Capital: Richmond

Governor: James S. Gilmore, R (to Jan. 2002)

Lieut. Governor: John H. Hager, R (to Jan. 2002)

Senators: John Warner, R (to Jan. 2003); George Allen, R (to Jan. 2007)

Secy. of the Commonwealth: Anne P. Petera (apptd. by governor)

Comptroller: William E. Landsidle (apptd. by governor)

Atty. General: Mark L. Earley Entered Union (rank): June 25, 1788 (10)

Present constitution adopted: 1970

Motto: Sic semper tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants)

State Symbols:

The history of America is closely tied to that of Virginia, particularly during the Colonial period. Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the first permanent English settlement in North America and slavery was introduced there in 1619. The surrenders ending both the American Revolution (Yorktown) and the Civil War (Appomattox) occurred in Virginia. The state is called the "Mother of Presidents" because eight U.S. Presidents were born there.

Today, Virginia has a large number of diversified manufacturing industries, including transportation equipment, textiles, food processing, and printing. Other important lines are electronic and other electrical equipment, chemicals, apparel, lumber and wood products, furniture, and industrial machinery and equipment.

Agriculture remains an important sector in the Virginia economy and the state ranks among the top 10 in the U.S. in tomatoes, tobacco, peanuts, summer potatoes, turkeys, apples, broilers, and sweet potatoes. Other crops include corn, vegetables, and barley. Famous for Smithfield hams, Virginia also has a large dairy industry.

Coal mining accounts for roughly 75% of Virginia's mineral output, and lime, kyanite, and stone are also mined.

Points of interest include Mt. Vernon and other places associated with George Washington; Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; Stratford, home of the Lees; Richmond, capital of the Confederacy and of Virginia; and Williamsburg, the restored Colonial capital.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel spans the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, connecting Cape Charles with Norfolk. Consisting of a series of low trestles, two bridges and two mile-long tunnels, the complex is 18 miles (29 km) long. It was opened in 1964.

Other attractions are the Shenandoah National Park, Colonial National Historical Park, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, the Booker T. Washington birthplace near Roanoke, Arlington House (the Robert E. Lee Memorial), the Skyline Drive, and the Blue Ridge National Parkway.

Nickname: The Old Dominion; Mother of Presidents

Origin of name: In honor of Elizabeth "Virgin Queen" of England

10 largest cities (1999 est.): Virginia Beach, 433,461; Norfolk, 225,875; Chesapeake, 202,759; Richmond, 189,700; Newport News, 179,138; Arlington CDP1, 174,838; Hampton, 137,193; Alexandria, 117,390; Portsmouth, 98,305; Roanoke, 93,357

Land area: 39,598 sq mi. (102,558 sq km)

Geographic center: Buckingham Co., 5 mi. SW of Buckingham

Number of counties: 95, plus 40 independent cities

Largest county by population and area: Fairfax, 945,717 (1999 est.); Augusta, 972 sq mi.

State forests: 11 (50,636 ac.)

State parks and recreational parks: 43

Residents: Virginian

1999 resident population est.: 6,872,912

1990 resident census population (rank): 6,187,358 (12). Male: 3,033,974; Female: 3,153,384. White: 4,791,739 (77.4%); Black: 1,162,994 (18.8%); American Indian: 15,282 (0.2%); Asian: 159,053 (2.6%); Other race: 58,290 (0.9%); Hispanic: 160,288 (2.6%). 1990 percent population under 18: 24.3; 65 and over: 10.7; median age: 32.5.