Washington: Evergreen State

Washington, in the Pacific Northwest, is known as the "Evergreen State" for lush forests, Seattle's technology and coffee scene, mountains, and progressive politics. The state features dramatic geography including volcanoes, rainforests, and arid eastern regions.

Seattle, the largest city, is home to Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, and Starbucks. The Space Needle is iconic. Olympia is the capital. Mount Rainier, an active volcano, dominates the skyline. Olympic National Park has rainforests and mountains. Eastern Washington is agricultural with wheat fields and wineries. San Juan Islands offer scenic beauty. Mount St. Helens erupted catastrophically in 1980.

Washington's economy includes technology, aerospace, agriculture (apples, cherries, wine), and trade (Pacific Rim gateway). No state income tax benefits residents. Seattle has thriving arts and music scene (grunge originated here with Nirvana, Pearl Jam). The state values environmentalism and outdoor recreation. Political divide between liberal Seattle and conservative eastern Washington creates tensions. Rain in western Washington is legendary. Coffee culture is central to identity. Washington combines natural beauty with technological innovation.