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Virginia: Quick Facts

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News •

Today in History: Nat Turner executed • Nov. 11, 2026, 4:30 AM ET (Chicago Tribune)
A Virginia man is convicted of murder after admitting he dismembered his wife. But he still says he didn’t kill her • Nov. 10, 2026, 5:12 PM ET (CNN)
The Beach Boys Cancel Final Remaining 2026 Concert Date • Nov. 9, 2026, 2:26 PM ET (Rolling Stone)
Virginia ripped up its gay marriage ban. They remember when it passed. • Nov. 8, 2026, 2:00 PM ET (Washington Post)
Trump’s agenda meets the ballot box as states vote on abortion, redistricting and voter ID mandates • Nov. 3, 2026, 11:21 PM ET (AP)

Facts

Also Known As Old Dominion State
Capital Richmond
Population1 (2020) 8,631,393; (2025 est.) 8,880,107
Governor Abigail Spanberger (Democrat)
Date Of Admission June 25, 17882
U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (Democrat) • Mark R. Warner (Democrat)
State Nickname Mother of Presidents • The Old Dominion
State Motto "Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus Always to Tyrants)"
State Bird northern cardinal
State Flower flowering dogwood
State Song “Sweet Virginia Breeze” • “Our Great Virginia”
Seats In U.S. House Of Representatives 11 (of 435)
Time Zone Eastern (GMT − 5 hours)
Total Area (Sq Km) 110,787
Total Area (Sq Mi) 42,775
1Excluding military abroad.2Original state; date shown is that of ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Photos and Videos

Virginia state flag
Virginia: seal
The cardinal is the state bird of Virginia.
The flowering dogwood is the state flower of Virginia.
Virginia
Monticello
Virginia counties
Blue Ridge Mountains
Physical features of Virginia
Map of the Upper South region of the United States, highlighting states including Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and parts of surrounding states. The map shows major physical features such as the Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge, Cumberland Plateau, major rivers, and lakes, along with the locations of national and state capitals and numerous cities.
What was life like in colonial America?
Learn about John D. Rockefeller's historic-preservation of early American history at Williamsburg
How a Historical Interpreter Connects to the Past at Colonial Williamsburg
Learn about Civil War battle-ridden Virginia, home of top generals and the Confederate capital, and the state's split with West Virginia
See All Videos, Images and Interactives →

Related Topics and References

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Related Places

Virginia State Capitol, Richmond
Richmond
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Reconstructed timber-framed houses and outbuildings surrounded by trees at Jamestown Settlement living history museum in Virginia.
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Map highlighting the location of Virginia Beach in southeastern Virginia, United States, near the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounding states including Maryland, North Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee are labeled, as well as Washington, D.C. An inset globe in the upper left shows the regional location within North America.
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Newport News Shipbuilding
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