View source for Washington (state)

{{Two other uses|the U.S. State of Washington|the U.S. capital|Washington, D.C.|all other uses|}}
{{US state |
Name = Washington|
Fullname = State of Washington |
Flag = Flag of Washington.svg |
Flaglink = [[Flag of Washington]] |
Seal = Washington state seal.svg |
Map = Map_of_USA_WA.svg |
Nickname = The Evergreen State|
Motto = Alki ([[Chinook Wawa]]: "Eventually," or "By and by")<ref>[http://www1.leg.wa.gov/Legislature/StateSymbols/ State Symbols<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>|
Capital = [[Olympia, Washington|Olympia]] |
LargestCity = [[Seattle]] |
BorderingStates = [[Idaho]], [[Oregon]]|
Demonym = Washingtonian  |
Governor = [[Christine Gregoire]] (D)|
Lieutenant Governor = [[Brad Owen]] (D) | 
Senators = [[Patty Murray]] (D)<br/>[[Maria Cantwell]] (D) |
PostalAbbreviation = WA |
AreaRank = 18<sup>th</sup> |
TotalAreaUS = 71,342 |
TotalArea = 184,827 |
LandAreaUS = 66,619 |
LandArea = 172,587 |
WaterAreaUS = 4,723 |
WaterArea = 12,237 |
PCWater = 6.6 |
PopRank = 13<sup>th</sup> |
2000Pop = 6,549,224 (2008 est.)<ref>http://www.census.gov/popest/states/NST-ann-est.html 2008 Population Estimates</ref>|
DensityRank = 25<sup>th</sup> |
2000DensityUS = 88.6 <!-- census.gov --> |
2000Density = 34.20 |
MedianHouseholdIncome = $53,515 |
IncomeRank = 13<sup>th</sup> |
AdmittanceOrder = 42<sup>nd</sup> |
AdmittanceDate = November 11, 1889 |
TimeZone = [[Pacific Standard Time Zone|Pacific]]: [[UTC]]-8/[[Daylight saving time|-7]] |
Longitude = 116° 55′ W to 124° 46′ W |
Latitude = 45° 33′ N to [[49th parallel north|49° N]] |
WidthUS = 240 |
Width =400 |
LengthUS = 360 |
Length = 580 |
HighestPoint = [[Mount Rainier]]<ref name=usgs>{{cite web| date =29 April 2005 | url =http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html#Highest| title =Elevations and Distances in the United States| publisher =U.S Geological Survey| accessmonthday = November 9 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> |
HighestElevUS = 14,410 |
HighestElev = 4,395 |
MeanElevUS = 1,700 |
MeanElev = 520 |
LowestPoint = [[Pacific Ocean]]<ref name=usgs/> |
LowestElevUS = 0 |
LowestElev = 0 |
ISOCode = US-WA |
Website = www.access.wa.gov |
}}
'''Washington''' ({{Audio-IPA|en-us-Washington.ogg|/ˈwɒʃɪŋtən/}}) is a [[U.S. state|state]] in the [[Pacific Northwest]] region of the [[United States]]. Washington was carved out of the western part of [[Washington Territory]] and admitted to the Union as the 42nd state in 1889. In 2008, the [[United States Census Bureau|Census Bureau]] estimated the state's population at 6,549,224 people. 

The state is named after [[George Washington]], the first [[President of the United States]]. Residents are called "Washingtonians" (emphasis on the third [[syllable]], pronounced as ''tone''). Washington is often called '''Washington state''' or the '''State of Washington''' to distinguish it from the [[Washington, D.C.|District of Columbia]] (which is usually called Washington, D.C.).  However, Washingtonians generally refer to the state as "Washington" and Washington, D.C. as "D.C."

==Geography==
Washington is the northwestern-most state of the [[Continental United States|contiguous United States]]. Its northern border lies mainly along the [[49th parallel north|49th parallel]], and then via marine boundaries through the [[Strait of Georgia]], [[Haro Strait]] and [[Strait of Juan de Fuca]], with the [[Canada|Canadian]] [[province]] of [[British Columbia]] to the north. Washington borders [[Oregon]] to the south, with the [[Columbia River]] forming most of the boundary and the 46th parallel forming the eastern part of the southern boundary. To the east Washington borders [[Idaho]], bounded mostly by the meridian running north from the confluence of the [[Snake River]] and [[Clearwater River (Idaho)|Clearwater River]] (about 116°57' west), except for the southernmost section where the border follows the Snake River. To the west of Washington lies the [[Pacific Ocean]].<ref>[http://www1.leg.wa.gov/LawsAndAgencyRules/Constitution.htm Washington State Constitution], Article XXIV Boundaries</ref>

Washington is part of a region known as the [[Pacific Northwest]], a term which always includes at least Washington and [[Oregon]] but may or may not include [[Idaho]], western [[Montana]], northern [[California]], and part or all of [[British Columbia]], [[Alaska]], and the [[Yukon Territory]], depending on the speaker or writer's intent.

[[Image:Digital-elevation-map-washington.gif|275px|thumb|Digitally colored elevation map of Washington.]]

The high mountains of the [[Cascade Range]] run north-south, bisecting the state. [[Western Washington]], west of the Cascades, has a mostly [[Oceanic climate|marine west coast climate]] with relatively mild temperatures, wet winters, and dry summers. Western Washington also supports dense forests of conifers and areas of [[temperate rain forest]]. In contrast, [[Eastern Washington]], east of the Cascades, has a relatively dry climate with large areas of semiarid [[steppe]] and a few truly arid [[desert]]s lying in the [[rainshadow]] of the Cascades; the Hanford reservation receives an average annual precipitation of between six and seven inches (178 mm) . Farther east, the climate becomes less arid. The [[Palouse]] region of southeast Washington was grassland that has been mostly converted into farmland. Other parts of eastern Washington are forested and mountainous.

The Cascade Range contains several [[Cascade Volcanoes|volcanoes]], which reach altitudes significantly higher than the rest of the mountains. From the north to the south these volcanoes are [[Mount Baker]], [[Glacier Peak]], [[Mount Rainier]], [[Mount St. Helens]], and [[Mount Adams (Washington)|Mount Adams]]. [[Mount St. Helens]] is currently the only Washington volcano that is actively erupting; however, all of them are considered active volcanoes.

Washington's position on the Pacific Ocean and the harbors of [[Puget Sound]] give the state a leading role in maritime trade with [[Alaska]], Canada, and the [[Pacific Rim]]. Puget Sound's many islands are served by the largest [[Washington State Ferries|ferry fleet]] in the United States.

Washington is a land of contrasts. The deep forests of the [[Olympic Peninsula]], such as the [[Hoh Rain Forest]], are among the only temperate rainforests in the continental United States, but the semi-desert east of the Cascade Range has few trees. [[Mount Rainier]], the highest mountain in the state,<ref name=usgs/> is covered with more [[glacier|glacial ice]] than any other peak in the lower 48 states.

=== Federal land and reservations ===
====National parks====
There are three [[United States National Park|national parks]] and two [[U.S. National Monument|National Monuments]] in Washington
*[[Mount Rainier National Park]]
*[[North Cascades National Park]]
*[[Olympic National Park]]
*[[Mount St. Helens National Monument]]
*[[Hanford Reach National Monument]].

[[United States National Forest|National forests]] in the state include:
*[[Colville National Forest]]
*[[Gifford Pinchot National Forest]]
*[[Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest]]
*[[Okanogan National Forest]]
*[[Olympic National Forest]]
*[[Wenatchee National Forest]]

Other protected lands of note include:
*[[Columbia River Gorge]] National Scenic Area
*[[Lake Chelan National Recreation Area]]
*[[Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument]]
*[[Ross Lake National Recreation Area]]
*[[Franklin Delano Roosevelt Lake|Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area]]
*[[Fort Vancouver National Historic Site]], among others administered by the [[National Park Service]].

There are many [[National Wilderness Preservation System|wilderness]] designated areas in Washington, including:
*[[Alpine Lakes Wilderness]](Not in order of creation)
*[[Glacier Peak Wilderness]]
*[[Goat Rocks Wilderness]]
*[[Henry M. Jackson Wilderness]]
*[[Juniper Dunes Wilderness]]
*[[Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness]]
*[[Norse Peak Wilderness]]
*[[Mount Baker Wilderness]]
*[[Pasayten Wilderness]]
*[[Olympic Wilderness]]
*[[Wild Sky Wilderness]]

There are several large military-related reservations, including:
*[[Fort Lewis]]
*[[McChord Air Force Base]]
*[[Fairchild Air Force Base]]
*[[Naval Base Kitsap]]
*[[Hanford Site]]
*the [[Yakima Training Center]]
*[[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard]] (Bremerton)
*[[Naval Air Station Whidbey]]

===Climate===
Washington's climate varies greatly from west to east. An [[oceanic climate]] (also called "marine west coast climate") predominates in western Washington, and a much drier semi-arid climate prevails east of the Cascade Range. Major factors determining Washington's climate include the large semi-permanent [[High pressure area|high pressure]] and [[Low pressure area|low pressure]] systems of the north Pacific Ocean, the continental air masses of North America, and the Olympic and Cascade mountains. In the spring and summer, a high pressure [[anticyclone]] system dominates the north Pacific Ocean, causing air to spiral out in a clockwise fashion. For Washington this means [[prevailing winds]] from the northwest bringing relatively cool air and a predictably [[dry season]]. In the autumn and winter, a low pressure [[cyclone]] system takes over in the north Pacific Ocean, with air spiraling inward in a counter-clockwise fashion. This causes Washington's prevailing winds to come from the southwest, bringing relatively warm and moist air masses and a predictably [[wet season]]. The term [[Pineapple Express]] is used to describe the extreme form of this wet season pattern.<ref>{{cite book | last = Kruckeberg | first = Arthur R. | title = The Natural History of Puget Sound Country | publisher = University of Washington Press | year = 1991 | pages = 42–43 | isbn = 0-295-97477-X}}</ref>

Despite Western Washington having a marine climate similar to those of the coastal cities of Europe, there are exceptions, such as the "Big Snow" events of 1880, 1881, 1893 and 1916. The "deep freeze" winters of 1883-84, 1915-16, 1949-50 and 1955-56 among others. In these events Western Washington has experienced anything from six feet of snow, sub-zero temperatures, three months of snow on the ground, and lakes and rivers frozen over for weeks on end. Seattle's lowest temperature recorded officially is 0°F set on January 31, 1950, but it has been known that areas away from Seattle have experienced record lows from -10°F to -20°F. So it can be said that the climate in Western Washington can range from hot to cold, pouring rain to blizzard, and no wind to hurricane-force winds. Because the weather is so variable from place to place weather forecasting is hard in Western Washington. In an area 200 miles long, Western Washington has two mountain ranges, an inland sea, a gorge and a fjord. With this variability comes microclimates that can occupy spaces several football fields long or areas as small as a backyard.{{Fact|date=January 2009}} It is not uncommon for rain to pour down in one area, while 50 feet away not a single drop of rain is falling. Western Washington has also experienced tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. These tornadoes are usually only an EF0 or EF1. However in the summer of 2008 Western Washington experiened over 5,000 lightning strikes in the Cascade Mountains and more Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in one day than seen in an average year. Overall, the weather in Western Washington is mild, but very unpredictable.

In 2006, the [http://www.cses.washington.edu/cig/ Climate Impacts Group] at the [[University of Washington]] published ''The Impacts of [[Climate change in Washington]]’s Economy'', a preliminary assessment on the risks and opportunities presented given the possibility of a rise in global temperatures and their effects on Washington state.<ref>[http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/economic_impacts.htm Climate Change - Economic Impacts<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> 

====Rain shadow effects====
[[Image:Wa rain map.JPG|thumb|right|Washington enjoys extensive variation in rainfall]]
The coastal mountains and Cascades compound this climatic pattern by causing [[orographic lift]] of the air masses blown inland from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the windward side of the mountains receiving high levels of precipitation and the leeward side receiving low levels. This occurs most dramatically around the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range. In both cases the windward slopes facing southwest receive high precipitation and mild, cool temperatures. While the Puget Sound lowlands are known for clouds and rain in the winter, the western slopes of the Cascades receive larger amounts of precipitation, often falling as snow at higher elevations. ([[Mount Baker]], near the state's northern border, is one of the snowiest places in the world: in 1999, it set the world record for snowfall in a single season. (1,140 inches/95 feet/2,896 cm) [http://www.usatoday.com/weather/news/1999/wsnorcrd.htm].) East of the Cascades, a large region experiences strong [[rain shadow]] effects. [[Semi-arid]] conditions occur in much of eastern Washington with the strongest rain shadow effects at the relatively low elevations of the central [[Columbia River Plateau]] &mdash; especially the region just east of the Columbia River from about the Snake River to the [[Okanagan Highland]]. Thus instead of rain forests much of eastern Washington is covered with [[grassland]] and [[shrub-steppe]].

====Temperatures====
The average annual temperature ranges from 51 °F (10.6 °C) on the Pacific coast to 40 °F (4.4 °C) in the northeast. The lowest recorded temperature in the state was -48 °F (-44.4 °C) in Winthrop and Mazama.  The highest recorded temperature in the state was 118 °F (47.8 °C) at Ice Harbor Dam.  Both records were set east of the Cascades. Western Washington is known for its mild climate, considerable fog, frequent cloud cover and long-lasting drizzles in the winter, and sunny and dry summers. The western region occasionally experiences extreme climate. Arctic cold fronts in the winter and heat waves in the summer are not uncommon. In the Western region, temperatures have reached as high as 112 degrees in Marietta and as low as -20 degrees in Longview.  The western side of the Olympic Peninsula receives as much as 160 inches (4064 mm) of precipitation annually, making it the wettest area of the 48 conterminous states. Weeks or even months may pass without a clear day. The western slopes of the Cascade Range receive some of the heaviest annual snowfall (in some places more than 200 inches/5080 mm) in the country. In the rain shadow area east of the Cascades, the annual precipitation is only 6 inches (152 mm). Precipitation increases eastward toward the Rocky Mountains.

==Demographics==
{{USCensusPop
|1850 = 1201
|1860 = 11594
|1870 = 23955
|1880 = 75116
|1890 = 357232
|1900 = 518103
|1910 = 1141990
|1920 = 1356621
|1930 = 1563396
|1940 = 1736191
|1950 = 2378963
|1960 = 2853214
|1970 = 3409169
|1980 = 4132156
|1990 = 4866692
|2000 = 5894121
}}
[[Image:Washington population map.png|thumb|left|250px|Washington Population Density Map]]

[[Image:Seattle Ferry.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Seattle]]
[[Image:SpokaneFromPalisades 20070614.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Spokane]]
[[Image:Tacdtaug05 1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Tacoma]]
The [[center of population]] of Washington in the year 2000 was located in an unpopulated part of rural eastern [[King County, Washington|King County]], southeast of [[North Bend, Washington|North Bend]] and northeast of [[Enumclaw, Washington|Enumclaw]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Population and Population Centers by State: 2001 | publisher = U.S. Census Bureau | url = http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt | format = | accessdate = 2007-06-15}}</ref>

According to the [[U.S. Census]], as of 2006, Washington has an estimated population of 6,395,798, which is an increase of 501,658, or 8.5%, since the year 2000.<ref>{{cite web | title = Table 4: Cumulative Estimates of the Components of Population Change for the United States, Regions and States: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006 | publisher = U.S. Census Bureau | url = http://www.census.gov/popest/states/tables/NST-EST2006-04.xls | format = | accessdate = 2006-12-22 }}</ref>
This includes a natural increase of 221,958 people (that is, 503,819 births minus 281,861 deaths) and an increase from net migration of 287,759 people into the state. [[Immigration to the United States|Immigration]] from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 157,950 people, and migration within the country produced a net increase of 129,809 people.

As of the Census 2000, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan Area's population was 3,043,878, about half the state's total population.<ref>{{cite web | title = Population in Metropolitan Statistical Areas Ranked by 2000 Census | publisher = U.S. Census Bureau | url = http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t29/tab01a.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref>

As of 2004, Washington's population included 631,500 foreign-born (10.3% of the state population), and an estimated 100,000 illegal aliens (1.6% of state population).<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.fairus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=research_research7a1f?&printer_friendly=1 |title=Immigration Impact: Washington |accessdate=2007-10-07 |year=2007 |publisher=Federation for American Immigration Reform }}</ref>

=== Largest cities ===
{{see also|List of cities in Washington}}

The largest cities in Washington according to 2008 state census estimates.<ref>[http://www.ofm.wa.gov/pop/april1/default.asp Official April 1, 2008 Washington State Population Estimates | OFM<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
<br clear=left>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; margin-right:60px"
!Rank
!City
!Population
|-
|align=left|1 
|align=left|[[Seattle, Washington|Seattle]] 
|592,800
|-
|align=left|2
|align=left|[[Spokane, Washington|Spokane]]
|204,428
|-
|align=left|3
|align=left|[[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]]
|202,700
|-
|align=left|4 
|align=left|[[Vancouver, Washington|Vancouver]]
|162,400
|- 
|align=left|5 
|align=left|[[Bellevue, Washington|Bellevue]]
|119,200
|-
|align=left|6 
|align=left|[[Everett, Washington|Everett]]
|102,300
|-
|align=left|7 
|align=left|[[Spokane Valley, Washington|Spokane Valley]]
|88,920
|-
|align=left|8 
|align=left|[[Federal Way, Washington|Federal Way]]
|88,040
|-
|align=left|9 
|align=left|[[Kent, Washington|Kent]]
|86,980
|-
|align=left|10 
|align=left|[[Yakima, Washington|Yakima]]
|84,300
|-
|align=left|11
|align=left|[[Renton, Washington|Renton]]
|78,780
|-
|align=left|12
|align=left|[[Bellingham, Washington|Bellingham]]
|75,750
|-
|align=left|13
|align=left|[[Auburn, Washington|Auburn]]
|67,005
|-
|align=left|14
|align=left|[[Kennewick, Washington|Kennewick]]
|65,860
|-
|align=left|15
|align=left|[[Lakewood, Washington|Lakewood]]
|58,780
|-
|}

===Race===
{{US Demographics}}
The six largest reported ancestries in Washington are: [[German-American|German]] (18.7%), [[English people|English]] (12%), [[Irish American|Irish]] (11.4%), [[Norwegian-American|Norwegian]] (6.2%), [[Mexican American|Mexican]] (5.6%) and [[Filipino-American|Filipino]] (3.7%).

There are many [[migrant worker|migrant]] [[Mexican]] farm workers living in the southeast-central part of the state, though the population is also increasing as laborers in Western Washington.

Washington has the fourth largest [[Asian-American|Asian]] population of any state. The [[Filipino-American|Filipino]] community is the largest Asian American subgroup in the state. [[Gary Locke (politician)|Gary Locke]] was elected as the first [[Asian American]] governor (and so far, the only Chinese American governor of any US state) at the end of the 20th century.

African Americans are less numerous than [[Asians]] or [[Hispanics]] in many communities, but have been elected as mayor of Seattle, Spokane and Lakewood and as King County Executive. In Seattle, minorities are moving into the southern part of the city as well as many suburban areas such as South King County. [[Tacoma]] also has a rising [[African-American]] population.

Washington is the location of many [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] reservations, with some placing prominent casinos next to major interstate highways. Residents have adopted many of the artwork themes of the northwest coast Indians who were noted for [[totem pole]]s, [[longhouse]]s, [[dugout canoe]]s and pictures of animals. Many cities have traditional names created by Native Americans such as [[Yakima]], [[Seattle]], [[Spokane, Washington|Spokane]], [[Puyallup, Washington|Puyallup]], and [[Walla Walla, Washington|Walla Walla]].

6.7% of Washington's population was reported as under 5, 25.7% under 18, and 11.2% were 65 or older. Females made up approximately 50.2% of the population.

===Religion===
The religious affiliations of Washington's population are:<ref>{{cite web | title = American Religious Identification Survey 2001 | publisher = The Graduate Center of the City University of New York| url = http://www.gc.cuny.edu/faculty/research_studies/aris.pdf | format = | accessdate = 2007-06-15}}</ref>
<!-- if you change these numbers, please cite your source -->
* [[Christianity|Christian]] &ndash; 63%
** [[Protestantism|Protestant]] &ndash; 29%
*** [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] &ndash; 6%
*** [[Baptist]] &ndash; 6%
*** [[Methodism|Methodist]] &ndash; 4%
*** [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]] &ndash; 3%
*** Other Protestant or general Protestant &ndash; 10%
** [[Roman Catholicism in the United States|Catholic]] &ndash; 20%
** Other Christian &ndash; 11%
** [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|Latter-day Saint]] &ndash; 3%
* Other Religions &ndash; 5%
* Refused &ndash; 6%
* No religion &ndash; 25%

The largest denominations by number of adherents in 2000 were the [[Roman Catholic Church]] with 716,133; the [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] with 178,000; and the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] with 127,854.<ref>http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/53_2000.asp</ref>

As with many other [[American West|Western]] states, the percentage of Washington's population identifying themselves as "[[non-religious]]" is higher than the national average. The percentage of non-religious people in Washington is the highest of any state.<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/dp/0759106258 Religion and Public Life in the Pacific Northwest: The None Zone]</ref>

==Economy==
[[Image:Microsoft sign closeup.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Microsoft Corporation, [[Redmond, Washington|Redmond]]]]
[[Image:Starbucks Headquarters Seattle.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Starbucks Headquarters, [[Seattle, Washington|Seattle]].]]
The 2005 total gross state product for Washington was $268.5 billion, placing it 14th in the nation.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gross Domestic Product by State, 2005 | publisher = Bureau of Economic Analysis | url = http://www.bea.gov/bea/newsrel/gspnewsrelease.htm | format = | accessdate = 2007-06-15}}</ref> The per capita income was $42,702, 17th in the nation. Significant business within the state include the design and manufacture of jet [[aircraft]] ([[Boeing]]), computer [[software]] development ([[Microsoft]], [[Amazon.com]], [[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]], [[Valve Corporation]]), [[electronics]], [[biotechnology]], [[aluminium|aluminum]] production, lumber and wood products ([[Weyerhaeuser]]), [[mining]], and tourism. The state has significant amounts of hydroelectric power generation. 

Significant amounts of trade with [[Asia]] pass through the ports of the Puget Sound. See [[list of United States companies by state]]. [[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] magazine survey of the top 20 Most Admired Companies in the US has 4 Washington based companies in it, [[Starbucks]], [[Microsoft]], [[Costco]] and [[Nordstrom]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Top 20 Most Admired Companies | publisher = Fortune Magazine | url = http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/fortune/0703/gallery.mostadmired_top20.fortune/index.html | format = | accessdate = 2007-06-15 }}</ref>

The state of Washington has the least [[progressive tax]] structure in the U.S. It is one of only seven states that does not levy a personal [[income tax]]. The wealthiest one percent of Washington taxpayers pay 3.2% of their income in taxes. The poorest fifth of Washington taxpayers pay 17.6% of their income in taxes.<ref>{{cite web | title = Washington’s Tax System is the Most Regressive in the Nation | publisher = Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy| url = http://www.itepnet.org/wp2000/wa%20pr.pdf | format = | accessdate = 2007-07-22}}
</ref> The state also does not collect a [[corporate income tax]] or [[franchise tax]]. However, Washington businesses are responsible for various other state levies.  One tax Washington charges on most businesses is the [[business and occupation tax]] (B & O), a [[gross receipts tax]] which charges varying rates for different types of businesses. 

Washington's state [[sales tax]] is 6.5 percent, and it applies to services as well as products.<ref>{{cite web | title= Collection of Retail Sales Tax | work=Washington State Department of Revenue | url=http://dor.wa.gov/content/doingbusiness/businesstypes/industry/vets/vets_collection.aspx | accessdate=2007-10-06}}</ref> Most foods are exempt from sales tax; however, prepared foods, [[dietary supplements]] and [[soft drink]]s remain taxable. The combined state and local retail sales tax rates increase the taxes paid by consumers, depending on the variable local sales tax rates, generally between 8 and 9 percent.<ref>http://dor.wa.gov/content/home/TaxTopics/FederalDeductionLSTaxTable.aspx</ref> An [[excise tax]] applies to certain select products such as [[gasoline]], [[cigarettes]], and [[alcoholic beverages]]. [[Property tax]] was the first tax levied in the state of Washington and its collection accounts for about 30 percent of Washington's total state and local revenue. It continues to be the most important revenue source for [[public schools]], fire protection, [[libraries]], [[park]]s and recreation, and other special purpose districts.

All [[real property]] and [[personal property]] is subject to tax unless specifically exempted by law. Personal property also is taxed, although most personal property owned by individuals is exempt. [[Personal property tax]] applies to personal property used when conducting business or to other personal property not exempt by law. All property taxes are paid to the county treasurer's office where the property is located. Washington does not impose a tax on intangible assets such as [[bank account]]s, [[stock]]s or [[Bond (finance)|bonds]]. Neither does the state assess any tax on retirement income earned and received from another state. Washington does not collect [[inheritance tax]]es; however, the [[estate tax]] is decoupled from the federal estate tax laws, and therefore the state imposes its own estate tax.

Washington is one of eighteen states which has a [[government monopoly]] on sales of alcoholic beverages, although [[beer]] and [[wine]] with less than 20 percent alcohol by volume can be purchased in [[convenience store]]s and [[supermarket]]s. [[Liqueur]]s (even if under 20 percent alcohol by volume) and spirits can only be purchased in state-run or privately-owned-state-contracted [[liquor store]]s.<ref>{{cite web | title = Washington State Liquor Control Board | publisher = Washington State Liquor Control Board | url = http://www.liq.wa.gov/default.asp | format = | accessdate = 2007-06-15}}</ref>

[[Bill Gates]] (worth $59.2 billion), the second wealthiest man in the world, is the best known [[billionaire]] from the state.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=200900492 | title=Bill Gates Passed By Mexican Telecom Tycoon As World's Richest Man | publisher=Information Week | author=Paul McDougall | date=[[2007-07-05]] | accessdate=2007-07-05}}</ref> Other Washington state billionaires include [[Paul Allen]] ([[Microsoft]]), [[Steve Ballmer]] ([[Microsoft]]), [[Jeffrey Bezos]] ([[Amazon.com|Amazon]]), [[Craig McCaw]] ([[McCaw Cellular]]), [[James Jannard]] ([[Oakley, Inc.|Oakley]]), [[Howard Schultz]] ([[Starbucks]]), and [[Charles Simonyi]] ([[Microsoft]]).<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003270332_forbes22.html] Seattle Times September 22, 2006 "No news here ... Gates still richest"</ref>

===Agriculture===

Washington is a leading [[agriculture|agricultural]] state. (The following figures are from the [http://www.ofm.wa.gov/databook/resources/nt14.asp Washington State Office of Financial Management] and the Washington Agricultural Statistics Service.)

For 2003, the total value of Washington's agricultural products was $5.79 billion, the 11th highest in the country. The total value of its crops was $3.8 billion, the 7th highest. The total value of its livestock and specialty products was $1.5 billion, the 26th highest.

In 2004, Washington ranked first in the nation in production of red [[raspberry|raspberries]] (90.0% of total [[United States|U.S.]] production), wrinkled seed [[pea]]s (80.6%), [[hop (plant)|hop]]s (75.0%), [[spearmint]] oil (73.6%), [[apple]]s (58.1%), sweet [[cherry|cherries]] (47.3%), [[pear]]s (42.6%), [[peppermint]] oil (40.3%), [[Concord grape]]s (39.3%), [[carrot]]s for processing (36.8%), and [[Niagara grape]]s (31.6%). Washington also ranked second in the nation in production of [[lentil]]s, fall [[potato]]es, dry edible peas, [[apricot]]s, [[grape]]s (all varieties taken together), [[asparagus]] (over a third of the nation's production), [[sweet corn]] for processing, and green peas for processing; third in tart [[cherries]], [[prune (fruit)|prunes]] and [[plum]]s, and dry summer [[onion]]s; fourth in [[barley]] and [[trout]]; and fifth in [[wheat]], [[cranberries]], and [[strawberries]].

The apple industry is of particular importance to Washington. Because of the favorable climate of dry, warm summers and cold winters of central Washington, the state has led the U.S. in apple production since the 1920s.<ref>{{Citation
 | last = Schotzko
 | first = Thomas R.
 | last2 = Granatstein
 | first2 = David
 | year = 2005
 | title = A Brief Look at the Washington Apple Industry: Past and Present
 | publication-place = Pullman, WA
 | publisher = Washington State University
 | pages =
 | page = 1
 | url = http://www.agribusiness-mgmt.wsu.edu/agbusresearch/docs/SES04-05_BRIEF_LOOK_WAFTA.pdf
 | accessdate = 2008-05-09
}}</ref> Two areas account for the vast majority of the state's apple crop: the Wenatchee–Okanogan region (comprising [[Chelan County, Washington|Chelan]], [[Okanogan County, Washington|Okanogan]], [[Douglas County, Washington|Douglas]], and [[Grant County, Washington|Grant]] counties), and the Yakima region ([[Yakima County, Washington|Yakima]], [[Benton County, Washington|Benton]] and [[Kittitas County, Washington|Kittitas]] counties).<ref>{{cite journal
 | last = Lemons
 | first = Hoyt
 | authorlink = 
 | coauthors = Rayburn, D. Tousley
 | year = 1945
 | month = July
 | title = The Washington Apple Industry. I. Its Geographic Basis
 | journal = Economic Geograpy
 | volume = 21
 | issue = 3
 | publisher = Clark University
 | pages = 161–162, 166
 | accessdate = 2008-05-09
 | doi = 10.2307/141294
 }}</ref>

==Transportation==
Washington has a system of [[state highway]]s, called [[list of Washington State Routes|State Routes]], as well as an extensive [[Washington State Ferries|ferry]] system which is the largest in the nation<ref>[http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/pdf/WSFLargest.pdf WSFLargest_foliov3_May06.indd<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> as well as the third largest in the world. There are 140 [[List of airports in Washington|public airfields in Washington]], including 16 [[List of Washington state-owned airports|state airports]] owned by the [[Washington State Department of Transportation]]. [[Boeing Field]] in Seattle is one of the busiest primary non-hub airports in the US.<ref>[http://www.metrokc.gov/airport/ King County International Airport/Boeing Field]</ref> The unique geography of Washington presents exceptional transportation needs.

There are extensive waterways in the midst of Washington's largest cites, including [[Seattle]], Bellevue, Tacoma and Olympia. The state highways incorporate an extensive network of bridges and the largest ferry system in the United States to serve transportation needs in the Puget Sound area. Washington's marine highway constitutes a fleet of twenty-eight ferries that navigate Puget Sound and its inland waterways to 20 different ports of call. Washington is home to four of the five longest [[floating bridge]]s in the world: the [[Evergreen Point Floating Bridge]], [[Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge]] and [[Homer M. Hadley Bridge]] over [[Lake Washington]], and the [[Hood Canal Bridge]] which connects the [[Olympic Peninsula]] and [[Kitsap Peninsula]].

The Cascade Mountain Range also provides unique transportation challenges. Washington operates and maintains roads over seven major [[mountain pass]]es and eight minor passes. During winter months some of these passes are plowed, sanded, and kept safe with avalanche control. Not all are able to stay open through the winter. The [[State Route 20 (Washington)|North Cascades Highway]] on [[Washington State Route 20|State Route 20]] closes every year. This is because of the extraordinary amount of snowfall and frequency of avalanches, leading to it not being safe in the winter months.

It is recorded that in Washington that transportation, including automobiles, planes, trains and ships is the cause of 45 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. [http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/washington.htm]

== Toxic chemicals ==
In 2007, Washington became the first state in the nation to target all forms of highly toxic [[Bromine|brominated]] [[flame retardants]] known as [[PBDE]]s for elimination from the many common household products in which they are used. A 2004 study of 40 mothers from [[Oregon]], Washington, [[British Columbia]], and [[Montana]] found PBDEs in the breast milk of every woman tested.

Three recent studies by the [[Washington Department of Ecology]] showed that toxic chemicals banned decades ago continue to linger in the environment and concentrate in the food chain. In one of the studies, state government scientists found unacceptable levels of toxic substances in 93 samples of freshwater fish collected from 45 sites. The toxic substances included [[Polychlorinated biphenyl|PCB]]s; [[dioxin]]s, two chlorinated pesticides, [[Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene|DDE]] and [[dieldrin]], and PBDEs. As a result of the study, the department will investigate the sources of PCBs in the Wenatchee River, where unhealthy levels of PCBs were found in mountain whitefish. Based on the 2007 information and a previous 2004 Ecology study, the [[Washington Department of Health]] is advising the public not to eat [[mountain whitefish]] from the [[Wenatchee River]] from [[Leavenworth, Washington|Leavenworth]] downstream to where the river joins the [[Columbia River|Columbia]], due to unhealthy levels of PCBs. Study results also indicated high levels of contaminants in fish tissue that scientists collected from Lake Washington and the Spokane River, where fish consumption advisories are already in effect[http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2007/2007-06-25-01.asp]. 

On March 27, 2006 Governor [[Christine Gregoire]] signed into law the recently approved House Bill 2322. This bill would limit [[phosphorus]] content in dishwashing detergents statewide to 0.5% over the next six years. Though the ban would be effective statewide in 2010, it would take place in [[Whatcom County]], [[Spokane County]], and [[Clark County, Washington]], in 2008.<ref>http://www.landscouncil.org/documents/Newsletters/3%20Spring%2006.pdf</ref> A recent discovery had linked high contents of [[phosphorus]] in water to a boom in [[algae]] population.  An invasive amount of [[algae]] in bodies of water would eventually lead to a variety of excess ecological and technological issues.<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/full_text_search/AllCRCDocs/94-54.htm/</ref>

== Law and government ==
{{see also|Category:Government of Washington (U.S. state)}}
[[Image:WashingtonStateCapitol.jpg|thumb|245px|The Washington State Capitol in Olympia.]]
The [[bicameral]] [[Washington State Legislature]] is the state's [[legislative branch]]. The [[State legislature (United States)|state legislature]] is composed of a [[lower house|lower]] [[Washington House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] and an [[upper house|upper]] [[Washington State Senate|State Senate]]. The state is divided into 49 legislative districts of equal population, each of which elects two representatives and one senator. Representatives serve two-year terms, whilst senators serve for four years. There are no [[term limits]]. Currently, the [[United States Democratic Party|Democratic Party]] holds majorities in both chambers.

Washington's [[executive branch]] is headed by a governor elected for a four-year term. The current governor is [[Christine Gregoire]], a [[United States Democratic Party|Democrat]] who has been in office since 2005.

The [[Washington Supreme Court]] is the highest court in the state. Nine justices serve on the bench and are elected statewide.

===U.S. Congress===
{{see also|United States Congressional Delegations from Washington}}
The two [[United States Senate|U.S. Senators]] from Washington are [[Patty Murray]] (D) and [[Maria Cantwell]] (D).

Washington representatives in the United States House of Representatives ([[List of United States congressional districts#Washington|''see map of districts'']]) are [[Jay Inslee]] (D-1), [[Rick Larsen|Richard Ray (Rick) Larsen]] (D-2), [[Brian Baird]] (D-3), [[Doc Hastings]] (R-4), [[Cathy McMorris]] (R-5), [[Norm Dicks]] (D-6), [[Jim McDermott]] (D-7), [[David Reichert]] (R-8), and [[Adam Smith (politician)|Adam Smith]] (D-9).

===State elected officials===
====Executive====
* [[Christine Gregoire]], [[Governor of Washington|Governor]] (D)
* [[Brad Owen]], [[Lieutenant Governor of Washington|Lieutenant Governor]] (D)
* [[Sam Reed]], [[Secretary of State of Washington|Secretary of State]] (R)
* [[Rob McKenna]], [[Attorney General]] (R)
* [[Mike Murphy (Washington state politician)|Mike Murphy]], [[Treasurer]] (D)
* [[Brian Sonntag]], [[Auditor]] (D)
* [[Randy Dorn]], Superintendent of Public Instruction (non partisan office)
* [[Peter Goldmark]], Commissioner of Public Lands (D)
* [[Mike Kreidler]], [[Insurance]] Commissioner (D)

===Politics===
{| align="right" border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 79%;"
|+ '''Presidential elections results'''
|- bgcolor=lightgrey
! Year
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
|-
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|[[United States presidential election, 2008|2008]]
|align="center" bgcolor="#fff3f3"|40.48% ''1,229,216
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|'''57.65%''' ''1,750,848
|-
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|[[United States presidential election, 2004|2004]]
|align="center" bgcolor="#fff3f3"|45.59% ''1,304,893
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|'''52.82%''' ''1,510,201
|-
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|[[United States presidential election, 2000|2000]]
|align="center" bgcolor="#fff3f3"|44.59% ''1,108,864
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|'''50.21%''' ''1,247,652
|-
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|[[United States presidential election, 1996|1996]]
|align="center" bgcolor="#fff3f3"|37.32% ''840,712
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|'''49.81%''' ''1,123,323
|-
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|[[United States presidential election, 1992|1992]]
|align="center" bgcolor="#fff3f3"|31.99% ''731,234
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|'''43.41%''' ''993,037
|-
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|[[United States presidential election, 1988|1988]]
|align="center" bgcolor="#fff3f3"|47.97% ''903,835
|align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0ff"|'''50.03%''' ''933,516
|}
The state has been thought of as politically divided by the [[Cascade Mountains]], with [[Western Washington]] being [[liberal]] (particularly the I-5 Corridor) and [[Eastern Washington]] being [[conservative]]. Lately however, Washington has voted for the Democratic Presidential candidate in every election since 1988. [[Spokane, Washington|Spokane]], the state's second largest city located in Eastern Washington, has been leaning more liberal, with one example being Democrat [[Maria Cantwell]] winning by a wide margin in the 2006 senate race against Republican [[Mike McGavick]]. Since the population is larger in the west, the Democrats usually fare better statewide. More specifically, the Seattle metro area (especially King County) generally delivers strong Democratic margins, while the outlying areas of Western Washington were nearly tied in both 2000 and 2004. It was considered a key swing state in 1968, and it was the only Western state to give its electoral votes to [[Hubert Humphrey]] (D). However, this state did participate in the 1994 [[Republican Revolution]], and had the biggest pickup in the house for Republicans, making 7 of the 9 house members Republicans for the state of Washington.<ref>[http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/results_report.aspx?e=15&c=&c2=&t=&t2=1&p=&p2=&y= November 1994 General]</ref> But this dominance didn't last for long as Democrats picked up one seat in the 1996 election<ref>[http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/results_report.aspx?e=17&c=&c2=&t=&t2=1&p=&p2=&y= November 1996 General]</ref> and two more in 1998, giving the Democrats a 5-4 majority.<ref>[http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/results_report.aspx?e=10&c=&c2=&t=&t2=1&p=&p2=&y= November 1998 General]</ref>

The U.S senators are [[Patty Murray]] (D) a native of Washington and [[Maria Cantwell]] (D).  The governorship is held by [[Christine Gregoire]] who was re-elected to her second term in [[2008]]. Washington is the first and only state in the country to have elected women to all three major statewide offices.
{{Further|[[Political party strength in Washington]]}}

==Education==
===Colleges and universities===
'''[[State university|State universities]]'''
*[[Central Washington University]]
*[[Eastern Washington University]]
*[[The Evergreen State College]]
*[[University of Washington]]
*[[Washington State University]]
*[[Western Washington University]]

'''[[Private university|Private universities]]'''
{|
|-----
| valign="top" |
*[[Antioch University|Antioch University Seattle]]
*[[Argosy University/Seattle]]
*[[The Art Institute of Seattle|Art Institute of Seattle]]
*[[Bastyr University]]
*[[City University of Seattle]]
*[[Cornish College of the Arts]]
*[[DeVry University]]
*[[DigiPen Institute of Technology]]
*[[Gonzaga University]]
*[[Henry Cogswell College]]
*[[Heritage College (Toppenish)|Heritage College]]
*[[Northwest University, USA|Northwest University]]
| valign="top" |
*[[Pacific Lutheran University]]
*[[St. Martin's University]]
*[[School of Visual Concepts]]
*[[Seattle Bible College]]
*[[Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine]]
*[[Seattle Pacific University]]
*[[Seattle University]]
*[[Trinity Lutheran College]]
*[[University of Puget Sound]]
*[[Walla Walla University]]
*[[Whitman College]]
*[[Whitworth University]]
</small>
|}

===Community colleges===
{|
|-----
| valign="top" |
*[[Bates Technical College]]
*[[Bellevue Community College]]
*[[Bellingham Technical College]]
*[[Big Bend Community College]]
*[[Cascadia Community College]]
*[[Centralia College]]
*[[Clark College (Washington)|Clark College]]
*[[Clover Park Technical College]]
*[[Columbia Basin College]]
*[[Edmonds Community College]]
*[[Everett Community College]]
*[[Grays Harbor College]]
*[[Green River Community College]]
*[[Highline Community College]]
*[[Lake Washington Technical College]]
*[[Lower Columbia College]]
| valign="top" |
*[[Olympic College]]
*[[Peninsula College]]
*[[Pierce College]]
*[[Renton Technical College]]
*[[Seattle Community College District]]
*[[Shoreline Community College]]
*[[Skagit Valley College]]
*[[South Puget Sound Community College]]
*[[Spokane Community College]]
*[[Spokane Falls Community College]]
*[[Tacoma Community College]]
*[[Walla Walla Community College]]
*[[Wenatchee Valley College]]
*[[Whatcom Community College]]
*[[Yakima Valley Community College]]
</small>
|}

===Educational cooperatives===
*Washington School Information Processing Cooperative [[WSIPC|(WSIPC)]]

===[[Educational service district]]===
*ESD 101
*ESD 105
*ESD 112
*ESD 113
*ESD 114
*ESD 121
*ESD 123
*ESD 171
*ESD 189

==Professional sports==
{| class="wikitable"
!Club
!Sport
!League
!City & Stadium
|-
|[[Seattle Seahawks]]
|[[American Football|Football]]
|[[National Football League]]''';''' [[National Football Conference|NFC]]
|[[Seattle, Washington|Seattle]], [[Qwest Field]]
|-
|[[Seattle Mariners]]
|[[Baseball]]
|[[Major League Baseball]]''';''' [[American League|AL]]
|Seattle, [[Safeco Field]]
|-
|[[Seattle Thunderbirds]]
|[[Ice Hockey]]
|[[Western Hockey League]]
|Seattle, KeyArena
|-
|[[Seattle Storm]]
|Basketball
|[[Women's National Basketball Association]]
|Seattle, KeyArena
|-
|[[Seattle Sounders FC]]
|[[Soccer]]
|[[Major League Soccer]]
|Seattle, Qwest Field
|-
|[[Seattle Sounders (USL)|Seattle Sounders]]
|Soccer
|[[USL First Division]] (men's)<br />[[W-League]] (women's)
|Seattle, Qwest Field
|-
|[[Bellingham Slam]]
|Basketball
|[[American Basketball Association (21st century)|American Basketball Association]]
|Bellingham, [[Whatcom Community College]]
|-
|[[Bellevue Blackhawks]]
|Basketball
|[[American Basketball Association (21st century)|American Basketball Association]]
|Bellevue, [[Meydenbauer Center]]
|-
|[[Everett Silvertips]]
|Ice Hockey
|Western Hockey League
|[[Everett, Washington|Everett]], [[Everett Events Center]]
|-
|[[Spokane Chiefs]]
|Ice Hockey
|Western Hockey League
|Spokane, [[Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena|Spokane Arena]]
|-
|[[Tri-City Americans]]
|Ice Hockey
|Western Hockey League
|[[Kennewick, Washington|Kennewick]], [[Toyota Center (Kennewick)|Toyota Center]]
|-
|[[Tri-City Fever]]
|[[Arena Football]]
|[[af2]]
|Kennewick, Toyota Center
|-
|[[Tri-City Dust Devils]]
|Baseball
|[[Northwest League]]''';''' [[Minor league baseball#Farm System|A]]
|[[Pasco, Washington|Pasco]], [[Dust Devils Stadium]]
|-
|[[Tacoma Rainiers]]
|Baseball
|[[Pacific Coast League]]''';''' [[Minor league baseball#Farm System|AAA]]
|Tacoma, [[Cheney Stadium]]
|-
|[[Spokane Indians]]
|Baseball
|[[Northwest League]]''';''' A
|Spokane, [[Avista Stadium]]
|-
|[[Everett AquaSox]]
|Baseball
|[[Northwest League]]''';''' A
|Everett, [[Everett Memorial Stadium]]
|-
|[[Yakima Bears]]
|Baseball
|[[Northwest League]]''';''' A
|Yakima, [[Yakima County Stadium]]
|-
|[[Spokane Shock]]
|[[Arena Football]]
|[[af2]]
|Spokane, [[Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena|Spokane Arena]]
|-
|[[Yakima Sun Kings]]
|Basketball
|[[Continental Basketball Association]]
|Yakima, [[Yakima SunDome|Yakima Valley SunDome]]
|-
|[[Old Puget Sound Beach RFC]]
|Rugby
|[[Rugby Super League (US)|RSL]]
|Seattle, various venues
|}

==Miscellaneous topics==
Three ships of the [[United States Navy]], including two battleships, have been named [[USS Washington|USS ''Washington'']] in honor of the state. Previous ships had held that name in honor of George Washington.

===State symbols===
[[Image:2007 WA Proof.png|thumb|150px|Reverse side of the Washington quarter]]
{{main|List of Washington state symbols}}

The [[State song]] is "Washington My Home", the [[List of U.S. state birds|State bird]] is the [[American Goldfinch]], the State fruit is the [[Apple]], and the State vegetable is the [[Onion|Walla Walla Sweet Onion]]<ref>[http://www.komotv.com/news/local/6890067.html Senate passes measure designating Walla Walla onion state veggie]. Komo 4 Television. April 5, 2007. Retrieved on April 5, 2007.</ref> The State dance, adopted in 1979, is the [[Square Dance]]. The [[State Tree]] is the [[Western Hemlock]]. The [[State flower]] is the [[Coast Rhododendron|Coast]] [[Rhododendron]]. The [[State Fish]] is the [[Steelhead Trout]]. The [[State folk song]] is "Roll On, Columbia, Roll On" by [[Woody Guthrie]]. The State Grass is [[Bluebunch wheatgrass]]. The [[State Insect]] is the Green Darner [[Dragonfly]]. The [[List of U.S. state minerals, rocks, stones and gemstones|State Gem]] is [[Petrified wood]]. The [[State Fossil]] is the [[Columbian Mammoth]]. The [[State Marine Mammal]] is the Orca Whale.<ref>[http://www.leg.wa.gov/Legislature/StateSymbols/ State Symbols]. Washington State Legislature. Retrieved on April 5, 2007</ref> The [[Seals of the U.S. states|State Seal]] (featured in the state flag as well) was inspired by the unfinished portrait by [[Gilbert Stuart]].<ref>[http://www.secstate.wa.gov/seal/history.aspx History of the State Seal]. Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved on April 5, 2007</ref>
{{clear}}

==See also==
{{portal|Washington state|Washington state seal.svg}}
*'''[[List of Washington-related topics]]'''
{{clear}}
<!-- Please place links to all topics directly related to the State of Washington in the [[List of Washington-related topics]] -->

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{sisterlinks}}
*[http://access.wa.gov/ State of Washington website]
*[http://wikis.ala.org/godort/index.php/Washington Washington State Databases] - Annotated list of searchable databases produced by Washington state agencies and compiled by the Government Documents Roundtable of the American Library Association.
*[http://www.secstate.wa.gov/history/ Secretary of State's Washington History website]
*[http://www.courts.wa.gov/education/constitution/index.cfm Constitution of the State of Washington]
*[http://www.leg.wa.gov/wac/ Washington Administrative Code (State Administrative Rules)]
*[http://search.leg.wa.gov/pub/textsearch/default.asp State Code Search Tool]
*[http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=WA Energy Profile for Washington] - Economic, environmental, and energy data
*[http://www.usgs.gov/state/state.asp?State=WA USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Washington]
*[http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/53000.html U.S. Census Bureau]
*[http://www.historylink.org/this_week/index.cfm Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History]
{{-}}
{{Washington|expand}}
{{United States}}
{{US West}}

{{succession
| preceded = [[Montana]]
| office = [[List of U.S. states by date of statehood]]
| years = Admitted on November 11, 1889 (42nd)
| succeeded = [[Idaho]]
}}

{{coord|display=title|47.5|N|120.5|W|region:US-WA_type:adm1st_scale:3000000}}

[[Category:1889 establishments]]
[[Category:Eponymous places]]
[[Category:States of the United States]]
[[Category:Washington (U.S. state)| ]]

{{Link FA|es}}
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