Washington, often referred to as Washington State to distinguish it from Washington D.C., is a state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It's bordered by Oregon to the south, Idaho to the east, and British Columbia to the north, with the Pacific Ocean lying on its western coast.
Named after George Washington, the first president of the U.S., it became the 42nd state to join the Union in 1889. The state's capital is Olympia, but its largest city is Seattle, which is known for the iconic Space Needle, Microsoft Corporation and Starbucks Coffee, all originating from the city. Other major cities in Washington include Spokane, Tacoma, and Vancouver.
Washington State has a diverse economy with dominant sectors including aerospace, technology, telecommunications, and software development. It is home to big companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing.
It's recognized for its stunning natural beauty, with multiple national parks, forests, mountains, and water bodies. Major geographic features include the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, the Columbia River, Puget Sound, and Lake Washington.
The state has a mixed climate, with the west side being wet and rainy and receiving substantial precipitation, while the east side is drier, with semi-arid and arid landscapes.
Washington is also notable for its production of apples, hops, cherries, and wheat, leading the U.S in apple production. It's also a major producer of wine, with numerous vineyards and wineries. The state's cultural scene is vibrant with a strong tradition of music, arts, sports, and cuisine.