USA West Virginia | North America

West Virginia is located in the Appalachian region of the Southern United States, bordering Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the northeast, Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, and Ohio to the northwest. It is the only state entirely located within the Appalachian Mountain range. The capital city is Charleston.

History & Culture

West Virginia was admitted to the Union in 1863 as the 35th state, having seceded from Virginia during the American Civil War. Its cultural identity is defined by Appalachian mountain traditions, a history of labor movements in the coal industry, and rural self-reliance. Primary religious affiliations are Protestant (70%) and Catholic (6%). Social etiquette emphasizes hospitality, community loyalty, and a standardized 18–25% tipping expectation.

Language & Communication

The official language is English. English proficiency is universal. Spanish is the second most common language (approx. 1.6%). The Appalachian dialect is dominant, characterized by distinct vocabulary and a unique phonology shaped by Scotch-Irish heritage.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 1.76 million. Top export commodities are coal ($2.8B), chemicals ($1.6B), and transportation equipment ($1.4B). GDP is approximately $83 billion USD. The economy is a national leader in energy production, accounting for 15% of U.S. coal and significant shale gas volumes. In 2026, the state is aggressively pursuing data center development, following April 2025 legislation that streamlined regulatory authority for large-scale tech complexes.

Visa & Entry Policy

Effective January 1, 2026, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, visa issuance is suspended or restricted for nationals of 39 countries to enhance security vetting. 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 December 2025, social media profiles must be set to public during H-1B and H-4 visa processing. Customs enforcement at Yeager (CRW) and regional hubs is strict regarding agricultural products.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Card payments and mobile "tap-to-pay" are universal in urban centers. Cash is common in rural "hollows," at small independent shops, and for small tips. ATM availability is high, with networks often found in convenience store chains like Sheetz and GoMart.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by the Interstate Highway System (I-64, I-77, I-79). Amtrak provides service via the "Cardinal" line. Domestic aviation is anchored by West Virginia International Yeager (CRW) and Huntington Tri-State (HTS). 2026 infrastructure focuses include the "Corridor H" highway completion and the rehabilitation of aging Appalachian bridge structures.

Digital Infrastructure

Major mobile network providers are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. 5G coverage is comprehensive in the Charleston-Huntington-Morgantown corridors. In January 2026, Governor Morrisey announced the approval of the state's BEAD final proposal, a historic initiative targeting 74,000 unserved locations with high-speed fiber. Signal strength remains highly inconsistent in the rugged terrain of the Monongahela National Forest.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is humid subtropical in the lowlands and humid continental in the mountains. For the 2025–2026 winter, La Niña conditions have resulted in variable precipitation, with higher-than-average snowfall favored in the northern mountains and near-normal temperatures in the southern valleys. January daytime highs average 5°C ($41$°F).

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccines are required for entry. Specific environmental risks include flash flooding, severe winter storms at high elevations, and tick-borne illnesses in wooded areas. The emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

The Metro Valley (Gov/Healthcare/Industry): Hub cities are Charleston and Huntington.

North-Central/University Region (Edu/Biotech/Logistics): Hub city is Morgantown.

The Eastern Panhandle (Commuter/Tech/Agri): Hub city is Martinsburg.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: $2.00 USD

1 Domestic Beer: $5.00 USD

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): $45.00 USD

Facts & Legends

West Virginia is home to the New River Gorge, featuring one of the oldest rivers and most iconic steel arch bridges in the world. A prominent local legend is the "Mothman" of Point Pleasant, a winged creature with glowing red eyes reported in 1966–1967. Other famous cryptids include the "Flatwoods Monster" (Braxie) and the "Sheepsquatch." Folklore also centers on "Bat Boy," reportedly discovered in Hellhole Cave, who remains a staple of Appalachian tabloid legend.