Capital: Richmond.

Governor: Mark R. Warner (D, to January 2006).

Population: 7,078,515.

Land area: 39,594 (square miles).

Entered the Union: June 25, 1788 as the 10th state.

Motto: Sic Semper tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants).

Nicknames: The Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents.

Flower: American Dogwood.

Bird: Cardinal.

Song: "Carry Me Back to Old Virginia".

Sports Teams: Virginia has no professional sports teams.

Origin of Name: In honor of Elizabeth, Virgin Queen of England.

Major Industries: Agriculture, government and manufacturing (transportation equipment, textiles, food processing and printing).

Historical Sites: Mt. Vernon , home ofGeorge Washington; Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; Stratford, home of Robert E. Lee, Confederate general; Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial; Richmond, capital of both the Confederacy and of the state today; Booker T. Washington's birthplace near Roanoke; Colonial Williamsburg.

Points of Interest: Shenandoah National Park; Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Parks; the Skyline Drive; and the Blue Ridge National Parkway.

Bordering States: Virginia borders Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina.