Why is Washington called the Evergreen State? Open the left menu Washington state. US Chemical Capital

From an economic and tourist point of view, the state of Washington is very interesting. In terms of its area, it occupies the 18th place in the United States and is the most extreme from the northwest side (upper left corner on the map of the country).

Washington is interesting for its orders and laws, and even the most sophisticated traveler has something to look at here.

The 42nd state in the United States was the state of Washington with a territory of 184 thousand km2 and a population of 6,830,038 people. Prior to receiving this status, on November 11, 1889, it was called Washington Territory in honor of the first president of the United States, George Washington. The state should not be confused with the capital of America of the same name, which is even territorially located in the District of Columbia.

Before the arrival of the first emigrants, several Indian tribes lived in what is now the state of Washington, fishing and whaling. According to the chronicles, the first European to enter this land in 1775 was the Spaniard Bruno de Esseta. And the first large-scale exploration of the territory by Spanish and British travelers took place in 1778-1792.

That is why at the beginning of the 19th century there were fierce disputes over these lands between Spain, Great Britain and the USA. But in 1819, Spain abandoned its claims, and on June 15, 1846, on the basis of the Oregon Treaty, the current Washington completely passed into the possession of the United States of America.

Major cities and neighbors

The capital of Washington is the city of Olympia. Some mistakenly believe that it is Seattle - the largest in the state (population 602 thousand people). Second and third place is occupied by Spokane and Tacoma. The population of these cities is only a third of the population of Seattle. In the capital, there are only about 46,478 people (2010 data).

Washington is bordered by Idaho to the east and Oregon to the south. In the north, the territories of Canada already begin - the province of British Columbia. And from the west, the state has a water border.

Geographic location and climate

Washington state has a very diverse topography. About 90% of the territory is on land, the remaining 10% is the coastal zone of the Pacific Ocean, which washes the territory from the north. The state is divided by the Cascade Mountains, which seem to divide it into Eastern and Western Washington.

Steppes and semi-deserts predominate in the East. The climate here is very dry and hot, the amount of precipitation is minimal. Traveling here is not recommended for tourists who expect plenty of swimming and enjoying the views of nature, but this area is ideal for lovers of extreme recreation.

In contrast, Western Washington has a maritime climate with wet winter months and dry, warm summers. This is an ideal resort option, and it is at this latitude that the state capital, Olympia, and the largest city, Seattle, are located.

Washington is also known for its coniferous forests and tropical areas. In the South-East is the Palus area - a huge meadow area with farmland. And the rest of the Eastern Territory, where the arid regions end, is filled with wooded and mountainous terrain.

Ethnic and religious composition

Washington is densely populated by representatives of various ethnic groups. The largest percentage is made up of natives of Germany - 20.9%. 12.6% each are British and Irish. The fourth place in terms of number (6.2%) is occupied by the Norwegians. People from other countries (Sweden, Denmark, France, Italy, etc.) make up 4–1.2% of each. Russians in Washington are about 2.1%.

In terms of religion, almost all denominations are represented here. The majority are Christians, subdivided into various branches (Protestants, Catholics, Orthodox, etc.). Muslims account for 1-2%. Less than 1% - to other religions. Interestingly, Washington is the leading state in terms of the number of atheists, of whom there are about 20%.

Economic centers and industry

Washington DC is home to the headquarters of world-famous companies such as Microsoft, Amazon.com, Valve, Starbucks and PACCAR. The Boeing factories (the city of Everett) and the major automaker Kenworth are located here. Curiously, in terms of taxation, Washington is one of the most regressive states in the United States. Income tax on income simply does not exist here.

Another feature of this state is the fact that medical marijuana is legalized here. Washington is one of 14 US states with this position. And the state was completely distinguished by the fact that it entered the four territories of America, where recreational use and storage of all the same marijuana is also allowed.

Major educational institutions

Washington has three major educational institutions: the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Evergreen State College. The first was founded in 1861 (the oldest university in the country). It has the largest student population and the largest budget in the entire northwestern United States. One of the teachers of the University of Washington are the parents of Paul Allen and Bill Gates, on whose money many university buildings are being built.

Western Washington University is slightly younger than the University of Washington. During its history, it has produced many eminent graduates. And Evergreen State College is home to creative young people. It was founded in the second half of the 20th century as an unconventional and experimental one. It is the "greenest" college of all educational institutions in the world according to a major online publication.

Interesting places and sights

The most interesting from a tourist point of view is Seattle. The Space Needle is the most recognizable landmark on the Pacific coast of the United States. It is a symbol of the city itself, as well as of many sports teams. Seattle is a city of technological innovation with special architecture and unusual monuments. Guests of the city will be interested to take a look at the Smith Tower skyscraper, which held all the height records in the United States until 1962, the 76-story Columbia Center and the Seattle Monorail - a monorail railway.

In addition to amazing architecture, Seattle offers a public library with about 1.5 million books. Nature lovers can visit the Seattle National Park, which is an American cultural heritage site. Here tourists will find beautiful pristine nature and many rare animals.

Washington is also famous for its wineries. The most famous of them was opened in 1912 and is called Chateau Ste Michelle. Connoisseurs of good grape drinks will be able to go on an excursion here.

And, of course, the state of Washington offers a lot of cultural entertainment. There are theaters, museums, zoos, children's centers and much more. Shoppers will not be disappointed either. Washington will amaze with an abundance of shopping centers, unusual markets and fashionable shops with branded items and products of famous brands.

The best sights in Washington State on video:

The state of Washington (its area is 184.8 thousand sq. km) is located in the very northwest of the mainland of the United States of America. The population of the state of Washington with the capital Olympia in 2011 was approaching 7 million people. Among its largest cities is Seattle, Spokane , Tacoma. The state is adjacent to British Columbia in Canada in the north, has an eastern border with the state of Idaho and a southern border with Oregon, the western border is framed by the Pacific coast.

The eastern expanses of the "Evergreen State" (its unofficial name) are occupied by the northern foothills of the Columbian Plain, the Cascade Range with the highest peak, a volcano, stretches through the middle part Rainier (4392 m). In the west of the state are the Strait of Georgia, the Puget Sound and the Mount Olympus conglomerate ( Olympus , 2424 m). Regional forests are filled with many evergreen trees, and herbaceous and shrubby plants, due to the abundance of rains, remain in a green state throughout the year.

How to arrive

Washington State International Airport is located near Olympia. There are airfields near Seattle and Seatak (they also serve a considerable number of passengers) and airstrips located between Seattle and Tacoma. There is no direct connection with Moscow, but you can use the routes leading to Los Angeles or New York, where they transfer to a liner that runs on an interstate airline.

In addition, many ships come to the port of Puget Sound, including passenger ships from Asian countries. Washington's major cities of Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma and Olympia are connected by the largest ferry system in the US with 28 high speed ferries. Water transport travels along the Puget Sound Fjord and 20 point waterways.

The developed railway network, however, does not make passenger freight popular, so a train ticket is sold at a price almost equal to a plane ticket.

Climatic conditions

They are so different that the weather in the east can be very different from the weather in the west. The Pacific Ocean brings an average annual temperature of + 11 ° C to the west coast, the Cascade Mountains in the east rule the weather in their own way: it is much drier here, and sometimes drought occurs. In the winter, Washington state is often visited by fogs, cloudy skies and long, drizzling rains are not uncommon. Summer is mostly sunny and dry. Climatic extremes also occur in the western part of the region: arctic winter cold down to −30°C and exorbitant summer heat up to +45°C.

How to have fun, where to go on an excursion and what to see

Over 50% of Washington State's population lives in Seattle. Megacity with a pier Puget Sound is located near the sea Salish . The city is connected by commercial routes with Asian countries. Seattle is also the largest business center on the coast. Yes, and a significant number of attractions of the state is located in Seattle and next to it.

Since XIX V. more than one name has been strengthened behind this city. It is called "Royal" or "Emerald City". Among the pseudonyms of the metropolis are also "Gateway to Alaska", "City of Rains" and "Jet City".

The symbol of Seattle, the fantastic appearance of the Space Needle (Space Spire), was erected in the 60s. the past century. It rises in the possession of the vernissage ensemble Seattle Center where many cultural events take place. The Space Needle often "poses" for American photographers and filmmakers.

The skyscrapers of the Smith Tower, Columbia Center, Washington Michual Tower, as well as the Museum of the History of Music and Science Fiction in the Seattle Center and the marvelous appearance of the Main Library also brought fame to Seattle. Travelers flock to Pike Place Market - one of ancient US fairs. It also serves as a center for folklore festivities and performances. street artists, jesters and performers.

Spokane in Washington attracts more tourists who are interested in objects related to the history of the state. And visiting this city will not disappoint them. 18 urban landmark areas of the city are listed on the National Historic Sites of the United States - more than half of them are located in the middle part Spokane , are named historical property. Especially interesting for travelers in 3 epochal districts built in the style Victorians: South Hill, Browne's Addition and Davenport Arts District.

A favorable climate for the growth of grapevine has led to the development of wine production in the state. It is even believed that local wines are included in fife list of the best in the world. And visitors, having tasted the drink, can be convinced of this. The most recognized winery in the state - Chateau Ste Michelle and opened in 1912.

The state of Washington has established a state right to trade in alcoholic beverages, in particular, alcohol over 20%. The same applies to liqueurs, despite the fact that their strength does not reach the established norm of alcohol content. Such drinks are sold only in national stores. You can also buy them at privately owned wine outlets with a state license. Beer drink and wine nectar, the strength of which is below 20%, are bought in ordinary markets and shopping centers.

Nature of Washington

The Cascade Mountains, which stretch from the north of the state to its southern part, divide the territory of Washington into sections with a pelagic and sharply continental climate. The ridge contains some functioning volcanoes, surpassing the height of the Cascade Range. These are Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Adams and St. Helens. In fact, only the last of the list (in Russian its name is "Mountain of St. Helena") episodically throws its internal contents into the air.

Mount Rainier Volcano (4392 m) and Seattle share 80 km, which ranks the "breathing" mountain among the most formidable volcanoes on the American mainland. It also ranks among the most aggressive vulcanoids in the light. Mount Rainier National Park is also located here. Established in 1899, it is the 4th natural landmark and one of the age-old parks in the United States of America. The glory of this National Park was brought, first of all, by its glaciers: from more than 20 glaciers at the top vulcanoid Mount Rainier is the largest glacier on the American mainland. Before travelers appear the most beautiful canyons and waterfalls, alpine meadows and stunning views of the forest.

Olympic - Washington State Park adorns the peninsula of the same name in the Pacific Ocean. mountain range Olympic divides the National Park and the cape into 2 zones. In the western one is the forest of the tropics of Ho - one of the rainforests in the mainland USA. In the park area you can sunbathe and splash on the beaches of the Pacific coast, and in 3 Indian reservations you can get acquainted with the life of the American natives. While walking in the National Park Olympic tourists are waiting for a meeting with mirror-clean lakes and dense forests, alpine meadows. Peaks olympic covered by about 60 glaciers. Their shimmering brilliance complements the unimaginable beauty of the landscapes of the reserve, which is recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve. In addition, the national park Olympic It is also listed as a World Heritage Site: 15 endemic species of fauna and 8 species of flora have been preserved in the reserve.

Washington - the capital of the United States, administratively constitutes the District of Columbia, so often, in order not to be confused with the state of Washington, located on the west coast, the abbreviation "DC" (Washington DC) is used.

Washington DC is located in the northeastern United States on the banks of the Potomac River. It borders the state of Virginia on the southwest side, and Maryland on all other sides. The population of the city in 2013 is estimated at 646 thousand people. However, on weekdays, due to the arrival of employees, the total number exceeds 1 million. The Washington Metropolitan Area, which also includes the District of Columbia, is considered the 8th largest urban agglomeration in the United States. Thus, approximately 5.4 million inhabitants live in Greater Washington.

The White House is the residence of the President of the United States in Washington DC. A huge number of government buildings and institutions are concentrated in the city, the Congress and the US Senate also sit here. The Pentagon is located in Washington, more than 170 embassies of foreign countries are open, as well as many headquarters, including the headquarters of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

In 1790, a decision was made to build a permanent state capital. For security purposes and for their own needs around the future capital, it was required to determine the territory that was not part of any state. The location for the future capital on the north bank of the Potomac River was determined by US President George Washington himself. In 1791, the federal capital was officially named after the president. The lands required by the capital were chosen in the form of a square with a side of 10 miles (total area 260 sq. km). At first, this territory was called "the territory of Columbus" (Territory of Columbia), because. at that time Columbia was a poetic name for the United States. In 1800, the first meeting of the US Congress was held in Washington and the city officially became the capital of the state. Since 1801, the District of Columbia received its official status and began to be controlled by Congress. In 1846, part of the territory of the District of Columbia was transferred to the state of Virginia. Thus, now the area of ​​the district is 177 square kilometers, and the shape of the district has lost the shape of a regular square.

The head of Washington is the mayor. However, the US Congress has the right to reject any official document passed by the city council or the mayor. Thus, the residents of the District of Columbia formally have a lower level of self-government.

Washington has a diverse and growing economy, with the federal government playing a major role. The total product produced in the territory of Washington is estimated at $97 billion. Approximately 27% of jobs are provided by the state. Law firms, manufacturers, lobbyists, labor organizations, headquarters are concentrated in Washington in order to be as close as possible to the government. As of 2014, Washington County has an unemployment rate of 7.6%. In terms of average annual income per person, Washington is ahead of 50 states. At the same time, 19% of residents live below the subsistence level.

Most of the merit in the design and planning of the city belongs to the French architect Pierre Lanfan (Pierre Charles L "Enfant). According to the Lanfan project, Washington is filled with majestic national monuments, wide avenues and park areas. Washington is divided into quadrants that converge to the Congress building - the Capitol.

Washington is a unique city where grandiose buildings are combined with spacious landscapes. The Washington Monument is designed to remain the highest point in the city, so the landscape of the capital is not cluttered with skyscrapers.

The majority of Washington residents are African Americans (55.6%). Whites - 36.3%, city dwellers of Asian origin - 3.1%. It is worth noting that in the 70s of the 20th century the number of African Americans in the city reached 70%.

Approximately 8% of the adult population of the District of Columbia (33,000 people) belong to sexual minorities. According to 2007 estimates, about one-third of D.C. can't write fluently in English! This is significantly worse than the US average, where one in five people have problems writing in English. On the other hand, in Washington DC, about 46% of adults have completed at least 4 years of college.

In the 90s of the last century, Washington was at the peak of a wave of crime and street violence. However, the crime rate has dropped significantly in recent years. So the number of murders in the city decreased from 479 (1991) to 143 (2009), which is the lowest figure since 1966.

Washington is located in a zone of humid subtropical climate, 4 seasons are clearly distinguishable during the year. Winter in Washington is relatively cool, the average temperature of the coldest month of the year - January - is about 0 C. About 64 days a year the temperature can drop below zero. Sometimes stormy weather is possible with strong winds, showers or snowfall. Spring and autumn in the city are warm with low rainfall. The weather in Washington in summer is humid and hot. The combination of heat and moisture contributes to the formation of storms or tornadoes. The average temperature in July is 24.7 C. More than 36 days a year the temperature can exceed 32 C.

As a result of the conclusion of the Oregon Agreement with Great Britain in 1846, as a settlement of the Oregon Border Conflict, it received its name in honor of the first US president, George Washington. Washington state joined the Union as the 42nd state in 1889.

Since Americans are very respectful of their first president, many territorial units and structures are associated with the name of George Washington. Often a situation may arise that when answering the question: "Where are you from?", the interlocutor will answer you: "From Washington". In order to understand exactly where a person comes from, auxiliary designations are used: "I'm from Washington, DC" or "I'm from Washington State, Seattle."

Geography of Washington State

Washington State, like Wyoming, has a harmoniously connected mountain system and large flat areas. In the east of the state, the Columbia Plateau extends, in the central part of the state there is a chain of the Cascade Mountains, the western part of the state has the Olympus Mountains, the Strait of Georgia and the Puget Sound.

The Seattle metropolitan area is made up of numerous islands, deep fjords, and glacier-carved bays. The largest lakes and rivers have provided Washington with the title of state with the largest water resource system in the United States. Washington state is the US leader in the number of cloudy days per year (about 220).

Part of the state consists of dense temperate rain forests in the west, mountain ranges in the western, central, northeastern and far southeastern directions. The other part has semi-arid regions in the east, central, and south direction.

Population

Washington State is the 18th largest US state and the 13th most densely populated per square kilometer. The majority of the state's population (about 60%) of more than 7 million people live in metropolitan Seattle and its suburbs.
At the same time, Seattle (originally called New York) founded on November 14, 1851, occupies a more important place than the capital of the state of Washington, the city of Olympia, which is home to only about 50 thousand people. The Seattle metropolis is today the most densely populated part of the state, in which the main production and transportation facilities are concentrated.

After California, Washington State is the second most populous state on the West Coast and in the Western United States of America.

State Economy

The total state gross product in 2015 for Washington was $425.017 billion, placing it fourteenth in the US. Gross domestic product per capita in 2009 was $52,403, ranked 10th in the US.

There is a wide range of business within the state that includes the design and manufacture of aircraft (Boeing), automobiles (Paccar), software development (Microsoft, Bungie, Amazon.com, Nintendo America, Valve Corporation, ArenaNet), telecommunications (T-Mobile), electronics, biotechnology, aluminum manufacturing, lumber and wood products (Weyerhaeuser), mining, beverages (Starbucks, Jones Soda), real estate (John L. Scott) and others.

Washington State is a leading lumber producer. Its densely wooded area is rich in Douglas firs, hemlock, yellow pine and Weymouth pine, larch and cedar. Washington State also occupies a leading role in the production of vegetables, fruits and berries. A significant contribution to the development of the economy of the State of Washington is made by farming, raising livestock and commercial salmon fishing.

Manufacturing industry in Washington includes the production of parts for aircraft and missiles, shipbuilding and other transport equipment, lumber, food processing facilities, processed metals and metal products, chemicals.

The main direction of foreign trade is Asia, the trade turnover passes through the ports of Puget Sound. Fortune magazine's survey of the 20 most influential companies in the US features four companies from Washington state, including Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft and Costco.

Billionaire Bill Gates, technology adviser and former chairman and CEO of Microsoft, who has a net worth of $84.1 billion, is the richest person in the world since 2013, among Washington State residents.

As of January 2015, Washington state's unemployment rate stands at 6.3 percent.

Taxes in Washington State

Washington State is one of seven states that does not impose personal income tax on individuals. The state also does not collect corporate income tax and franchise tax. However, Washington DC companies are responsible for various other government taxes, including the business and activity (B&O) tax, a tax on gross income that is levied on various types of companies.

Base state sales tax in Washington state is 6.5 percent. As of April 2014, the tax is 9.5 percent in Seattle and other cities. These taxes apply to both services and products. Most products are exempt from sales tax; however, cooked food, dietary supplements, and non-alcoholic beverages remain taxable. The combined state and local retail sales tax rates increase the taxes paid by consumers and, depending on local sales tax rates, are typically between 8 and 9 percent.