. Washington has become a major industrial and economic region. He became one of the first suppliers of timber, gold, copper and wheat.

During World War I, the state became a major supplier of seaplanes, and during World War II it played an important role in the US military industry (building bombers).

Later, the first nuclear plant was built in the state, which was called the Handford Complex.

State attractions

The wonderful Space Needle tower, rising in the center of Seattle (the largest city in the state), is of great interest to tourists. It is located on the territory of a large entertainment complex, where various cultural events are often held. Modern elevators will take visitors to any deck of the tower. There is also a wonderful Sky City restaurant, from the terrace of which you can enjoy the breathtaking city views.
Arriving in Seattle, tourists mainly want to visit it central library. Almost one and a half million books are stored within its walls. She is one of the most beautiful in the world. The library building has underground parking, several modern terminals and a huge number of computers.

Not far from Seattle rises the mighty volcano Mount Rainier. The magnificent National Park of the same name stretches around. The park contains several dozen glaciers, picturesque valleys, amazing waterfalls, green meadows and impenetrable forests.

Another, no less beautiful National Park is Olympic Park. It is located on a small Pacific peninsula of the same name. One part of the park is home to tropical forests, the other is occupied by blue lakes and alpine meadows. About 15 unique species of animals have been preserved in the park. It impresses with its diversity flora, as well as the beauty and diversity of landscapes and represents a “corner of wild nature”.

Another must-see excursion is the fantastic Snoqualmie Falls. An incredibly beautiful sight opens up before the eyes of tourists - a huge water flow falls from a height of about 270 feet. The cozy Salish Lodge hotel is nestled nearby. The surrounding landscapes are so magnificent that many people have picnics here, and some stop for the night - they put up tents and set up camp.

Just outside of Seattle, right on the shores of Elliott Bay, is the small village of Tilikum. This place is famous for its wonderful cuisine. Tourists get the opportunity to try a variety of seafood delicacies. And history buffs are invited to take a fascinating journey through Elliot Bay and admire the cultural and historical attractions of the state.

When visiting Washington State, it is impossible not to visit Olympia. In the capital there are several large theaters, protected parks, museums and architectural monuments.

The main entertainments are fishing, walks in the mountains, and forest hikes.

Beach recreation is developed only on some islands of the state: Whidbey and Harbor. People come here to enjoy peace and quiet, to take a break from the bustle and noise of the city.

It is known that Washington is the only American state named after a president.
Americans call it the “fruit state.” Washington is the main supplier of fruits: grapes, raspberries, pears, cherries and apples.

The state has some very unusual laws. For example, children are prohibited from lying about their parents being rich. On Sundays you cannot buy meat, televisions or mattresses. You cannot consume alcoholic beverages in the same bar. The length of the weapon must not exceed six feet. Under no circumstances should you ride on an ugly horse.

US states on the map

USA map online

What is a “state” and how many are there in the USA?

The United States of America is a federation of 50 states ( US states).

A state is the main political and territorial unit of the United States. There have been 50 of them since 1959. Each of them has its own flag and motto.
Word "state"(state) appeared during the colonial period (around 1648). This word was sometimes used to describe individual colonies. It began to be used everywhere after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The state has its own constitution, legislative, executive and judicial powers.

Each US state is divided into districts - administrative-territorial units of the second level. They are smaller than a state but larger than or equal to a city. The exception is the five boroughs within the City of New York. According to the Census Bureau, there are 3,140 counties in the country.

The third level of administrative-territorial division is city municipalities and townships, which govern local life settlements. According to the National League of Cities, in 2002 there were 19,429 urban municipalities and 16,504 townships in the United States.

50 US states borrowed their names from many languages. The names of half of them came from North American Indian languages. The remaining states received names from European languages: Latin, English and French.

In addition to the states, the country includes and is governed by administrative-territorial units with the status federal district or federal territory - the District of Columbia and a number of islands.

District of Columbia(The District of Columbia, D.C.) is not part of any state. The capital of the country, Washington, is located there.

The island territories of the United States include: Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa.

51st state

There is such a term as the “51st state.” This term refers to territories that apply to receive US state status in addition to the already existing fifty states. Possible candidates for the title of “fifty-first state” include the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Puerto Rico. The issue of granting statehood to New York City has also been raised repeatedly.

There is one curious fact in history. In 2012, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, in support of American colonization of the Earth's satellite, said: "When we have 13,000 Americans living on the moon, they can petition to become a state." However, in accordance with Article II of the Outer Space Treaty space, Luna and others celestial bodies are not subject to national appropriation, either by claim of sovereignty, by use or occupation, or by any other means.

How they are part of the United States

In order for any territory to become part of the United States, a lengthy procedure is required. The territory must adopt its own constitution. The Constitution must satisfy the US Congress, which decides to accept the territory into the United States.

States cannot secede from the United States unilaterally.