Virginia

Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. It borders Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Maryland. The capital of Virginia is Richmond. The biggest city is Virginia Beach. Virginia is the twelfth-most populous state in the country.

The land in Virginia changes from the Atlantic Plain in the east to the Piedmont and Blue Ridge Mountains in the west. The Chesapeake Bay is an important part of the state. The Shenandoah Valley is known for its farmland. Northern Virginia has a strong economy with many technology companies and U.S. federal government offices. Hampton Roads has a big seaport and Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base.

Virginia's history goes back to many Indigenous groups, including the Powhatan. In 1607, the London Company created the Colony of Virginia. This was the first permanent English colony in the New World, and gave Virginia its nickname, the [Old Dominion](/wiki/Old_Dominion_(disambiguation). People from Virginia were important in the American Revolution and in creating the United States. During the American Civil War, Virginia was a key place. Its government supported the Confederacy, but some areas stayed loyal to the Union, which led to the creation of West Virginia.

History

Main article: History of Virginia

Earliest inhabitants

Main article: Native American tribes in Virginia

People have lived in Virginia for about 17,000 years. Long ago, tribes formed and began farming. By the 1500s, many tribes lived in what we now call Virginia. One group, led by Chief Powhatan, controlled many villages. Sadly, many people died from diseases brought by Europeans, which changed their way of life.

Colony

Main article: Colony of Virginia

Europeans explored the area in the 1500s. In 1607, they built a settlement called Jamestown. Life was hard, and many settlers didn’t survive. Over time, more people came, and the colony grew. New rules were made, and people began to choose their leaders. Virginia became an important place in the early history of America.

Statehood

See also: Virginia in the American Revolution

Virginia played a big role in America’s fight for independence. Leaders from Virginia helped write important documents, and many Virginians fought in the war. After the war, Virginia became a state and helped form the United States. Virginia was important in creating the rules and leaders for the new country.

Civil War

In the 1860s, Virginia was one of the states that fought in the Civil War. The war caused big changes in the state. Many battles happened in Virginia, and the war brought sadness and hardship to many families.

Reconstruction and segregation

After the Civil War, Virginia worked to rebuild. New rules were made to help everyone, but some people still treated others unfairly. Over time, leaders tried to make things better, but it took many years to change old habits and laws.

Civil rights to present

In the middle of the 1900s, people in Virginia worked hard to make sure everyone was treated fairly. Important laws were passed to end unfair treatment. Leaders from Virginia helped change the country. Today, Virginia continues to grow and change, with many people working together to make it a good place for everyone.

Geography

Main article: Environment of Virginia

Virginia is in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern parts of the United States. It touches Maryland and Washington, D.C. to the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, North Carolina to the south, Tennessee to the southwest, Kentucky to the west, and West Virginia to the northwest. The state has many different landscapes, from coastal areas to mountain regions.

Geology and terrain

Main article: Geology of Virginia

The Chesapeake Bay separates part of Virginia from a special area called the Eastern Shore. The bay was formed from an old river valley. Many rivers flow into the Chesapeake Bay, creating special areas called peninsulas. Virginia has many different types of land, including coastal plains, foothills, and mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains have the highest points in the state, with Mount Rogers being the tallest. There are also many caves, like Luray Caverns, and natural bridges. The state has areas for coal mining and other natural resources.

Climate

Main article: Climate of Virginia

See also: Climate change in Virginia

Virginia has a climate that changes from east to west. Along the coast, it is warmer, while areas west of the Blue Ridge Mountains can be colder. The state gets about 43 inches of rain each year. Virginia sometimes sees thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Snow can fall in winter, especially in the mountains.

Ecosystem

See also: List of endangered species in Virginia

Forests cover much of Virginia, with many different types of trees. The state is home to many animals, including deer, bears, foxes, and many bird species. There are also many fish in Virginia’s rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. The state works to protect its natural areas and wildlife.

Protected lands

See also: List of Virginia state parks

About 17% of Virginia’s land is protected. This includes national parks, forests, and state parks. These areas help protect the state’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Cities and towns

See also: Political subdivisions of Virginia and Virginia statistical areas

Virginia is divided into counties and independent cities. Over three million people live in Northern Virginia, which is part of the Washington, D.C. area. Fairfax County is the most populous area. Richmond is the capital, and Virginia Beach is one of the largest cities. Many people live in the Hampton Roads area, which includes cities like Norfolk and Chesapeake.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Virginia

The 2020 census counted 8,631,393 people living in Virginia. Virginia Beach was the most representative city in the state for income, race, and education levels.

Though births still outnumber deaths, Virginia has had more people leaving the state than moving in since 2013. This is mainly because homes in Northern Virginia are very expensive. About twelve percent of Virginians were born outside the United States. The most common countries of birth for these residents are El Salvador, India, Mexico, South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Race and ethnicity

The largest group in Virginia used to be non-Hispanic whites, but their share of the population has fallen. The second-largest group in Virginia is Black and African Americans, making up about one-fifth of the population.

More recent immigrants have created new communities of Hispanics and Asians. As of 2020, 10.5% of Virginians are Hispanic or Latino, and 8.8% are Asian.

Virginia’s tribal history is complex. In 2020, only 0.5% of Virginians were exclusively American Indian or Alaska Native, though 2.1% had some Native American ancestry. The state recognizes eleven tribes, and seven of these tribes have federal recognition. The Pamunkey and Mattaponi tribes have reservations along the York River.

Languages

In 2022, about 83% of Virginians aged five and older spoke English at home. Spanish was the next most common language, spoken by 7.5% of households. Arabic, Chinese languages, Vietnamese, Korean, and Tagalog were also spoken by smaller groups.

English is Virginia’s official language, though it wasn’t always required by law. Different areas have different accents. The Piedmont region has a strong influence on Southern American English, and the Tidewater accent comes from early English settlers.

Religion

Virginia guaranteed religious freedom in a law from 1786. While it is part of the Bible Belt, many Virginians do not regularly attend religious services. In 2023, 29% of Virginians had no religious affiliation. Of those who are affiliated, Protestants make up the largest group at 46%, followed by Catholics at 16%. Other groups include Jehovah’s Witnesses, Judaism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Islam, Mormonism, and Unitarian Universalism.

Fairfax County is the most religiously diverse area in the state. It includes sites like the Ekoji Buddhist Temple, the Durga Temple of Virginia, and the All Dulles Area Muslim Society. McLean Bible Church is one of the largest megachurches in the U.S. Virginia is home to several Christian universities, including Liberty University, the University of Lynchburg, and Regent University.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Virginia

See also: Virginia locations by per capita income

Virginia has many ways to make money, like jobs in government, the military, farming, and technology. In 2025, the average income was $80,291, and the whole state’s economy was worth $798.4 billion. The economy had a hard time during the COVID-19 recession but got better by 2023. By December 2025, the jobless rate was 3.6%, one of the lowest in the country.

Virginia’s average household income was $89,931 in 2023, ranking 11th highest in the nation. Some places, like Montgomery County near Blacksburg, have more people with low incomes, while Loudoun County and Northern Virginia have some of the highest incomes. Though homes cost a lot, especially in Northern Virginia, most people in Virginia own their homes. The Hampton Roads area has more people without homes than other parts of the state.

Virginia was named the best state for business in 2024 by CNBC. Most businesses in Virginia are small, and many jobs are in technology, especially in Northern Virginia. The state is also important for farming, military jobs, and tourism.

Government agencies

Many people in Virginia work for government agencies. In 2022, about 714,100 people had government jobs. Many of these jobs are with the federal government, especially the Department of Defense, which has many workers and military bases in the state, including the world’s largest navy base at Naval Station Norfolk. Other big federal offices in Northern Virginia include the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Science Foundation.

Virginia’s state government employs over 106,000 people. Teaching jobs pay about $59,970 a year on average, which is lower than in many other states when considering the cost of living.

Business

Virginia has many businesses, with 204,131 separate employers and many more small business owners. Some of the biggest companies are Freddie Mac, Boeing, and Capital One. The state has many technology jobs, especially in Northern Virginia, where companies focus on software, communications, and cybersecurity. Amazon and Google have major offices in Virginia.

Northern Virginia is also a major center for data centers, which store and manage internet information. These centers support many jobs and help manage a large part of the world’s internet traffic. Virginia is also a top state for farming, seafood, and tourism.

Agriculture

Farming uses 30% of Virginia’s land, with about 41,500 farms. Though fewer people work on farms today than in the past, farming still creates many jobs. Soybeans are the most profitable crop, but farmers also grow corn and tobacco. Virginia is a top producer of seafood, including oysters, crabs, and scallops. The state’s fishing industry supports many jobs, both commercial and recreational.

Virginia’s wine industry is growing, with many tourists visiting vineyards, especially in the Northern Neck and Blue Ridge Mountains. The state also has many breweries producing craft beer.

Taxes

Virginia collects income tax from people earning above a certain amount, with rates from 2% to 5.75% depending on income. Sales tax is generally 4.3%, but some areas have higher rates. Virginia also taxes property, with rates varying by local area. Northern Virginia has the highest property taxes in the state.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Virginia

Virginia's culture comes from many places and is part of the culture of the Southern United States. The Smithsonian Institution says Virginia has nine different cultural areas.

Virginia has special foods, like Smithfield ham, which is only made in the town of Smithfield. Virginia also makes its own wine. The state's buildings often show American colonial and Neoclassical styles.

Virginia has many writers who have written about its history.

Fine and performing arts

See also: Music of Virginia

Virginia supports the arts with places like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Science Museum of Virginia. There are also many other museums, like the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and Colonial Williamsburg.

Virginia has many music groups and performances. It is known for old-time string and bluegrass music, as well as gospel, blues, and modern styles like rock, R&B, hip hop, and metal. Famous musicians from Virginia include Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Matthews, and Pharrell Williams.

Festivals

Virginia holds many fairs and festivals. The Virginia State Fair happens every September. Other events include the Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach, Norfolk's Harborfest with boat racing and air shows, and the Pony Penning on Chincoteague Island.

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester includes parades and bluegrass concerts. Wolf Trap hosts an opera festival each summer, and the Blue Ridge Rock Festival draws thousands of music fans. Virginia also has film festivals in Charlottesville and Richmond.

Law and government

Main articles: Law of Virginia and Government of Virginia

In 1619, the first Virginia General Assembly met, making Virginia's government the oldest in North America. Today, Virginia's government works under its seventh constitution, approved in 1970 and started in 1971. It has three parts: a strong group that makes laws, a leader group, and a group of judges.

Virginia's law-making group has two parts: a 100-member group and a 40-member group. They create laws for the state. The leader group includes a governor, a helper governor, and a top lawyer, all chosen every four years. The governor cannot be chosen again right after their time, but can serve again later. The law-making group meets for a certain number of days each year to handle important matters.

Virginia's court system is also very old. Judges are chosen by votes from both parts of the law-making group. The courts start with smaller courts and move up to bigger ones, ending with the highest court. The largest police group in Virginia is the Virginia State Police. The Virginia Marine Police started in 1864 to protect oyster beds. The Virginia Capitol Police protect important government buildings and leaders. The governor can also use the Virginia National Guard when needed.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Virginia

Virginia's politics have changed a lot in the last hundred years. It used to be a rural, conservative state but has become more urban and moderate. In the past, Virginia had rules that made it hard for many people to vote, especially African Americans. Laws changed in the 1960s to help make voting fairer.

Today, Virginia's politics are split. Urban areas like Northern Virginia tend to support one party, while rural areas support another. This split has grown over time, with more people moving into the state from other places.

State elections

See also: Elections in Virginia and Political party strength in Virginia

2025 Virginia House of Delegates election

2023 Virginia Senate election

  Republican hold    Democratic hold
  Republican gain    Democratic gain

Virginia holds state elections in odd-numbered years. Sometimes, the party that wins matches the U.S. president's party, but not always. In recent years, Virginia has seen changes in which party controls the state government.

In 2017, Democrats won important state jobs. But in 2021, a Republican won the governor's race. In 2025, a Democrat became the first woman to be governor of Virginia.

Federal elections

See also: United States presidential elections in Virginia

Virginia used to swing between parties in presidential elections. But since 2008, it has voted for Democratic candidates. Virginia has thirteen electoral votes. Its two U.S. senators are from different groups, and the state has eleven representatives in the U.S. House.

Gerrymandering

Main article: Redistricting in Virginia

People have argued about how voting districts are drawn in Virginia for a long time. After the 2010 census, maps were made that favored one party. These maps were later changed after court rulings. In 2020, voters decided that a special group should draw the maps instead of politicians. But there were still challenges, and the courts had to step in to help draw new maps.

Education

Main article: Education in Virginia

Virginia’s schools are good and many students do well. The schools follow strict rules.

Virginia has many schools and universities. There are over 1 million students in more than 2,200 schools. There are also private schools and homeschooling. Most high school students finish on time.

Virginia has many colleges and universities. Some of the top schools are the University of Virginia, College of William and Mary, and Virginia Tech. The state also has many community colleges.

Health

Virginia was ranked well for its natural environment in the 2024 health ratings. But it was only in the middle for overall health and for how healthy people in the state live.

The state has a low number of early deaths and a low number of babies who do not survive their first year.

Some groups in Virginia have health problems more often than others. For example, African Americans have higher rates of heart disease and diabetes. The state also has some problems with drug use and not enough doctors and mental health helpers. Many people in Virginia do not get enough exercise, and some smoke or use e-cigarettes. However, Virginia does well in helping people stay up to date with important health shots, including one that helps protect girls from a certain illness before they start school. The state has many hospitals, including some that are known for taking good care of children and people with cancer. One hospital in Virginia was also where doctors first helped families have babies using a special science method.

Media

See also: List of newspapers in Virginia, List of radio stations in Virginia, and List of television stations in Virginia

The Hampton Roads area is one of the bigger media areas in the United States. The Richmond-Petersburg area is also a media spot. Northern Virginia is part of the Washington, D.C. media market.

Virginia has television stations that show programs from major U.S. networks. There are many radio stations with FM and AM licenses. The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is based in Arlington, and its station WETA-TV makes shows.

The most read newspapers in Virginia include The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and The Roanoke Times. USA Today, based in McLean, is also widely read. In Northern Virginia, The Washington Post is the main newspaper. Politico and Axios, covering national news, are located in Arlington.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in Virginia

Because of a law from 1932, most of Virginia's roads are controlled by the state government. As of 2018, the Virginia Department of Transportation owns and manages about 57,867 miles of the state's roads.

Traffic in Virginia can be busy, with long commute times, especially around Washington, D.C. Many people drive alone to work, but some use public transportation, including buses and trains. Virginia has several airports, with Dulles International and Reagan Washington National being the busiest. The state's ports, especially in Hampton Roads, handle a lot of cargo. There are also facilities for space launches.

Sports

See also: Sports teams in Virginia

Virginia does not have any big professional sports teams. This is because the state does not have one large city, and nearby cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Charlotte, and Raleigh already have teams. Plans to build new sports arenas in Virginia Beach and Alexandria were not approved.

Virginia has many smaller sports teams. You can find minor league baseball and hockey teams in cities like Norfolk and Richmond. Virginia has also had Olympic champions in gymnastics and track and field. The state hosts marathons, golf tournaments, and NASCAR races too.

College sports

Many college sports teams in Virginia are very popular. Fans often cheer for the Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies. These teams have won many championships in basketball and football. Virginia schools compete in different college sports groups, with some teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference and others in smaller groups.

High school sports

Virginia has some of the best high school basketball teams in the country. Many students play sports like football, track, soccer, basketball, baseball, and volleyball. There are also many youth soccer clubs across the state.

State symbols

Main article: List of Virginia state symbols

Virginia has several special names. The oldest is "Old Dominion," which started long ago. Another name is "The Cavalier State." Virginia is also called "Mother of Presidents" because eight of its people became President of the United States.

Virginia’s motto is "Sic Semper Tyrannis," meaning "Thus Always to Tyrants" in Latin. It appears on the state seal and flag. The state has many symbols, like the Cardinal as its bird, the Dogwood as its flower and tree, and Milk and Rye Whiskey as its official beverages.