Washington Facts and Information

Basic Information

Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is known for its diverse landscapes ranging from rainforests to mountains to semi-arid desert, thriving tech industry, and vibrant cultural scene.

Capital

Olympia

Largest City

Seattle

Area

71,362 sq mi

Population

7.7 million (2020)

Demographics

Washington has a diverse population concentrated primarily in the Puget Sound region, with growing communities throughout the state.

Ethnic Composition

White:67.5%
Hispanic:13.7%
Asian:9.0%
African American:4.2%
Native American:1.9%
Pacific Islander:0.8%
Two or more races:4.9%

Languages

English:80.9%
Spanish:8.5%
Asian & Pacific Island Languages:6.8%
Other Indo-European:2.4%
Other Languages:1.4%

Age Distribution

Under 18:21.8%
18-64:62.8%
65+:15.4%

Population Growth

Annual Rate:1.2%
Natural Increase:Positive
Migration:Strong positive in-migration from other states

Economy

Washington has a diverse economy based on technology, aerospace, agriculture, manufacturing, and international trade.

GDP

$675 billion (2022)

Major Industries

Technology and Software
Aerospace (Boeing)
Agriculture and Food Processing
Clean Energy
Healthcare
Maritime and Logistics
Tourism

Employment Rate

Employed:95.1%
Unemployment:4.9%

Major Companies

Microsoft
Amazon
Boeing
Starbucks
Costco
Nordstrom
REI
T-Mobile

Climate

Washington's climate varies dramatically from west to east, with the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountains creating distinct climate zones.

Western Washington

Avg. Summer:65-75°F
Avg. Winter:35-45°F
Rainfall:40-150 inches/year (location dependent)
Temperate marine climate, frequent cloud cover

Cascade Mountains

Avg. Summer:60-70°F
Avg. Winter:20-35°F
Snowfall:200-600+ inches/year at higher elevations
Alpine and subalpine climate

Eastern Washington

Avg. Summer:75-90°F
Avg. Winter:20-35°F
Rainfall:8-20 inches/year
Semi-arid climate, four distinct seasons

Weather Patterns

Pacific storms (October-May)
Summer drought (west of Cascades)
Mountain snowpack (vital water resource)
Rain shadow effect (Cascade Mountains)
Summer thunderstorms (eastern plateau)
Fog in lowland areas and river valleys

Visiting Washington

Washington offers visitors diverse experiences from urban exploration to spectacular natural landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Best Time to Visit

Summer:July-September (warmest, driest weather, peak outdoor activities)
Fall:October-November (fall colors, wine harvest, fewer crowds)
Spring:April-June (wildflowers, waterfalls, mild weather)
Winter:December-March (skiing, mountain snow sports, lower rates)

Transportation

Major Airports:Seattle-Tacoma International, Spokane International, Bellingham International
Highways:Interstate 5 (north-south), Interstate 90 (east-west)
Public Transportation:Sound Transit (Puget Sound region), light rail, buses
Ferry System:Washington State Ferries (largest in US)
Train:Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder routes
Border Crossings:Multiple points with Canada

Accommodation

Hotels:Abundant in cities and tourist areas
Vacation Rentals:Throughout the state
Camping:State parks, national parks, national forests
Resorts:Mountain, coastal, and lakeside options
Distinctive Stays:Treehouses, fire lookouts, lighthouses
Hostels and Budget Options:In major cities

Tourist Information

Welcome Centers:Located along major highways
Tourism Website:Experience Washington
Visitor Centers:In cities and attractions
Washington State Parks and National Park Service Information

Popular Attractions

Washington features diverse attractions from iconic urban landmarks to three national parks and numerous natural wonders.

Seattle Attractions

Space Needle
Pike Place Market
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle Art Museum
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle Aquarium
Smith Tower

Natural Wonders

Mount Rainier National Park
Olympic National Park
North Cascades National Park
San Juan Islands
Columbia River Gorge
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Palouse Falls
Hoh Rain Forest

Urban Destinations

Seattle Waterfront
Spokane Riverfront Park
Tacoma Museum District
Leavenworth (Bavarian Village)
Walla Walla Wine Country
Bellingham Historic District
Vancouver Waterfront
Olympia State Capitol Campus

Outdoor Recreation

Mount Baker Ski Area
Olympic Peninsula Beaches
Lake Chelan
Puget Sound Sailing
Mount St. Helens Climbing
Cascade Loop Scenic Highway
Pacific Crest Trail
San Juan Islands Kayaking

History

Washington's history spans from ancient indigenous cultures through European exploration, territorial disputes, and development as a center for aviation, technology, and trade.

Indigenous Period

Native Peoples:Coast Salish, Chinook, Yakama, Colville, and many others
Rich cultural traditions:Potlatch ceremonies, fishing, woodworking
Complex trading networks throughout Pacific Northwest
Distinctive art forms:Totem poles, bentwood boxes, basketry

Exploration & Settlement

European Exploration:Late 18th century (Vancouver, Gray)
Lewis and Clark Expedition:1805-1806
Hudson's Bay Company:Established Fort Vancouver 1824
Oregon Trail Migration:1840s
U.S./British Territory Disputes:Resolved 1846
Washington Territory Established:1853

Statehood & Development

Statehood:November 11, 1889 (42nd state)
Railroad Development:Northern Pacific, Great Northern
Lumber Industry Growth:Massive forests harvested
Klondike Gold Rush:Seattle as gateway (1897-1898)
Agricultural Development:Apple orchards, wheat farming
Grand Coulee Dam Construction:1933-1942

Modern Era

Boeing Aircraft Development:WWII and beyond
World's Fair in Seattle:1962
Mount St. Helens Eruption:1980
Microsoft Founded:1975 (moved to Redmond 1979)
Amazon Founded:1994
Tech Industry Growth:1990s-present
Environmental Movements and Policies
Increasing Diversity and Cultural Change

State Symbols

Washington has designated various official state symbols that represent its natural heritage and cultural identity.

State Animals

State Animal:
Olympic Marmot
State Bird:
Willow Goldfinch (American Goldfinch)
State Fish:
Steelhead Trout
State Insect:
Green Darner Dragonfly
State Marine Mammal:
Orca
State Endemic Mammal:
Olympic Marmot

State Plants

State Flower:
Coast Rhododendron
State Tree:
Western Hemlock
State Grass:
Bluebunch Wheatgrass
State Fruit:
Apple
State Vegetable:
Walla Walla Sweet Onion
State Gemstone:
Petrified Wood

Cultural Symbols

State Flag:
State seal on green background
State Song:
"Washington, My Home"
State Folk Song:
"Roll On, Columbia, Roll On"
State Dance:
Square Dance
State Tartan:
Washington State Tartan
State Ship:
Lady Washington

Other Symbols

State Waterfall:
Palouse Falls
State Fossil:
Columbian Mammoth
State Rock:
Petrified Wood
State Arboretum:
Washington Park Arboretum (Seattle)
State Amphibian:
Pacific Chorus Frog
State Oyster:
Ostrea lurida (Olympia Oyster)

State Facts

Washington holds numerous distinctive records and facts that highlight its unique character and contributions.

Geographic Facts

Highest Point:
Mount Rainier (14,411 ft)
Lowest Point:
Pacific Ocean (sea level)
Largest Lake:
Lake Chelan (55 miles long)
Longest River:
Columbia River (1,243 miles)
Deepest Gorge:
Hells Canyon (7,993 feet)
Largest Island:
Whidbey Island (168 sq miles)
Rainiest Place in Continental US:
Hoh Rain Forest (140+ inches/year)
Snowiest Place:
Paradise, Mt. Rainier (average 640 inches/year)

Records & Rankings

13th Most Populous State
18th Largest State by Area
Largest Ferry System in the US
Leading US Producer of Apples, Cherries, Hops, Pears
Highest Minimum Wage in US (as of 2023)
Most Trade-Dependent State per Capita
Highest Concentration of STEM Workers
Top-Ranked in Renewable Energy Production

Notable Firsts

First Soft-Serve Ice Cream Machine (by Dairy Queen founder in Olympia)
First Revolving Restaurant (Space Needle, 1962)
First Commercially Successful Automatic Teller Machine (in Yakima)
Birthplace of Modern Logging Industry
First State Formed with Woman Suffrage in Its Constitution
First Starbucks (Seattle, 1971)
First Computer Billionaire (Bill Gates)
First State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana Through Popular Vote (with Colorado, 2012)

Unique Features

Only State Named After a President (George Washington)
Home to the World's Richest Person (frequently)
Over 3,000 Glaciers (most in lower 48 states)
Largest Producer of Hydroelectric Power in U.S.
Nation's Largest Car Ferry System
Most Diverse Ecosystem in the US
Most Glaciers in the Continental US
Home to World's First Modern Shopping Mall (Northgate, Seattle)

Government & Politics

Washington operates under a state constitution with three branches of government and has emerged as a progressive-leaning state, particularly in the Puget Sound region.

Governor

Jay Inslee (as of 2023)

Legislature

Bicameral:State Senate (49 members) and House of Representatives (98 members)

Political Trends

Strong Democratic presence in western Washington, Republican strength in eastern counties

Political Features

Strong Initiative and Referendum Process
Leading in Progressive Policies
Top-Two Primary System
Vote-by-Mail Elections (since 2011)
Urban-Rural Political Divide
Environmental Policy Leadership
No State Income Tax
Recent Climate Change Legislation

Time Zones

Washington is entirely within the Pacific Time Zone, with daylight saving time observed.

Standard Time

Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC -8)

Daylight Saving

Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC -7)

Time History

Standardized time adoption followed railroad industry needs
No exemptions from daylight saving time
Borders Idaho (Mountain Time Zone)
Shares time zone with neighboring Oregon and British Columbia

Education

Washington has a strong education system with renowned public and private institutions and a commitment to educational innovation.

Higher Education

Public Universities:University of Washington, Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University, Western Washington University, The Evergreen State College
Community and Technical Colleges:34 institutions statewide
Private Universities:Seattle University, Gonzaga University, Pacific Lutheran University, Whitman College, University of Puget Sound
Research Institutions:Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Medical Schools:UW School of Medicine, WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Specialized Institutions:DigiPen Institute of Technology, Cornish College of the Arts

K-12 Education

Public School Districts:295 districts
Charter Schools:Growing presence
Private Schools:Religious and independent options
Homeschooling:Active community
Alternative Schools:Multiple models
International Schools:Particularly in Seattle area

Educational Initiatives

Early Learning and Development
STEM Education Focus
Career and Technical Education
Running Start (dual enrollment)
College Bound Scholarship
Educational Technology Integration
Environmental Education Programs
Bilingual Education

Educational Investments

McCleary Decision (K-12 funding)
Washington College Grant
Career Connect Washington
Workforce Education Investment
Special Education Funding
School Construction Assistance Program
Apple Health for Students
Paraeducator Standards

Culture & Festivals

Washington's cultural identity blends Pacific Northwest outdoor lifestyle, Native American heritage, pioneer history, and diverse international influences.

Major Festivals

Seattle International Film Festival
Seafair (Seattle)
Northwest Folklife Festival
Sasquatch! Music Festival (now "The Gorge Festival")
Bumbershoot (Seattle)
Spokane Lilac Festival
Washington State Fair (Puyallup)
Seattle Pride Parade

Cultural Events

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Leavenworth Christmas Lighting
Seattle Art Fair
Wooden Boat Festival (Port Townsend)
Capitol Hill Block Party
Emerald City Comic Con
PAX West Gaming Convention
Native American Pow Wows

Regional Traditions

Apple Blossom Festival (Wenatchee)
Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival
Leavenworth Oktoberfest
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival (Port Angeles)
Washington State Apple Harvest
Salmon Returns Celebrations
Berry Festivals (various locations)
Lavender Festivals (Olympic Peninsula)

Arts & Performance

Seattle Symphony
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Seattle Opera
Seattle Theatre Group
5th Avenue Theatre
Seattle Art Museum
Museum of Glass (Tacoma)
Frye Art Museum

Sports & Teams

Washington has passionate sports fans supporting professional, collegiate, and outdoor recreational sports.

Professional Teams

Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
Seattle Mariners (MLB)
Seattle Kraken (NHL)
Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Seattle Storm (WNBA)
Seattle Reign FC (NWSL)
Tacoma Rainiers (Triple-A Baseball)
Spokane Indians (High-A Baseball)

College Athletics

University of Washington Huskies
Washington State University Cougars
Gonzaga University Bulldogs
Eastern Washington University Eagles
Seattle University Redhawks
Western Washington University Vikings
Central Washington University Wildcats
Apple Cup (UW vs. WSU rivalry)

Outdoor Sports

Skiing and Snowboarding (Multiple resorts)
Hiking and Mountaineering
Kayaking and Water Sports
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Rock Climbing
Trail Running
Fishing (salmon, steelhead, trout)
Sailing and Boating

Sporting Events & Venues

Lumen Field (Seattle)
T-Mobile Park (Seattle)
Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle)
Husky Stadium (Seattle)
Martin Stadium (Pullman)
McCarthey Athletic Center (Spokane)
The Gorge Amphitheatre (concerts and events)
Evergreen Speedway (Monroe)

Cuisine & Local Specialties

Washington cuisine is characterized by abundant seafood, locally grown produce, outstanding wines, craft beverages, and diverse culinary influences.

Seafood Specialties

Pacific Salmon (Chinook, Coho, Sockeye)
Dungeness Crab
Geoduck and Other Shellfish
Olympia and Pacific Oysters
Spot Prawns
Albacore Tuna
Razor Clams
Smoked Salmon

Agricultural Products

Apples (leading producer in US)
Cherries (sweet and sour)
Walla Walla Sweet Onions
Raspberries and Blueberries
Asparagus
Pears and Stone Fruits
Potatoes
Hops (75% of US production)

Beverages & Spirits

Wine (900+ wineries)
Craft Beer (400+ breweries)
Hard Cider
Coffee Culture (Starbucks, Seattle's Best, indie roasters)
Craft Distilleries
Apple Cider
Craft Soda
Tea Culture

Regional Dishes & Products

Cedar-Planked Salmon
Seattle-Style Hot Dogs (with cream cheese)
Teriyaki (Seattle style)
Dutch Babies (German pancakes)
Rainier Cherries
Tim's Cascade Potato Chips
Fisher Scone Fair Food
Theo Chocolate and Artisan Chocolatiers

Infrastructure

Washington's infrastructure supports its diverse economy with transportation networks, energy systems, and technology infrastructure.

Transportation

Interstate Highways:I-5 (north-south), I-90 (east-west), I-82, I-405
Washington State Ferries:Largest ferry system in the US
Airports:Seattle-Tacoma International, Spokane International, others
Ports:Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle/Tacoma), others
Railways:BNSF, Union Pacific, Amtrak Cascades
Public Transit:Sound Transit, King County Metro, others
Bridges:7,300+ statewide
Mountain Passes:Snoqualmie, Stevens, White, others

Energy Systems

Hydroelectric Dams:Grand Coulee (largest in US), Chief Joseph, others
Renewable Energy:Wind farms, solar installations
Nuclear:Columbia Generating Station
Natural Gas Distribution
Electrical Grid:Bonneville Power Administration
Utility Companies:Puget Sound Energy, Avista, others
Clean Energy Initiatives
Energy Research:Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Water Management

Columbia River System
Puget Sound Water Quality
Municipal Water Systems
Irrigation Networks (eastern Washington)
Dams and Reservoirs
Salmon Recovery Infrastructure
Stormwater Management
Flood Control Systems

Technology Infrastructure

Broadband Networks
Data Centers (central Washington)
Tech Industry Campuses
Research Facilities
Satellite Communication Centers
Smart City Initiatives
Rural Connectivity Programs
Innovation Districts

Notable Historical Figures

Washington has been home to influential individuals who shaped state, national, and global history across many fields.

Political & Civic Leaders

Chief Seattle (Duwamish and Suquamish leader)
Bertha Knight Landes (first female mayor of a major US city, Seattle)
Warren G. Magnuson (US Senator)
Henry M. Jackson (US Senator)
Dixy Lee Ray (first female governor)
Philip Haas Nordquist (Congressman, suffragist)
Gary Locke (first Asian-American governor)
Chief Joseph (Nez Perce leader)

Business & Innovation

Bill Gates (Microsoft co-founder)
Paul Allen (Microsoft co-founder)
Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder)
William Boeing (Boeing founder)
Howard Schultz (Starbucks leader)
Jim Casey (UPS founder)
Eddie Bauer (outfitter)
Kemper Freeman (developer)

Arts & Culture

Bruce Lee (martial artist, actor)
Jimi Hendrix (musician)
Kurt Cobain (musician)
Ray Charles (musician who started career in Seattle)
Dale Chihuly (glass artist)
Sherman Alexie (author)
Mary McCarthy (author)
August Wilson (playwright who lived in Seattle)

Science & Exploration

George Vancouver (explorer)
Lester Germer (physicist)
George Hitchings (Nobel Prize winner)
Linda B. Buck (Nobel Prize winner)
William Foege (eradicated smallpox)
Trevor Kincaid (zoologist)
Margaret Reed Lewis (embryologist)
Dr. Lester Sauvage (heart surgeon)

State Government Services

Washington's state government provides various services to residents through different departments and agencies.

Health & Human Services

Health Care Authority (manages Apple Health/Medicaid)
Department of Health
Department of Social and Health Services
Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington Health Benefit Exchange
Long-Term Care Services
Behavioral Health Resources

Transportation & Infrastructure

Department of Transportation
Washington State Ferries
Department of Licensing
Washington State Patrol
Transportation Commission
Traffic Safety Commission
Department of Ecology (environmental protection)
State Building Code Council

Education & Workforce

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
State Board of Education
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
Employment Security Department
Department of Labor & Industries
Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
Washington Student Achievement Council
Washington STEM

Natural Resources

Department of Natural Resources
Department of Fish and Wildlife
State Parks and Recreation Commission
Department of Agriculture
Puget Sound Partnership
Salmon Recovery Office
Conservation Commission
Recreation and Conservation Office

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

Washington's rich history is preserved through significant documents and historic sites throughout the state.

Founding Documents

Washington State Constitution (1889)
Enabling Act (1889)
Organic Act creating Washington Territory (1853)
Point Elliott Treaty (1855)
Oregon Treaty (1846, establishing US-British boundary)
Medicine Creek Treaty (1854)
Donation Land Claim Act records
Early Territorial Laws

Historical Landmarks

Washington State Capitol Campus (Olympia)
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Whitman Mission National Historic Site
Pioneer Square Historic District (Seattle)
Mount Rainier National Park (established 1899)
San Juan Island National Historical Park
Thorp Mill (oldest industrial site)
Steptoe Battlefield

Archival Collections

Washington State Archives
Washington State Historical Society
University of Washington Special Collections
Eastern Washington State Historical Society
Museum of History and Industry (Seattle)
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (Spokane)
Tribal Archives (multiple locations)
Burke Museum Collections

Environmental Initiatives

Washington has developed various environmental programs aimed at protecting its diverse ecosystems and addressing climate change.

Climate Action

Climate Commitment Act
Clean Energy Transformation Act
Carbon Reduction Programs
Clean Fuels Standard
Zero Emission Vehicle Standards
Climate Resilience Planning
Green Building Standards
Climate Change Research Funding

Conservation Programs

Puget Sound Recovery
Salmon Recovery Funding
Wildlife Conservation
Forest Practices Regulations
Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program
Farmland Preservation
Natural Areas Program
Marine Protected Areas

Water Protection

Watershed Planning
Water Quality Programs
Floodplain Management
Stormwater Management
Groundwater Protection
Water Rights Management
Wetland Conservation
Marine Water Quality Programs

Clean Energy

Renewable Portfolio Standards
Solar Incentive Programs
Wind Energy Development
Hydroelectric Power Management
Energy Efficiency Programs
Clean Energy Fund
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Green Power Purchasing