Although its borders enclose an area greater than that of all New England, Washington is the smallest of the Pacific seaboard states. With the exception of California and Hawaii, it is more densely populated than any other Western state. Each year its permanent residents are outnumbered two to one by out-of-state visitors--and many of these tourists are so attracted by its scenic and civic charms that they return to stay.
Much of Washington's rapid growth has been due to the abundance of natural resources--chiefly the mighty Columbia River. The waters that spring from the mountains of Washington have been harnessed to make it the nation's foremost producer of hydroelectric power. This, in turn, has attracted much of the industry that now holds one of the top spots in the state's economy. Because its great natural wealth was developed carefully, Washington became a major force in the growth and prosperity of the Far West.
Vast reaches of natural splendor are preserved in state and national parks. Washington's forests can sustain extensive lumber-based industries. Puget Sound provides a great landlocked harbor for Seattle and other busy port cities. The fishing industry is one of the largest in the nation, and conservation programs assure a continuing abundance of seafood. Washington is a leader in aluminum smelting and aircraft production.
In 1853 the proposed name for the Territory of Washington was changed from Columbia to Washington to honor George Washington. Washington is the only state named after a president of the United States. The great green forests of fir, pine, and hemlock give Washington the popular nickname Evergreen State. The big firs are always green, and the grass grows all during the winter. Another nickname for Washington, the Chinook State, comes from a Native American group of the Columbia River area.
Washington lies in the North Pacific Region of the United States. It is bordered on the east by Idaho, with the Snake River forming part of the boundary. To the south is Oregon, with most of that boundary formed by the Columbia River. On the west the Pacific Ocean stretches along the coast for 157 miles (253 kilometers). Cape Alava is the westernmost mainland point of the coterminous United States (not including Alaska). The boundary in the northwestern corner of Washington runs through three straits--Juan de Fuca, Haro, and Georgia. The entire northern boundary of the state is shared with the Canadian province of British Columbia. The state's greatest width is 354 miles (570 kilometers), from east to west. Its greatest length, from north to south, is 237 miles (381 kilometers). The total area of Washington is 68,138 square miles (176,477 square kilometers), including 1,627 square miles (4,214 square kilometers) of inland water surface.
