Geography and Climate of Washington
Located in the lush, scenic expanse of the Pacific Northwest, Washington State has a land area of 66,512 square miles. The 20th largest state in the U.S., Washington borders the Pacific Ocean, Idaho, Oregon and British Colombia (Canada). The Evergreen State is bisected by the Cascade Range, a picturesque north-south mountain range that extends from British Colombia into Northern California.
Western Washington features dry weather in the summer, mild temperatures year round and wet winters. Dense pockets of forestland are scattered through the western portion of the state. Eastern Washington has a climate that is much drier than Washington's western half. The eastern steppe is arid and includes desert terrain. Other portions of Eastern Washington have more mountains and forests.
The Puget Sound is the extension of the Pacific Ocean that reaches around the northwest corner of the state. Puget Sound branches out to form multiple inlets and straits. The area includes the two largest ports in the state -- the Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma. The largest port in Canada, the Port of Vancouver, rests on the northern end of the Puget Sound.
Washington features thriving costal communities, rainforests, stunning mountains and arid deserts. These contrasts add a unique flavor to the landscape, giving residents a varied look at multiple environments and places of natural interest.
History of Washington
Washington's elaborate totem poles hark back to an era when Native American tribes called this place home. The tribes of the west were expert canoe-makers, salmon fishers and whale hunters. The tribes in the eastern portion of the state led a primarily nomadic lifestyle.
The first recorded introduction of European peoples came in 1775, when Don Bruno de Heceta claimed all the coastal lands of the Pacific Northwest for Spain. Spanish and British explorers continued to investigate the region over the next couple of decades. Famed American explorers Lewis and Clark entered the area in 1805.
In 1819, Spain relinquished control of the area to the U.S. Britain ceded its control of the territory to the U.S. in 1846. As more people ventured west along the Oregon Trail, many settlers set up shop in Washington. The territory became a state in 1889.
Demographics of Washington
As of 2006, the estimated population of Washington is 6,395,798. This represents an 8.5 percent increase over the figures posted in the 2000 U.S. Census. According to the 2000 Census, nearly half the state's population (3,043,878 people) resides in the greater Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area.
Find out more here: Washington QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
Economy of Washington
In 2005, Washington registered a gross state product of $268.5 billion, ranking it 14th in the U.S. The state ranks 17th in the nation in per capita income ($42,702). Microsoft, Starbucks and Costco are all based in Washington.
Early in its history, Washington formed thriving lumber and agriculture industries. Heavy rainfall in the western part of the state was key to the cultivation of dense forests. There was an abundance of Douglas Firs. The Yakima Valley in the eastern part of the state became famous for apple orchards.
In 2003, Washington's total value of agricultural products was estimated to be $5.79 billion. Mining and fishing industries also developed in the area. Seattle became a major port that connected Washington to Alaska and the Pacific. A large shipbuilding industry grew out of the port city. People recognize Washington for software development, aerospace, electronics and tourism.
Washington Law and Government
Washington has 49 legislative districts, each with an equal population. Each district votes for two state representatives and one state senator. State reps serve two-year terms, while state senators serve four-year terms.
 The Democratic Party currently controls both branches of the state legislature.
Democrat Christine Gregoire has been the state's governor since 2005. Both U.S. Senators from the state are democrats, and seven of the nine U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Washington are members of the Democratic Party.
As far as political alignments go, the western part of the state is decidedly liberal, while eastern portion of the state is a bit more conservative.
Washington Transportation
I-5 runs north-south in the western portion of the state. I-90 cuts across the state in an east-west route. I-82 runs through Yakima in the southeast. More than 140 public airfields are in Washington. The state owns 16 of these airfields.
The State of Washington boasts the largest ferry network in the country. The ferry system also ranks third in the world in terms of size. The state's diverse landscape creates unique transportation challenges. Numerous waterways have created the need for extensive bridges. Washington has four of the five largest floating bridges in the world.
Learn more at the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Major Cities and Towns of Washington
Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. The birthplace of grunge music and Starbucks is a thriving metropolitan center that serves as the hub of the Greater Puget Sound Region, a region that includes Tacoma, Bellevue and Everett. From the Seattle Space Needle to Pike Place Market, Seattle's sophistication and cosmopolitan outlook make it one of the most unique cities in the Western U.S.
The state's capital, Olympia, has a population of only 42,514 people (according to the 2000 Census). Home of Evergreen State College and Olympia Beer, this quaint city attracts artists and musicians from all over the world. It serves as a cultural center for the entire state.
Washington Educational System
There are nine regional service agencies in the state known as ESDs (Educational Service Districts). These agencies are distinct from school districts. They have more than three decades ago to establish and maintain equal educational opportunities for every student in the state. ESDs are also in the state of Oregon. The agencies bridge the logistic gap between local school districts and the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Education.
Washington is also home to many universities and colleges. The University of Washington, established in 1861, is the largest university in the Pacific Northwest. Both the University of Washington and Washington State University place huge emphasis on research activities and funding. Other universities in the state include Western Washington University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University and The Evergreen State College.
Discover more here: Washington State Board of Education
Washington Sports Teams and Recreation Activities
The Seattle Seahawks, owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, have been one of the more successful NFL franchises in recent years. Winners of four straight NFC West titles, the Seahawks have been a huge draw in the area since 1976.
The Seattle Mariners have been around since 1977, but the team has never won a league championship. After finishing in second place in the AL West in 2007, Seattle fans are hopeful that the Mariners can finally deliver a championship to the Pacific Northwest.
Founded in 1967, the Seattle SuperSonics is the only professional sports team in Seattle to win a championship. The team did it back in 1979. The Sonics have three conference titles under their belt, the latest coming in 1996.
Washington's varied terrain offers outdoor enthusiasts a wide range of recreation options. From hiking through forest trails, climbing up mountains and experiencing the beauty of the Pacific coastline, lovers of the great outdoors will feel right at home in Washington.
Washington Real Estate Communities and Featured Properties
Eagle Springs Ranch near Moses Lake, Washington
Red Tail Ridge in Colfax, Washington
Washington Informative Articles
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