World Country Guide

General Information

Nickname
Old Dominion State

State bird
Cardinal

State flower
Dogwood

Capital
Richmond

Date of admission to the Union
June 25 1788 (original 13 States; date of ratification of the Constitution)

Population
7,459,827 (official estimate 2004)

Population density
67.3 per sq km

2003 total overseas arrivals/US ranking
234,000/21

Time
Eastern (GMT - 5). Daylight Saving Time is observed.

The State
Virginia stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. It is one of the country’s most historic and scenic States. Some of its leading attractions are located along the Potomac River: Arlington National Cemetery, with the grave of John F Kennedy; Old Town Alexandria; and Mount Vernon, George Washington’s country estate.
Driving trails link more than 250 Civil War sites across Virginia. Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy in the Civil War, has many fine old buildings and cultural options. Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown (the birthplace of the USA) are three of its most historic sites, situated further east.
Shenandoah Valley, with its caverns, waterfalls and popular resorts, is to the west. Other attractions include Virginia Beach, Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Luray Caverns, Cumberland Gap and Great Falls Park. Norfolk is an important Atlantic seaport and home to the world’s largest naval base. Viriginia boasts nearly 60 wineries offering tastings and tours.