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About Washington State

Located in the northwestern corner of the Pacific Northwest, Washington state is home to economic and cultural diversity.

The economic diversity of Washington is seen in the number of different industries that contribute to the economy. Washington is home to thriving ports, aerospace plants, technology firms, military bases, family farms, industrial/manufacturing firms, and fishing industries.

See a timeline of key moments in Washington State's vibrant history.

Cultural Diversity

The sheer number of people who choose to make Washington their home demonstrates Washington’s cultural diversity. From the first Native Americans who encountered the initial migrations to the newest Washingtonians from Central America, Russia and Southeast Asia, Washington’s multi-ethnic population provides a broad base of economic opportunity and a high level of innovation.

Nature

The Cascade and Olympic mountain chains provide natural beauty and endless recreational activities. Terrain varies from desert to mountain to water, making Washington a haven for nature lovers and recreation seekers in every season.

Eastern and Western Washington

There is a tendency to think of Washington as two separate areas divided by the Cascade Mountains. The reality is that both areas are equal contributors to the health and strength of the state.

The eastern side of the Cascade Mountains features distinct seasons. The east gets more sunshine year round and more snow in the winter than the western side does. Beautiful panoramas, bluffs, and even a petrified forest can be found in eastern Washington, along with thriving urban areas such as Spokane. Washington State University, a major research and educational facility, is located in eastern Washington.

The western side of the Cascades gets more rain than the East due to the influence of the mountain chain, and temperatures tend to remain more constant year round. Western Washington is home to the University of Washington, the city of Seattle and the San Juan Islands. Although the West is regarded as somewhat more “urbanized” than the East, western Washington retains a great deal of biological, cultural, and economic diversity.

Eastern and western Washington combine to make Washington state one of the most culturally and environmentally rich areas in the United States.

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