Situated between the metropolitan areas of the north and the natural beauty of the south, Virginia's location puts it close to other diverse and captivating states. While hospitality and natural beauty typifies nearly anywhere in Virginia, each of its cities has its own special characteristics that make it stand out: In Virginia Beach, there is the wonderful beach resort atmosphere; when you're in Richmond it's the merging of Civil War history with big-city culture, Williamsburg is famous for its historic downtown known as Colonial Williamsburg, and Alexandria is right across the river from the nation's capitol. Southern Virginia's beach towns are always a hit with families and vacationers, offering sandy beaches and warm ocean water.Wherever you choose, Virginia promises to provide a welcoming home to you and your family.

Origin of State's Name: Admitted to the union on June 25, 1788, the state of Virginia was named after England's Queen Elizabeth I. In the early 1600's, all of North America that was not Spanish or French was then called "Virginia" in honor of "The Virgin Queen."

Capital City: Nationally recognized for its vitality and New Economy embrace, Virginia's capital, Richmond, provides a diversified employment base extends from chemical, food and tobacco manufacturing to biotechnology and semiconductors. The city consistently ranks among "Best Places to Live and Work in America," while offering easy access to the ocean, mountains and Washington, D.C.

Population: Virginia has a population of approximately 7.2 million.

Driving: Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, driver's manuals and testing locations can be found on the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

Agriculture and Industry: Major state agriculture includes cattle, poultry, dairy products, tobacco, hogs and soybeans; Transportation equipment, textiles, food processing, printing, electric equipment and chemicals are the state's leading industries.

State Bird: Virginia designated the northern cardinal as official state bird in 1950. One of America's favorite backyard birds, cardinals are distinctive in appearance and song.

State Tree: The dogwood is the official state tree of the state of Virginia.

State Flower: Virginia designated the flowering dogwood as the official state flower in 1918.

State Song: Written by James Bland, "Carry Me Back to Old Virginia" is the official song of the state.