Quick Facts
Capital: Richmond
Population: 7,078,515
Total Area: 42,774 square miles
Top Industry: Agriculture
Virginia has its roots back to 1607 when the Virginia Colony was
founded. Named after Queen Elizabeth I of England (known as the "Virgin
Queen"), Virginia is also known as the "Mother of Presidents" because
eight of our U.S. presidents were born there.
Tourism is another huge industry for Virginia. The landscape alone
brings people from all over the world, and, of course, because of their
catchy slogan "Virginia is for lovers". Virginia is actually 65%
forests. Within these forest, wildlife abounds which gives the state a
peaceful ambiance.
Virginia
Transportation
Rather than the cities or counties
owning the roads, the state government actually owns and operates near
85% of all the roadways in Virginia. Some great news for all those who
drive for their job or commute is that Virginia's roads have been
ranked the 18th best in the whole United States, and amazingly enough,
Virginia's average commuting time is just above 20 minutes.
Virginia is also home to 13 interstates, including I-77, I-581, I-81,
I-66, I-395, I-95, I-495, I-195, I-295, I-85, I-264, I-664, and I-64.
Major
Metropolitan Areas
Virginia Beach: With a population of 435,619, Virginia Beach is the
state of Virginia's biggest city. Virginia Beach's main
industry is tourism and is best known for its resorts, beaches, hotels,
and for being the Guinness Book of World Record holder of having the
longest pleasure beach in the world.
Norfolk: This is Virginia's second biggest city, with a population of
238,832. Norfolk is known to have the largest naval base in the entire
world and is the location of the Norfolk Southern Railway's corporate
headquarters.
Chesapeake: Formed in 1963, Chesapeake now has a population of
220,560--making it Virginia's third largest city. Interestingly enough,
Chesapeake is part of the Great Dismal Swamp region.
