WAWashington
Evergreen State · Capital: Olympia · West (Pacific)
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Bordering states: Idaho, Oregon.
4 fun facts about Washington
- Starbucks, Amazon, and Microsoft are all HQ'd in Washington — Pike Place, Seattle, Redmond respectively.
- The state grows over 2/3 of US apples and is the leading producer of cherries, raspberries, and pears.
- Mt. Rainier (14,411 ft) is technically an active volcano — last eruption was in 1894.
- Olympic National Park contains three distinct ecosystems (rainforest, alpine, coast) within a single park.
Frequently asked questions about Washington
Is Washington a US state?
Yes, Washington is one of the 50 US states. It was admitted to the Union in 1889, making it the 42nd state. Its capital is Olympia and its largest city is Seattle.
What is the capital of Washington?
The capital of Washington is Olympia. Note that the largest city in Washington is Seattle, not the capital — a common point of confusion.
When did Washington become a state?
Washington became a US state in 1889. It is the 42nd state admitted to the Union.
What is the abbreviation for Washington?
The 2-letter USPS abbreviation for Washington is WA.
How big is Washington?
Washington ranks #18 of 50 US states by area — a mid-sized US state.
What is the population of Washington?
Washington has a population of 5 to 10 million.
What region is Washington in?
Washington is in the West region of the United States, per the US Census Bureau.
What time zone is Washington in?
Washington observes Pacific Time.
Learn more
→ How to learn the 50 states (full guide)