Virginia
Virginia is just one of those states that like to surprise people. Tucked between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains, it should not really come as a surprise that the state is packed with so much unique landscapes, beautiful sceneries, and limitless adventures.
Know more about the state of Virginia here.
Geography
Officially known as the Commonwealth of Virginia, this state is beautifully tucked between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. It straddles between the mid-Atlantic and Southeastern region of the United States. Bordered by Maryland, Washington D.C., Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia. A corner of Virginia only peeks through the coastline.
Virginia’s geography has got a lot to do with Chesapeake Bay. Most of Virginia’s rivers flow into the bay. The same bay also sort of bisects the Commonwealth from the two county pensinsula of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Virginia is rich is mineral resources which have both served in the benefit and disadvantage of the country. Cole mining, for instance, continues to take place in the three mountainous regions of the state. In 2020 alone, miners have excavated more than 72 million tons of fuel resources such as slate, kyanite, sand, and gravel. While all of these mining activities do good in terms of Virginia’s economy by number, it undoubtedly brings serious environmental repercussions as well.
Still, more than half of the whole land area of Virginia remains covered by forests, covering 62% of the total land land area. Its ecosystem is nurturing to wildlife, making it, truly, a great nature destination.
History
Archaeological evidence and study suggests that Virginia was reached and inhabited by the first people over 12,000 years ago. It is only 5,000 years ago, though, that permanent settlements emerged. Of course, like many other states, the dominance of the indigenous population was set aside as the European colonizers arrived.
In Virginia’s case, first it was the Spanish Jesuits, then the English in the name of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Virginia’s economy as a colony was perilous and may suffered in poverty and starvation. Enslaved African workers arrived around 1619 as more English settle in the area.
Virginia played a very important role in the United States’ early years as a reason and in the writing of the United States Constitution. The state was even nicknamed ‘the mother of State’ at one point in history.
Weather
Virginia has two climate types: humid subtropical climate and humid continental. Humid subtropical describes most parts of the state whereas humid continental descrones its more elevated, mountainous parts. Its climate and weather is primarily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream.
Climate change has, unfortunately, heavily affected the state of Virginia. Its temperatures have been obsered to be on the rise for years. Arlington, specifically, experiences high ozone pollution. These changes in climate have mostly been attributed to Virginia’s history in coal mining. The government of Virginia has since pursued effort to reverse or, at least, prevent the situation from going worse. From having coal as the primary source of energy, coal is now just at 4% in 2019. The Commonwealth vows continued commitment to the use of renewable energy and aims to be carbon-free by the year 2050.
Tourism
Apart from its rich cultural history, Virginia also boasts of some wonderful tourist destinations. There is, of course, the Virginia Beach, the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, Luray Caverns, Chinconteague and Assateague Islands, and the Natural Bridge of Virginia.
Prepare to fall in love with its small towns and all its natural wonders.
Key information about Virginia
📍 Area: 110,785 km2
👥 Population: 8,654,542
🏛️ Capital: Richmond
🏢 Major cities: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake
🔢 Number of counties: 95
📋 Postal Abbreviation: VA
📖 Primary language/s: English
📌 Nearby states: Maryland, Washington D.C., Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia
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