USA Washington | North America

Washington is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, bordering the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north, Idaho to the east, Oregon to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The state is defined by the Cascade Mountain Range, which bisects it into two distinct zones: the humid, forested west and the semi-arid, agricultural east. The capital city is Olympia.

History & Culture

Washington was admitted to the Union in 1889 as the 42nd state. Its modern identity is shaped by the aerospace, technology, and maritime industries. Primary religious affiliations are Christianity (61%) and irreligious/secular (32%). Independence Day (July 4) is the primary national holiday. Social etiquette emphasizes "Pacific Northwest Nice"-a blend of polite reserve and environmental consciousness-alongside a standardized 18–25% tipping expectation.

Language & Communication

The official language is English. English proficiency is high. Spanish is the second most spoken language (approx. 9%), followed by Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog, particularly in the Seattle metropolitan area.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 7.8 million, with 84% urban and 16% rural distribution. Top three export commodities are aerospace products (civilian aircraft), agricultural products (apples and wheat), and processed petroleum. GDP per capita is approximately $98,000 USD. The economy is driven by global technology firms (Microsoft, Amazon) and aerospace manufacturing (Boeing).

Visa & Entry Policy

Citizens of the UK, EU, and other Visa Waiver Program nations require an ESTA for stays up to 90 days. Other international travelers require a B1/B2 visa. Effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa issuance is restricted for nationals of 38 countries. There is no Visa on Arrival system. Customs enforcement at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is strict regarding the importation of plant materials to protect the state's timber and fruit industries.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and mobile "tap-to-pay" are universal. Many businesses in Seattle have transitioned to "card-only" models. Cash is used primarily for small tips or at rural farmers' markets. ATM availability is high across all urban and suburban areas.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by personal vehicles via I-5 and I-90. Amtrak provides rail service via the "Cascades" (Vancouver, BC to Eugene, OR) and the "Empire Builder" (Seattle to Chicago). The Washington State Ferry system is the largest in the U.S., serving as a primary transit link for the Puget Sound islands. Domestic and international aviation is anchored by Seattle-Tacoma (SEA).

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are T-Mobile (headquartered in Bellevue), Verizon, and AT&T. 5G coverage is comprehensive in the Puget Sound corridor and Spokane. 4G LTE is the standard in rural areas, though significant dead zones exist within the Olympic National Park and the high Cascade wilderness.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is Mediterranean/Oceanic west of the Cascades, with frequent light rain and cloud cover from October to May. The east is semi-arid with hot summers and cold winters. Peak snowfall in the mountains occurs between December and March. July and August are the driest months statewide.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Environmental risks include volcanic activity (Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier), wildfires in the east, and earthquakes. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Puget Sound (Tech/Industry): Hub city is Seattle.

Inland Empire (Agriculture/Education): Hub city is Spokane.

Olympic Peninsula (Timber/Tourism): Hub city is Port Angeles.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.45 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $7.50 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $50.00 USD

Facts & Legends

The "Seattle Underground" is a network of subterranean passages and basements in the Pioneer Square neighborhood; these were the original ground-level storefronts built in the mid-19th century that were entombed when the city rebuilt the streets one story higher following the Great Seattle Fire of 1889.