Virginia Almanac: State Facts and Figures

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Virginia Almanac

Official Name

Virginia

Capital

Richmond

Nick Name

Old Dominion

Motto

Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants)

Location & Region

37.53105 N, 077.47458 W

Middle Atlantic

Constitution Ratified

1970

Statehood

June 25, 1788

10th state

Population

7,078,515

178.76 sq mi.

12th

Largest City
(by population)

Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Newport News

Bordering States

Kentucky - Maryland - North Carolina - Tennessee - West Virginia Coastline: 112 mi.

Number of Counties

96 Counties in Virginia and 40 Independent Cities

Largest County
(by population)

Fairfax County

969,749

396 sq mi.

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time

Virginia Climate and Weather

Virginia has four distinct seasons, each with its own appeal to travelers. Summers are hot and humid, but comparatively cool in the mountains. July temperatures range from 65-83 F/18-27 C, with TideWater Area²s (Norfolk, for example) often having rather high humidity (60%-85%). Expect some days at 90 F/32 C or above and occasional thunderstorms. Oceanfront or mountain recreation is best in the summer. Virginia has four distinct seasons, each with its own appeal to travelers. Summers are hot and humid, but comparatively cool in the mountains. July temperatures range from 65-83 F/18-27 C, with Tidewater areas (Norfolk, for example) often having rather high humidity (60%-85%). Expect some days at 90 F/32 C or above and occasional thunderstorms. Oceanfront or mountain recreation is best in the summer.

Highest Temperature

110 degrees
July 15, 1954 - Balcony Falls

Lowest Temperature

-30 degrees
January 22, 1985 - Mountain Lake Biological Station

Avg Temp: High - Low

88.4 degrees

26.2 degrees

Virginia Highest, Lowest, and Mean Elevations (Feet)

Mean Elevation

950

Highest Point

Mt. Rogers

5,729

Lowest Point

Atlantic Ocean

Sea level

Virginia Land Area (Square Miles)

Geographic Center

Total Area

42,774.20

35th

Land Area¹

39,594.07

92.57%

Water Area²

3,180.13

7.43%

Forested Land Area³

63.1%

Dimensions
(Length - Width)

430 miles

200 miles

Source: (U.S. Census, April 1, 2000)
1. Dry land and land temporarily or partially covered by water, such as marshland, swamps, etc.; streams and canals under one-eighth statute mile wide; and lakes, reservoirs, and ponds under 40 acres.
2. Permanent inland water surface, such as lakes, reservoirs, and ponds having an area of 40 acres or more; streams, sloughs, estuaries, and canals one-eighth statute mile or more in width; deeply indented embayments and sounds, and other coastal waters behind or sheltered by headlands or islands separated by less than 1 nautical mile of water, and islands under 40 acres in area. Excludes areas of oceans, bays, sounds, etc. lying within U.S. jurisdiction but not defined as inland water.
3. 1997

Almanac Provided by SHG Resources