Introduction: Virginia Download PDF
Virginias is rich in history. It is the home of the first English settlement in North America as well as four of the first five presidents, was the tenth state admitted to the Union, and the location of several decisive battles in the American Civil War.
Prior to the Civil War, Virginia’s economy relied heavily on tobacco. After the war, the economy diversified with the introduction of livestock and grain. Later, manufacturing became increasing important with chemicals, tobacco and food products, and textiles as the top manufactures. The second World War also increased federal government activity in the Washing, DC area.
Today, Virginia’s leading industries are in the service sector, including the successful finance, insurance, and real estate markets. Other growth has come from the expansion of federal offices into Virginian suburbs of Washington, making the state’s proximity to the capital an essential part of the economy.
Government
Symbols
State Seal: |
State Quarter: |
Time Zones:
| Standard Time | GMT-5 | |
| Daylight-Saving Time | GMT-4 | |
Statistics
- Per Capita Real GDP :
- $41,617
- Population:
- 7,769,090
- Percent of People Under Poverty Level:
- 10%
- Per Capita Personal Income:
- $39,173
- Percent of Population with a Bachelor's Degree:
- 19.6%
- Total Exports:
- $16,884,700,000
Top 5 Export Partner Countries
Canada
Germany
China
Japan
United Kingdom
Top 5 Export Merchandise
Chemicals Sales
Transportation Equipment Sales
Electrical Equipment Manufacturing
Computers and Electronic Products Manufacturing
Chemicals Manufacturing
Major Cities
Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Major Airports
| Airport Name | City | |
| ORF | Norfolk International | Norfolk |
| RIC | Richmond International | Richmond |
| ROA | Roanoke Regional/Woodrum Field | Roanoke |
Main Ports:
Hampton Roads, Hopewell, Richmond
Corporations
| Company | Fortune 1000 Rank: | Revenues ($millions) | Headquarter City |
| Freddie Mac | 50 | 44,002 | McLean |
| Sprint Nextel | 53 | 43,531 | Reston |
| General Dynamics | 92 | 24,212 | Falls Church |
| Dominion Resources | 140 | 16,524 | Richmond |
| Capital One Financial | 154 | 15,191 | McLean |