Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, bordered by Oregon, Idaho, Canada and the Pacific Ocean. Olympia is its capital, while Seattle is its largest city. It is known for evergreen forests, the Cascade Range, Puget Sound and major technology companies.
Its communities include tribal nations, longtime residents and immigrants from around the world. The populous western region contrasts with agricultural areas and smaller cities east of the Cascades. Technology, aerospace, trade, agriculture and forestry shape the economy. Notable landmarks include Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, Seattle’s Space Needle and the Columbia River. Local culture embraces outdoor recreation, music, coffee and sports.
Common civic concerns include housing affordability, homelessness, transportation and access to health care. Residents also debate education funding, taxation and growth. Wildfire preparedness, salmon recovery, clean energy and water management are important environmental issues, alongside tribal treaty rights and the differing needs of urban and rural communities.