Washington, also known as Washington State to avoid confusion with Washington, D.C., is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon to the south, Idaho to the east, and the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north, it occupies a strategic position in the upper left corner of the contiguous U.S.. Olympia serves as the state capital, while Seattle is the most populous city. The state's diverse geography is bisected by the Cascade Mountain Range, creating distinct eastern and western regions. Washington was admitted to the Union as the 42nd state on November 11, 1889.
Washington is known for its evergreen forests, the Puget Sound, and the Cascade Range. Key attractions include the iconic Space Needle in Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park, and the Olympic National Park with its diverse ecosystems. The state's economy is driven by major industries like aerospace, agriculture, clean technology, and information technology, with prominent companies such as Boeing, Microsoft, and Amazon calling Washington home. As of 2023, Washington has a population of approximately 8.16 million, making it the 13th most populous state in the country. Recent economic forecasts indicate steady employment growth through 2027, though housing affordability remains a challenge.
