Commonwealth of Virginia

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General Information
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Settlement Type	State
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Population
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Density	auto per km²
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The Commonwealth of Virginia is a state located in the Southern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is bordered by Maryland and Washington, D.C. to the north and northeast, by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, by North Carolina and Tennessee to the south, by Kentucky to the southwest, and by West Virginia to the northwest. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" due to its status as the first English colonial possession established in mainland North America and "Mother of Presidents" because eight U.S. presidents were born there, more than any other state.

History

Virginia's history begins with various indigenous groups, including the Powhatan. In 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. During the American Revolution, Virginia became a pivotal site, with its own Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Post-revolution, Virginia was influential in the shaping of the new nation, contributing to the drafting of the United States Constitution.

Government and Politics

Virginia is unique in its governance, with its state government's political structure established by the Constitution of Virginia. The state government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is headed by the Governor of Virginia, the legislative branch is represented by the Virginia General Assembly, which includes the Virginia Senate and the Virginia House of Delegates, and the judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and lower courts.

Economy

Virginia's economy has diverse sources of income, including local and federal government, military, farming and business. Northern Virginia, once considered the state's dairy farming region, now hosts software, communication technology, defense contracting companies, particularly in the Silicon Valley and Pentagon areas. The Hampton Roads area has major military bases and shipyards, including the largest naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk.

Geography and Climate

Virginia has a varied climate and geography, shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay, which provide habitat for much of its flora and fauna. The state's climate can be described as a mix of humid subtropical and humid continental. This diverse environment allows for a wide range of outdoor recreational activities and wildlife.

Education

Virginia is home to several top-tier universities and colleges such as University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, and Virginia Tech, which are recognized for their academic excellence. The state's educational system consistently ranks near the top of the United States public education systems.

Culture

Virginia's culture has been shaped by its long history, from Native American tribes, through British colonization, and waves of immigration from across the world. The state's culture is a reflection of its historical events, including significant contributions to the music genres of bluegrass, folk, and country.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Virginia had a population of 8,631,393. The state has a diverse demographic profile, with a significant proportion of its population being African American, Hispanic, and Asian.

Transportation

Virginia has a well-developed transportation network that includes major highways, airports, and rail services, which facilitate the easy movement of goods and people. Washington Dulles International Airport and Richmond International Airport are among the busiest in the state.

See Also

• List of Governors of Virginia
• Virginia General Assembly
• Virginia Supreme Court