Colleen's (and occasionally, Joe's) Blog

Washington State – Facts and Figures

Here are some facts and figures about Washington State and answers to some frequently asked questions:

The Washington State lies in the far northwestern corner of the continent of Northern America. Its area is more than 66,500 square miles. In the north, it shares its borders with Canada and in the south with Oregon. Area wise, it is USA’s 20th largest state and has diverse natural environments for its eastern and western halves.

About 6 million people reside here and the economy boasts of sectors like software and technology; aviation; agriculture primarily wheat, apples, and beans; fishing and forest products. It is the largest exporter of raw materials, foodstuffs, manufactured goods and hydroelectricity. It is also known for its exotic travel locations. Ethnically and culturally it is a fusion since Native American tribes Europeans and Asians not to mention some Latinos form the population here.

In the 19th century the warring British and the Americans jointly controlled the region but eventually the former ceded the Pacific Northwest to the U.S and two years later the U.S. created Oregon. Washington as a separate entity was separated from Oregon in 1853, and achieved statehood on November 11, 1889. Olympia has been its capital since 1853 and Seattle is its most populous city followed by Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue, Vancouver and Everett.

Washington has a bicameral Legislature with 49 Legislative Districts which elect one Senator each to a term of four years and two Representatives to terms of two years. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Auditor, Treasurer, Commissioner of Public Lands, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Insurance Commissioner enjoy four-year terms. The nine members of the State Supreme Court are appointed for six-year terms.
Washington comprises 39 counties, and many incorporated cities and special districts looking into local governance. Members of Congress and 2 US senators are also elected by voters.