Let's talk about Washington State.

When you think of Seattle, you think of rain, coffee, Amazon, Microsoft... all true.

However, this state is not just the 'hometown of Starbucks' or 'the place with Boeing factories'; it has a very layered and profound story.

The name itself is unique. It is the only state among the 50 in the U.S. named after George Washington. Washington is the only state named after the first President of the United States. It is completely different from Washington D.C. It's not surprising to get them confused.

For thousands of years, Native American tribes such as the Chinook, Skagit, and Nez Perce have settled in Washington. They maintained their own way of life by hunting, fishing, and gathering fruits in the forests. Then, in the late 1700s, European explorers began to take an interest in the area. The British and Spanish explored this region, and soon the Lewis and Clark Expedition brought Washington further into American history.

And then a decisive event. In 1846, the Oregon Treaty was signed, confirming the Washington region as American territory. The boundary was drawn at the 49th parallel, and the border with Canada was established at that time. As time passed, on November 11, 1889, Washington was officially admitted as the 42nd state of the United States.

After that, Washington State experienced remarkable growth. Especially in the early 20th century, the abundance of forests led to a thriving timber industry, and the many rivers naturally fostered hydroelectric power. This was further complemented by the aviation industry. The famous Boeing took flight in Washington.

When talking about modern Washington, one cannot overlook Seattle. This city is not just the center of the state but one of the representative cities of the American West. The headquarters of two giant IT companies, Microsoft and Amazon, are located here. Perhaps that's why the urban atmosphere is very sophisticated, and there is a large population of young people. Besides Seattle, cities like Spokane in the east and Tacoma in the south each have their own unique character.

As of 2023, the total population of Washington State is about 7.9 million, making it the 13th most populous state in the U.S. The racial composition is diverse. Whites make up about 65%, Asians 10%, Hispanics 13%, Blacks 4%, and Native Americans and other races account for about 8%. It is truly a place where multiculturalism is part of everyday life.

This urbanization and population growth can largely be attributed to the IT industry. With Amazon, Microsoft, Google offices, and Boeing, many people are moving to Washington, seeking jobs and establishing their lives.

Economically, it is also robust. As of 2023, the median household income in Washington State is about $82,400, which is higher than the national average. Particularly in the Seattle area, the median income reaches about $105,000. The cost of living is high, but that means there are corresponding incomes and opportunities available.

In addition to the tech industry, Washington is also famous for its agriculture. It ranks first in the production of apples, cherries, and hops, which are key ingredients for beer. Additionally, hydroelectric power based on the Columbia River is a core part of energy production.

There are many reasons for travelers to love Washington. From Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, to Seattle's iconic Pike Place Market, the scenery where nature and the city harmoniously blend is truly attractive.

Some people say it's a 'depressing city' because it rains often, but ironically, the people here seem very lively and free. They rarely use umbrellas. Washington State, where the people, urban landscapes, nature and technology, tradition and future coexist, is undoubtedly a place that deserves attention not only in the northwestern United States but also globally.