State Guide

Washington is one of the most extensive and populous states of the United States of America. The state is located in the Pacific Northwestern region of the United States and is bordered by Oregon to the south, Idaho to the east, and the Canadian's British Columbia to the north. The State of Washington was named after the first president of the United States, George Washington. The state is commonly known as "Washington State" to differentiate it from Washington, D.C. and also referred as "the Evergreen State" Olympia is the capital city of Washington and Seattle is the state’s largest city.

Washington Fast Facts:

Capital city: Olympia
Largest city: Seattle
Sate Mammal: Olympic marmot
State Fossil: Columbian Mammoth
State Marine Mammal: Orca
Sate Bird: Willow Goldfinch
State Tree: Western Hemlock
State Flower: Coast Rhododendron
State Song:Washington, My Home
State Soil: Tokul
Common Languages Spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, Russian, and German

Image source: http://leg.wa.gov

History of Washington

Image source:
http://leg.wa.gov

Prior to the European and American settlements, Washington was home to many Native American tribes. The history of Washington reflects Native American cultures, traditions and lifestyle. Numerous animal and human remains, including the skeletal remains of one of the oldest humankind in North America called Kennewick Man were discovered in Washington. The Pacific Northwest and Olympic Peninsula were among the first areas were human settlement began.

The main tribes of the coastal regions include the Chinook, Quinault, Lummi, Nez Perce, Makah, Snohomish and Quileute. Additionally, the Plateau tribes are the Klickitat, Okanogan, Cayuse, Palouse, Wenatchee, Spokane, and Yakima.

Washington State Exploration ^[1]

The European exploration of Washington started by a Spanish Captain in 1775 who conquered the entire coastal lands including Prince William Sound. Under the Treaty of Tordesillas, these areas were claimed and built as the Spanish Empire. Many British Explorers also arrived in Washington and they explored Cape Flattery. The Spanish exclusive rule became weaker with the Spanish-British Nootka Conventions of the 1790s, after which the Northwest Coast were opened to explorers and traders from other nations, including Britain, Russia, and the United States. Later in the 19th century white women started moving to the state and the Metis women were favorite as wives for the traders.

Image source: http://www.sos.wa.gov

Several missions and Whitman’s settlements were established in the 19th century near present day Walla Walla County by a group of missionaries. Whitman’s settlement established by Marcus Whitman, brought in some changes and missionary Marcus Whitman provided medical assistance and care to the people. Whitman massacre happened in 1847 when the Indians held Whitman responsible for not able to cure Indians from new European diseases but the many white patients were cured and recovered. The whole event led to the Cayuse War between settlers and Indians.

Some American moved to the northern part of Oregon Territory and settled in the Puget Sound area, the present day Washington State. A farm and fur post owned by Puget’s Sound Agricultural Company called Fort Nisqually was the first settlement found in Puget Sound area in the west.

The Fraser Canyon Gold Rush in British Columbia in the 19th century brought in many miners and many violent events happened en route. Later, Seattle which was originally called Duwamps was discovered. More Settlers were drawn in the Oregon territory by lumber industries. The Treaty of 1818 between Great Britain and the United States established the 49th parallel as the border and made a agreement to joint control and occupancy of Oregon Country. The Oregon Territory, comprising of present-day Washington, Oregon, and Idaho and also parts of Montana and Wyoming, was established in 1848. Washington Territory, comprising of Washington and parts of Idaho and Montana, was formed from Oregon Territory in 1853.

Washington Statehood

Image source: http://www.sos.wa.gov

The Territory of Washington was formed in 1853 and existed until November 1889. The Territory was formed from the portion of the Oregon Territory and include present day Idaho, parts of Montana and Wyoming.

In 1859, Oregon became a state and the regions of southern Idaho, the continental divide's western part of Wyoming, Montana and a part of Ravalli County, were included to the Washington Territory.

In 1863, Idaho Territory was created. In 1861 and 1863, the southeastern tip of the present day Wyoming and Washington Territory’s areas east of the Snake River and the 117th meridian were included to the Nebraska and Idaho Territories.. Later in November, 1889, Washington State became the 42nd state of the United States.

Washington Timeline History

1500s and 1600s and 1700s:

1543: Spanish explorers reached southern Oregon
1579: The Washington coast explored and claimed by Sir Francis Drake
1775: The first known Europeans reached on Washington State soil
1791: The Columbia River discovered by Robert Gray
1790: Spain and England sign the Treaty of Nootka

1800s:

1810: The British North West Fur Company established
1812: War with England - the War of 1812
1818: Fort Walla Walla established
1832: First School in Washington
1838: Catholics established missions in the Oregon Country
1856: Battle of the Cascades - Indians raid Columbia River
First ferry route established
1859: Oregon became a state and Washington Territory enlarged
1861: The Washington Territorial University opened in Seattle
1863: Idaho Territory created
1889: Washington admitted as a state

1900s:

1902: The Yacolt Fire burned many acres in Oregon and Washington and killed many.
1910: Women won right to vote in Washington
1916: The Boeing Co., originally known as Pacific Aero Products, was founded in Seattle by William Boeing.
1975: Microsoft founded
1976: First woman governor, Dixy Lee Ray, elected
1980: Mount St. Helens erupted

2000s:

2006: State court backed gay marriage ban
2007: Boeing unveiled environmentally friendly 787 Dreamliner jet
2009: Boeing’s new 787 Jetliner made its first flight from Everett’s Paine Field
2014: Washington State issued its first retail marijuana licenses.

Geography of Washington

Geographical Facts:

Total Area: 71,362 sq mi (184,827 km²)
Area under water: 6.6%
Latitude: 45^o 33′ N to 49^oN
Longitude: 116^o 55′ W to 124^o 46′ W
Largest state: Seattle
Highest point: Mount Rainier
14,411 ft (4,392 m)
Mean point: 1,700 ft(520 m)
Lowest point: Pacific Ocean
sea level
Time Zone Mountain: Pacific-UTC −8/−7

Washington is a part of the Pacific Northwestern region and is located in the north-western part of the United States. It is one of the most extensive and populous states of the United States of America and is bordered by Oregon to the south, Idaho to the east, Columbia River to the west and the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north. Washington’s northern border runs through the 49th parallel, and extends to marine boundaries through Haro Strait, the Strait of Georgia, and Strait of Juan de Fuca. Washington State covers a total area of 71,362 square miles (184,827 km²) ^[3]. The state is geologically active and encompasses numerous volcanic mountains.

Topography of Washington

Washington is a mountainous state. The Coast Ranges along the Pacific coast extends northward from Oregon and Washington and form two groups, namely the Olympic Mountains in the northwest and the Willapa Hills in the southwest. The Cascade Range extends north to South in Washington. The Western Corridor is a trough like depression that lies between the Coast and Cascade ranges. South-central Washington, forms part of the Columbia Plateau, and is generally flat.

Image source: http://dnr.wa.gov

Mountain Ranges

The Cascade Range is an important mountain range that extends from southern British Columbia to Northern Washington through Washington and Oregon. The Range encompasses volcanic and non-volcanic mountains. Mount Rainer is the highest peak in the range in Washington. The Washington section of the range is commonly known as the Cascade Mountains or North Cascades.

Image source: http://access.wa.gov

The volcanic mountains are known as the High Cascades consisting of Glacier Peak, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. The non volcanic mountains are called the North Cascades. The high mountains extend from north to south. The western part of the Cascades is entirely marine west coastal regions. The Cascades is an active part of the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, volcanic mountains in and around the Pacific ocean and thus results in many volcanic eruptions. The Volcano in Washington that is actively erupting is the Mount St. Helens. Mount Rainer, lies closer to the Seattle metropolitan area and poses to be the most dangerous volcano in the Cascade Range.

In Washington, the eastern part of the Cascade Range comprises of plateau, with a relatively dry climate, semi arid areas, deserts with an extremely arid climate. In the northeast portion, there is the Okanogan Highlands, the Blue Mountains and the Palouse Hills in the southeast which form extensions of the Rocky Mountain system. The southern part of the Cascade Mountain Range comprises of Cenozoic volcanic rocks and deposits.

Olympic Mountains

Olympic Mountains are located in the western part of Washington. The highest of the Olympic group is Mt. Olympus. The mountain is home to many dense and deep coniferous forests and temperate rain forest such as Hoh Rainforest, and pristine coastlines. The Coast Ranges extends northward from Oregon and Washington to form the Olympic Mountains, which is the heart of the Olympic Peninsula. The Olympic Mountains are famous for the moisture laden Pacific storms. Mount Olympus is the highest point of the range.

Willapa Hills

The Willapa Hills are located between the Olympic Mountains to the north and the Columbia River to the south and are part of the Coast Range. The Willapa Hills has comprehensive section of Tertiary sedimentary and igneous rocks and encompasses Doty Hills, the Black Hills, and the nearby valleys that open up to the Pacific Ocean.

Image source: http://access.wa.gov

Rivers in Washington

The Puget Sound carved the state and created many inland saltwater shorelines. The eastern half of the state is drained by the Columbia River. The Columbia River is among the longest and the most powerful rivers and is also an important water source for agriculture in the state. The River enters Washington in the northeast corner and flows across the state to the Oregon border and the Pacific. The other notable river is the Snake that flows from Idaho in the southeast and flows westward, meeting the Columbia River near Pasco.

Washington’s largest artificial lake is Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake. The state also has numerous dams, which serve as the water storage, flood control, and hydroelectric power. One of the largest and most famous dams in the US is Grand Coulee is one of the largest dams in the United States and is located in the upper Columbia River.

Forests in Washington

Washington is home to many forests. The forest offers the natural habitat of many flora and fauna and also offer numerous natural resources. Many explorers visit the forest for educational or commercial purposes and also to explore the wild life and rare birds.

Washington State forest

The Capitol State Forest is managed by Washington Department of Natural Resources and is located in Grays Harbor county of Washington. The forest is important to the state and offers logs, mountain biking, off-road motorcycles, hiking and horseback riding. It also presents part of the unique Mima Mounds geologic feature.

Tiger Mountain State Forest is located is a state forest located in King County. It is owned and managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The entire Issaquah Plateau was assigned as a conservation area, the West Tiger Mountain Natural Resources Conservation Area.

Yacolt Burn State Forest is owned and managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and is located in Clark County. The name was assigned from the dozens of fires that broke out in Washington state and Oregon due to many weather factors and careless human activities.

National Forest in Washington

Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a scenic area that includes a spectacular river canyon and serves as a major transportation corridor.

Contact Details:
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
902 Wasco Avenue
Suite 200
Hood River, OR 97031
Phone: (541) 308-1700

Colville

The Colville National Forest was formed and shaped many thousand years ago by Ice Age glaciers and associated with rich cultural and natural history.

Contact Details:
765 South Main Street
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: (509) 684-7000

Gifford Pinchot

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest features Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and also offer amusing variety of recreation activities.

Image source: http://www.dnr.wa.gov

Contact Details:
Forest Headquarters
10600 N.E. 51st Circle
Vancouver, WA 98682
Phone:(360) 891-5000

Idaho Panhandle

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests comprise of public lands and is also a combination of the Coeur d'Alene and portions of the Kaniksu and St. Joe National Forests.

Contact Details:
3815 Schreiber Way
Coeur d'Alene,
ID 83815-8363
Phone: (208) 765-7223
Fax: (208)765-7307

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is located bear the Seattle-metro area and is a beautiful fishing destination. It also features the scenic snow-clad peaks.

Contact Details:
2930 Wetmore Ave., Ste 3A
Everett, WA
98201
Phone: (425) 783-6000
Fax: (800) 627-0062

Okanogan

The Okanogan National Forest features numerous miles of wilderness trails to explore by foot or horse and also offer many other recreational activities.

Contact Details:
Okanagon National Forest
1240 South Second Avenue
Okanagon, WA 98841
Phone: (509) 826-3275
Fax: (509) 826-3789

Olympic

The forest is located on the Olympic Peninsula and includes rugged mountains, temperate rain forest,coastal beaches and lowland lakes, rivers.

Contact Details:
1835 Black Lk Blvd SW
Olympia, WA 98512
Phone: (360) 956-2402

Wenatchee

The Wenatchee Forest covers the regions of upper Lake Chelan to the north and the Yakima Indian Reservation to the south. Many varied vegetation are found in the forest. The vegetation varies with the elevation, including sagebrush, pine , alpine fir, mountain huckleberry etc.

Contact Details:
215 Melody Lane
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Phone: (509) 664-9200
Fax: (509) 664-9280

Climate in Washington

The climate in Washington varies to a great extent from western to eastern regions. The western Washington experiences an oceanic climate with considerable fog, cloudy and prolonged drizzles in the winter, and warm, temperate summers. While in the eastern Washington, the climate is comparatively drier and semi-arid climate with arctic cold fronts in the winter and heat waves in the summer.

Washington's average annual temperature varies from 51^oF (11 ^o C) on the Pacific coast to 40^oF (4^oC) in the northeast. The all time lowest temperature recorded in the state was −48^o F (−44^o C) in Winthrop and Mazama and the highest temperature recorded was 118^oF (48^o C) at Ice Harbor Dam.

A high pressure anticyclone system (clockwise air spiraling outward) is quite prevalent in the north Pacific Ocean in the spring and summer seasons that brings cool air and a dry season in Washington. A low pressure cyclone system (anti clockwise air spiraling inward) dominates the north Pacific Ocean in the autumn and winter that brings warmer air and rain in Washington.

Precipitation in Washington also shows extreme variation from western to eastern regions. The western part of the Olympic Peninsula gets the highest rainfall and hence is the wettest area in the United States. The western slopes of the Cascade Range also witness some of the heaviest annual snowfall in the nation. The areas east of the Cascades are the rain shadow areas and receive lesser annual precipitation.

Demographics of Washington

According to 2013 United States census bureau estimation, the population of Washington was 6,971,406, which showed an increase of 3.7% since the year 2010. In the Pacific Northwest region, Washington is the most populous states followed by Oregon, and Idaho. The population density of the state is 101.2 people per square mile ^[4]. The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan Area is among the most populated cities of Washington.

Various Races in Washington Base on 2013 Estimation: ^[4]

White alone: 81.2%
Black or African American: 4.0%
Asian: 7.9%
Native American or Alaska Native: 1.9%
Native Hawaiian & other Pacific Islander: 0.7%
Two or More Races: 4.4%
Hispanic or Latino: 11.9%

The racial and ethnic composition of Washington include Non-Hispanic Whites, White Hispanics, Black or African American, Native Americans, Asian, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Indian, Japanese, Cambodian, Laotian, Pacific Islander (0.2% Samoan, 0.1% Guamanian, 0.1% Hawaiian), and other races.There is a sizable population with Hispanic or Latino heritage at 11.9%. According to the Census Bureau, the largest ancestry groups in Washington include German, Irish, English, Hispanic, Norwegian, French, American, Swedish, Italian, Scottish, Scotch Irish, Dutch, Polish, and Russian.

Washington Population Quick Facts, 2013 Estimation:^[4]

Population, 2013 estimate: 6,971,406
Population, 2010 estimates base: 6,724,543
Population, percent change, April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2013: 3.7%
Persons under 5 years, percent, 2013: 6.4%
Persons under 18 years, percent, 2013: 22.9%
Persons 65 years and over, percent, 2013: 13.6%
Female persons, percent, 2013: 50.0%

The major languages spoken in Washington include^[5]

Spanish: 7.79%
Chinese(including Cantonese and Mandarin):1.19%
Vietnamese: 0.94%
Tagalog: 0.84%
Korean: 0.83%
Russian: 0.80%
German: 0.55%
Japanese: 0.39%
French: 0.33%
Ukrainian: 0.27%
Ukrainian: 0.27%
Mon-Khmer, Cambodian: 0.22%
Cantonese: 0.22%
Mandarin: 0.21%
Hindi: 0.21%

Some of the major religions followed by the people of Washington include Protestant, Evangelical, Protestant Mainline, Catholic, Mormon, Jewish, Muslim, and other religions. The largest group of people are affiliated to the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) and the Assemblies of God.

Aquarian Tabernacle Church, located in Index is the largest Wiccan church in the United States of America.

Economy of Washington

Several sectors play a vital role in the economic growth of Washington State. Major sectors that contribute immensely include financial institutions, services, lumbering, manufacturing (shipbuilding, aerospace equipment, wood products and food processing), agriculture,and tourism. As of 2013 estimation, Washington Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was $408.0 billion and ranked 14th in the United States. Washington witnessed a hike of 2.7 % real GDP in 2013 ^[6]. Washington State’s per capita personal income (PCPI) in 2013 was $47,717 which register a hike of 1.4 % from 2012 and ranked 12th in the United States ^[6]. Washington recorded an unemployment rate of 7.0% in 2013, a decrease of 1.2 % from 2012 ^[7].

Image source: http://www.ofm.wa.gov

Agriculture in Washington

Washington's agriculture contributes immensely to the economy of the state. Agriculture contributes 13% of the state’s economy. The state's fertile soils, varied climates and large-scale irrigation make Washington one of the most agriculturally rich regions in the world with its surplus crop production each year. Agricultural trade in Washington is a huge success Washington has numerous sea ports and the ports are a major hub for the state's agricultural trade with the nearby important Asian markets.

2012 top 10 Productions: ^[8]

Apples: $2.25 (billion)
Wheat: $1.18 (billion)
Milk: $1.16 (billion)
Potatoes: $700 (million)
Hay: $679 (million)
Cattle/Calves: $624 (million)
Sweet Cherries: $499 (million)
Nursery/Greenhouses: $305 (million)
Grapes: $236 (million)
Pears: $206 (million)

Washington’s food and agriculture industry is one of the major employers of the state. In terms of revenue generation, crops and livestock products are ranked among the top that contribute to the state’s economic growth. Washington is the top producer of apple. Apple generates huge revenue in Washington, more than any other state. Washington's top five agricultural products that assisted in revenue generation of the state are apples, dairy products, beef cattle and calves, wheat, and potatoes. Washington's other major productions include hops, stone fruits, farm forest products, fish, shellfish, onions and mint oils.

Washington's major live stocks products include milk, beef cattle, calves, aquaculture, broiler, chicken eggs,etc. Washington is well known for its fish and some main catch are sockeye and chinook salmon, coho, and pink salmon, shrimps, clams, oysters, halibut, crabs, flounder, cod, herring, rockfish, steelhead, and tuna.

Tourism in Washington

Tourism is also a principal part of Washington’s economy and is one of the largest employers of the state. Many plans and programs are implemented to improve Washington’s transportation network and accordingly enhance the tourism sector. Some of the major tourist attractions of the state include-

Some notable Dams-

Grand Coulee Dam
Lake Roosevelt
Mud Mountain Dam Project White River
North Fork Lewis River

Some notable Gardens-

Image source: http://access.wa.gov

Bellevue Botanical Garden
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens
Lakewold Gardens
Lawson Gardens
Ohme Gardens
Pacific Rim Bonzai Garden
Seattle Gardens
Skagit Display Gardens
Two Rainy Side Gardeners

Some notable Historical Sites-

Cedar Creek Grist Mill
Clark County Historical Museum
Cowlitz County Historical Museum
Online Highways' Washington Historical Museums
Pearson Air Museum
City of Snohomish

Light house-Point Wilson Lighthouse

Some notable Mountains-

Cascade Loop
Mt. Adams
Mt. Baker
Mt Baker
Mt. Rainer
Mt. Rainer
Mt. St. Helens

Olympic Peninsula-

Hurricane Ridge
Olympic Getaways
Olympic National Park

Industries in Washington

Washington's main industries that contribute in the state's revenue generation include manufacturing, software and computer-related industries. Many technology companies in Washington are world leaders, including Boeing's airplane and Microsoft. Boeing runs the largest industry in Washington State that produces aerospace and transportation equipments. Additionally, biotechnology firms in Washington are also growing.

Washington State is among the top film-production states in the nation. Washington is also a sought after destination for film and TV shootings and many producers from other states and countries shoot numerous films and videos in Washington. Revenues over millions are generated from film companies and thus contribute immensely to the state's economy annually.

Image source: http://www.bea.gov

Washington's important mined products include cement, coal, crushed stone, sand and gravel, gold, gypsum, clay, and silver.

Listed below is the employment provided by various industries in Washington base on October, 2014 estimation on number of persons, in thousands ^[9].

Trade, transportation and utilities: 575.0
Government: 555.3
Education and health services: 447.7
Professional and business services: 370.4
Leisure and hospitality: 302.9
Manufacturing: 288.5
Financial activities: 153.9
Other services: 113.0
Information: 109.6
Mining, lodging and construction: 6.3
Total Non Farm: 3,080.6

Occupations with the highest employment, as of May 2013

Image source: http://www.bls.gov

Government of Washington

The Government of Washington is guarded and established by the Washington Constitution which is divided into three distinct branches: the Executive branch (Governor of Washington, Constitutionally elected officers and state agencies), the Legislative branch (the House of Representatives and the Senate) and the Judicial branch (Supreme Court and lower courts).

Image source: http://access.wa.gov

Washington Executive Branch

The executive branch of Washington is a well functioning body of the government of Washington. The branch consists of the Governor of Washington, Constitutionally elected officials and the Governor's cabinet. Democrat, Jay Robert Inslee is the current governor of Washington since 2012.

Washington State Legislative Branch

Washington State Legislature is the body of the state government of Washington which is divided into two separate assemblies, namely House of Representatives and Washington Senate. The Washington House of Representatives consist of 98 elected members from 49 districts. The Washington State Senate is the upper house of the state legislature and consists of 49 state senators

Washington Judiciary Branch

Under the Washington Constitution, the Judiciary branch applies and interprets laws and regulations to ensure justice in the state. The judicial system of Washington is served by numerous efficient professionally trained judges. The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) is an association authorized by the Washington Supreme Court, and they operate to license and manage lawyers and attorneys under the authority of the Court. Barbara Madsen is the chief justice of Washington since 2010.

Learn more on: Government of Washington

Education in Washington

The education system in Washington comprises of the public and private schools, public and private universities, colleges and high schools. The Washington Department of Education is the division which is responsible to assess and manage the workings of all schools, colleges and universities in the state. The department’s mission is to provide world class education and best values to the students to ensure success in education, workplace and in every spheres of life.Randy Dorn is the current State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Various programs and plans are implemented to enhance the standard of education and also to improve the academic success rate.

Image source: http://www.wsac.wa.gov/

One of the notable programs initiated by the state legislature in 1990 was Running Start program. The program offers High school juniors and seniors in Washington to opt and attend institutions of higher education which will be paid by the government and also offer the benefits to earn high school and college credit.

Washington has over 40 institutions of higher education and also provide major research universities, religious schools, and private career colleges.

Some of the important public universities and colleges include-

Additional, there are several public high schools that focuses and promote arts. Some of the main arts schools include Tacoma School of the Arts, Vancouver school of Arts and Academics, and the Center School.

Some of the notable private Universities and Colleges of Washington are-

Antioch University, Seattle
Argosy University/Seattle, Seattle
The Art Institute of Seattle, Seattle
Bainbridge Graduate Institute, Seattle
Bastyr University, Kenmore
City University of Seattle
Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle
DeVry University
Federal Way DigiPen Institute of Technology, Redmond
Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary, Tacoma
Gonzaga University, Spokane
Heritage University, Toppenish
Interface College, Spokane
Northeastern University, Seattle Campus, Seattle
Northwest Theological Seminary, Lynnwood
Northwest University, Kirkland
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima
St. Martin's University, Lacey
Seattle Bible College, Seattle
Seattle Pacific University, Seattle
Seattle University, Seattle
Trinity Lutheran College, Everett

Washington focuses to include more sports and sports programs in schools, colleges, universities and also people from all walks to include sports and activities to live a healthy life. The major sports loved and played in Washington are football, baseball, soccer, arena football, indoor football, basketball, ice hockey, and rugby.

Washington Health Care

The Washington State Department of Public Health works efficiently to improve the health and living standards of the community by implementing many health regulating services and policies. Hospitals in Washington are well equipped with technologically advanced facilities, efficiently manned and provide 24-hour inpatient care, including medical, nursing, surgical, anesthesia, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy services, child care, maternity care, mental well being, and many more services.

Image source: http://www.hca.wa.gov

Several organizations in Washington are dedicated to provide organ, blood and tissue to those in need. The organizations are committed and striving to meet the transplant needs of the people of Washington.

The Washington Health Plan Finder Organizations provide the platform to compare health care plans and policies that are made available to the people of Washington State and also assist in paying the premium.

The Center for Health Statistics of the Washington State Department of Public health oversees and manages the collection, and distribution of public health and vital statistics data.

Learn more on: Washington Health Care

Washington Transportation System

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) overviews the entire transportation network of the state to ensure safe and easy commuting of people and goods. WSDOT owns, manages and maintains numerous lane-miles of roadway, bridges, tunnels, rails and also responsible for air and water quality, communities and roadsides.

Image source: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov

The road transportation in Washington comprises of several interstate highways, state routes, bridged and tunnels. The Washington State Department of Transportation is striving to ensure safe, convenient transportation and also to provide easy connectivity to various cities and states.. Primary interstate highways include I-5, I-82 and I-90 and the auxiliary interstate highways are I-182, I-205, I-405, I-605, and I-705.

Washington Air Transportation is a major mode that offers all round efficient and easy intercity and interstate connectivity. The Federal Aviation Administration authorizes and oversees all flight operations in Washington State. The Washington State Department of Transportation owns and maintains 16 state airports, of which nine are owned by state, three are owned and operated by special use permit, three are leased out, and one is operated through a right of entry.

The Rail Division under Washington State Department of Transportation oversees the rail transportation in Washington. The railways in Washington serve the people of Washington to provide convenient intercity and interstate connectivity. Additionally, the railways are an important mode for freight movements.

The water transportation in Washington is one of the most important mode of transportation in Washington. It plays vital role in the economic growth of the state and connects communities across Washington state and also to British Columbia. There are many waterways in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma and Olympia. Several bridges are constructed and also incorporate many ferry system to serve the transportation needs of people and goods. Washington State Ferry system is the largest in the United States that serves eight Washington counties.

Learn more on: Washington Transportation System

References: