Virginia

| Attribute | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Official Name | Commonwealth of Virginia | | Common Name | Virginia | | Native Name(s) | _Data not readily available for this location._ | | Nicknames | Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents | | Motto | Sic semper tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants) | | Geographic Level | State | | Country | United States | | State/Province | Virginia | | Capital | Richmond | | Government Type | State Government (Bicameral Legislature, Executive Branch) | | Date Founded | June 25, 1788 (Admitted to the Union), May 14, 1607 (Jamestown founded) | | Time Zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4) | | Latitude | 36° 32′ N to 39° 28′ N | | Longitude | 75° 15′ W to 83° 40′ W | | Elevation | Highest: Mount Rogers (5,729 ft), Lowest: Atlantic Ocean (0 ft) | | Total Area | 42,774.2 sq mi (110,784.7 km²) | | Population | ~8.7 million (2023 estimate) | | Population Density | 218.6/sq mi | | ZIP/Postal Codes | 20101–24658 | | Area Codes | 276, 434, 540, 571, 703, 757, 804, 826, 948 | | Official Languages | English | | Currency | United States Dollar (USD) | | Demonym | Virginian |

Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States. Spanning from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains, it is a state characterized by its profound historical significance, diverse geographic beauty, and dynamic modern economy. Often referred to as the "Old Dominion" because it was the first permanent English collegiate settlement in the Americas, Virginia's roots are deeply entwined with the founding of the nation.

Virginia is famously known as the "Mother of Presidents" because eight U.S. presidents were born here—more than any other state. Today, the Commonwealth bridges its historical legacy with modern innovation. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., has made Northern Virginia an epicenter for defense, intelligence, and the technology industry, while its coastal regions boast the largest naval base in the world.

Whether exploring the cobblestone streets of Alexandria, hiking the blue-tinged crests of the Shenandoah National Park, or enjoying the lively coastal culture of Virginia Beach, visitors and residents alike find a location that honors its complex past while vigorously building its future.

Virginia's history stretches back thousands of years to the indigenous peoples who first populated the region, most notably the Algonquian-speaking Powhatan Confederacy, the Siouan-speaking Monacan, and the Iroquoian-speaking Cherokee. In 1607, the London Company established Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. This era was marked by the introduction of representative government with the House of Burgesses in 1619, alongside the tragic arrival of the first enslaved Africans, setting the stage for centuries of complex economic and social development.

During the 18th century, Virginia played a central role in the American Revolution. Native sons like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison were instrumental in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the leadership of the new republic. The British surrender at Yorktown in 1781 effectively ended the Revolutionary War.

In the 19th century, Virginia became a major battleground of the American Civil War, with Richmond serving as the capital of the Confederacy. More battles were fought in Virginia than in any other state, culminating in General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House in 1865.

The 20th century saw Virginia transition from a largely agrarian society to an industrialized and modernized state. It weathered the struggles of the Civil Rights movement, including the period of "Massive Resistance" to school desegregation, before emerging as a more inclusive society. Today, Virginia's history is preserved in its numerous national monuments, historical parks, and museums, even as it continues to evolve into a diverse and technologically advanced state.

Virginia's geography is famously diverse, generally divided into five distinct physical regions. Moving from east to west, these are the Tidewater (a coastal plain), the Piedmont (rolling hills and the geographic center of the state), the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Ridge and Valley region (which includes the Shenandoah Valley), and the Appalachian Plateau.

The state borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay to the east, providing crucial maritime resources and shaping the local climate. Inland, the landscape is heavily forested, with nearly two-thirds of the state covered in trees. Virginia is also home to significant natural resources, including coal in the southwestern plateau, limestone in the valleys, and extensive waterways that support both industry and recreation.

The topography of Virginia shifts dramatically from sea level on the Atlantic coast to rugged mountain peaks in the west. The eastern coastal plain (Tidewater) is generally flat, heavily intersected by tidal estuaries and major rivers like the James, York, Rappahannock, and Potomac.

West of the Atlantic Seaboard fall line lies the Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills that gradually increase in elevation. Further west, the Blue Ridge Mountains rise steeply, featuring Mount Rogers, the highest point in the state at 5,729 feet (1,746 meters).

Beyond the Blue Ridge is the Ridge and Valley region, renowned for the fertile Shenandoah Valley and characterized by parallel ridges and deep valleys. Finally, the extreme southwestern tip of the state forms part of the Appalachian Plateau, a rugged and deeply dissected terrain containing the state's major coal seams.

Virginia generally experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa), which transitions to a more oceanic climate (Cfb) in the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains.

Summers are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures in July ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (29-34°C). Winters are generally mild in the coastal areas but can be quite cold and snowy in the mountains; average January highs range from the upper 30s to lower 50s (3-11°C). The state receives moderate precipitation, averaging 40 to 45 inches (100–115 cm) annually, distributed relatively evenly throughout the year.

Natural disasters in Virginia include occasional hurricanes and tropical storms along the coast, localized flooding, and infrequent tornadoes. The best times to visit are generally the spring (April to June) when the flora is blooming, and autumn (September to November), which offers crisp weather and spectacular fall foliage in the western mountains.

Virginia's population is approximately 8.7 million, making it the 12th most populous state in the U.S. The population has grown steadily over the last several decades, driven largely by the economic engines of Northern Virginia (part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area) and the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions.

The demographic composition is increasingly diverse. Approximately 60% of the population identifies as White, 19% as Black or African American, 10% as Hispanic or Latino, and 7% as Asian. The state has a robust international community, particularly in the northern counties.

Virginia boasts a highly educated populace; it consistently ranks in the top ten states for the percentage of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Employment is generally strong, bolstered by the federal government, military, and technology sectors, leading to a median household income that ranks among the highest in the nation.

The Commonwealth of Virginia operates under a constitution that establishes a state government with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is led by the Governor, who is uniquely limited to serving a single consecutive four-year term.

The legislative branch is the Virginia General Assembly, which is the oldest continuous law-making body in the New World, dating back to 1619. It is bicameral, consisting of a 40-member Senate and a 100-member House of Delegates.

Virginia has a unique local government structure. It contains 95 counties and 38 "independent cities." In Virginia, all cities are politically and administratively independent of the counties that surround them, a system not found in quite the same way anywhere else in the United States. This structure impacts everything from public schooling to local taxation.

Virginia enjoys a robust, diverse economy with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeding $650 billion, placing it among the top 15 state economies in the U.S. Its economic strength is deeply tied to its proximity to the federal government in Washington, D.C., but it also possesses a thriving private sector.

The cost of living varies significantly by region. Northern Virginia is known for a high cost of living but is offset by high median salaries, particularly in defense contracting, technology, and corporate headquarters. Central and coastal Virginia offer more moderate living costs, while the southern and western regions are generally more affordable.

The state is consistently ranked as one of the best states for business due to its regulatory environment, highly educated workforce, and strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard.

* Technology and Data: Northern Virginia is a global hub for data centers and cybersecurity. Up to 70% of the world's internet traffic reportedly passes through data centers located in Loudoun County. * Defense and Military: Home to the Pentagon, Naval Station Norfolk, and numerous military bases, defense contracting and military employment form a cornerstone of the economy. * Agriculture and Forestry: Though increasingly urbanized, agriculture remains a vital industry, particularly in the Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley regions. * Tourism: History (Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon), natural beauty (Shenandoah National Park), and beaches draw billions in tourist revenue annually. * Logistics and Maritime: The Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads is one of the busiest and deepest ports on the East Coast, driving extensive logistics and supply chain businesses. * Healthcare and Life Sciences: Anchored by major research universities and hospital systems, bioscience and medical research are rapidly growing sectors.

Agriculture remains the largest private industry in Virginia by economic impact. The state features roughly 41,000 farms covering over 7.7 million acres.

Historically famous for tobacco, Virginia's agricultural portfolio is now highly diversified. Top crops include soybeans, corn, and apples. The state has also developed a prestigious and rapidly growing wine industry, with over 300 wineries capitalizing on the rich soils of the Piedmont and Shenandoah regions.

Livestock is a major component of the sector, with poultry (broilers and turkeys) and beef cattle leading the way, alongside a strong dairy industry. Additionally, the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters support a robust commercial fishing and aquaculture industry, famous for Virginia oysters and blue crabs.

The Virginia housing market varies drastically depending on the region. In Northern Virginia (NoVa), proximity to Washington, D.C., high-paying tech jobs, and excellent public schools create a highly competitive and expensive housing market dominated by single-family homes, luxury townhouses, and high-rise condominiums.

In the Richmond and Hampton Roads metropolitan areas, the housing market is more accessible, offering a mix of historic homes, suburban single-family neighborhoods, and revitalized downtown apartment living.

Rural and western areas of the state offer much more affordable housing options, though often with older housing stock and less access to metropolitan amenities. Statewide, there is an ongoing push to increase affordable housing and high-density, transit-oriented development to manage population growth.

* Northern Virginia (NoVa): The economic powerhouse of the state, characterized by dense, affluent suburbs like Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax, offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle deeply tied to the nation's capital. * Hampton Roads (Coastal Virginia): A sprawling metropolitan area including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Newport News; heavily influenced by the military, maritime industries, and beach tourism. * Richmond Region (Central Virginia): The state capital area, known for its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, James River park system, and a booming culinary culture. * Shenandoah Valley: Located in the west, this region is characterized by stunning natural beauty, agricultural communities, and historic university towns like Harrisonburg and Lexington. * Southwest Virginia: Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, known for its deep roots in bluegrass and country music, coal mining history, and rugged outdoor recreation. * Southside: The southern, largely rural region of the state, traditionally dependent on agriculture and textile manufacturing, now transitioning into new economic sectors.

Virginia’s transportation network is extensive, serving as a critical corridor for the East Coast. Major interstate highways include I-95 (running north-south), I-81 (serving the western valleys), and I-64 (running east-west from the coast to the mountains).

Public transit is most prominent in Northern Virginia, which is heavily integrated into the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) system, including the Metrorail. The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provides commuter rail service from the suburbs into D.C. Richmond and Hampton Roads rely primarily on extensive bus networks (GRTC and HRT, respectively).

Air travel is served by major hubs including Washington Dulles International (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) in Northern Virginia, alongside Richmond International (RIC) and Norfolk International (ORF). The state is also served by Amtrak, and features an increasingly connected network of bicycle infrastructure, notably the Virginia Capital Trail.

Virginia’s infrastructure is highly developed to support its large population and business sectors. Electricity is primarily provided by Dominion Energy in the eastern and central parts of the state, and Appalachian Power in the west. The grid is transitioning toward renewable energy, spurred by the Virginia Clean Economy Act.

Water and sewer services are managed at the municipal and county levels, drawing heavily from the state's abundant rivers and reservoirs.

Telecommunications infrastructure is a major strength. Northern Virginia boasts some of the most robust fiber-optic and broadband infrastructure in the world to support its data center alley. While urban areas enjoy high-speed connectivity, the state government has active, funded initiatives underway to close the digital divide and bring reliable broadband to rural counties in the Southside and Southwest.

Virginia is renowned for its prestigious and historical educational institutions. The public school system consistently ranks among the best in the nation, featuring standout institutions like the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County.

At the collegiate level, Virginia boasts several nationally ranked public universities: * University of Virginia (UVA): Founded by Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville, a premier public research university. * College of William & Mary: Located in Williamsburg, it is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S. (founded in 1693). * Virginia Tech: Based in Blacksburg, renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and research programs. * George Mason University (GMU): The state's largest public university, located in Fairfax, known for innovation and diversity. * Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU): Located in downtown Richmond, distinguished for its medical center and arts programs. * James Madison University (JMU): Located in Harrisonburg, celebrated for student life and business programs.

The state is also supported by the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), which operates 23 community colleges across the state, offering vocational training, certifications, and guaranteed transfer programs to four-year universities.

Virginia is served by several nationally recognized healthcare systems that provide comprehensive medical care, from specialized academic research to rural clinics.

* UVA Health: Based in Charlottesville, this academic medical center is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the state, known for its cancer center and pediatric care. * Inova Health System: The dominant healthcare provider in Northern Virginia, featuring the flagship Inova Fairfax Hospital, which houses a major trauma center and specialized heart and vascular institutes. * VCU Health: Located in Richmond, this system includes the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) and provides leading trauma, burn, and transplant services. * Sentara Healthcare: A major non-profit system serving Hampton Roads, Tidewater, and parts of North Carolina, with Sentara Norfolk General being a prominent research and trauma hub. * Carilion Clinic: Based in Roanoke, this system is vital to Southwest Virginia, partnering with Virginia Tech to expand medical education and research in the region.

In rural areas, particularly in Southwest and Southside Virginia, community health centers, urgent care clinics, and telehealth initiatives play a critical role in bridging healthcare access gaps.

Emergency services across Virginia are coordinated at local, regional, and state levels.

* Emergency Number: Dial 911 statewide for immediate police, fire, or medical assistance. * Police: Local municipalities are served by city police or county sheriff's offices. The Virginia State Police (VSP) patrols state highways, manages statewide criminal investigations, and provides tactical support. * Fire & Rescue: Urban areas rely on professional, full-time fire departments, while many suburban and rural communities are fiercely protected by dedicated volunteer fire and rescue squads. * Disaster Management: The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) coordinates responses to natural disasters, such as hurricanes on the coast, inland flooding, and winter storms.

Virginia's economy is highly diverse, blending deep historic roots with cutting-edge technology.

* Government & Defense: Due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the presence of the Pentagon and Naval Station Norfolk, defense contracting and federal employment are massive economic drivers. * Technology & Data Centers: Loudoun County in Northern Virginia is famously known as "Data Center Alley," processing an estimated 70% of the world's internet traffic. * Agriculture: A traditional pillar of the state economy, with top products including poultry, cattle, dairy, soybeans, tobacco, and a rapidly growing, internationally respected wine industry. * Maritime & Logistics: The Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads is one of the busiest and deepest ports on the East Coast, supporting global trade and logistics. * Retail & Commerce: Major retail hubs include Tysons Corner Center (one of the largest malls in the country) and MacArthur Center, alongside thriving historic main streets in cities like Alexandria, Winchester, and Staunton.

Virginia's food scene is a blend of traditional Southern cooking, Mid-Atlantic seafood, and diverse international influences.

* Signature Ingredients: The state is famous for Virginia ham (especially from Smithfield), Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and oysters, Appalachian apples, and peanuts. * Notable Dining: The state is home to the world-renowned *The Inn at Little Washington*, a pioneer of American haute cuisine holding three Michelin stars. Northern Virginia offers an incredible array of authentic international cuisine, particularly Korean, Vietnamese, and Ethiopian. * Food Festivals: Annual events like the Urbanna Oyster Festival, the Chincoteague Seafood Festival, and the Carytown Watermelon Festival in Richmond draw large crowds. * Beverage Culture: Virginia has a booming craft beverage scene, featuring hundreds of wineries nestled in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont regions, alongside a dense concentration of craft breweries in Richmond and Hampton Roads.

Virginia’s state motto for tourism is "Virginia is for Lovers," reflecting its diverse appeal for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and families.

* Historic Sites: The "Historic Triangle" of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown offers an immersive look into early American history. Other must-see estates include George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. * Monuments & Memorials: Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon Memorial are places of profound national reverence. * Museums: The state boasts the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum). * Scenic Drives: The Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive offer some of the most breathtaking panoramic mountain views in the Eastern United States, particularly during the autumn leaf peeping season.

From the Atlantic coast to the Appalachian Mountains, recreation in Virginia is a year-round pursuit.

* Hiking & Backpacking: The state claims roughly 544 miles of the Appalachian Trail. McAfee Knob near Roanoke is one of the most photographed spots on the entire trail. * Beaches: Virginia Beach offers miles of bustling boardwalk and oceanfront, while Sandbridge and Cape Charles provide quieter, more family-friendly coastal retreats. * Skiing & Winter Sports: Resorts like Massanutten, Wintergreen, and Bryce Resort offer skiing, snowboarding, and tubing during the winter months. * Water Sports: The Chesapeake Bay and coastal rivers are prime locations for sailing, kayaking, and sport fishing.

Virginia is deeply committed to preserving its diverse ecological landscapes.

* National Parks: Shenandoah National Park is the crown jewel, offering cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and dense forests teeming with deer and black bears. * State Parks: The state park system includes First Landing State Park (where English colonists first arrived), Grayson Highlands State Park (famous for its wild, free-roaming ponies), and Pocahontas State Park. * Wildlife Refuges: The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on the Eastern Shore is famous for its migratory birds and the legendary Chincoteague wild ponies. * Natural Wonders: Great Falls Park showcases the Potomac River crashing over steep, jagged rocks just outside Washington, D.C., while Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County is a stunning geological formation.

Water is a defining feature of Virginia’s geography and history.

* Major Rivers: The James, Potomac, Rappahannock, York, and Shenandoah rivers have shaped the state's agriculture, industry, and early colonial settlements. * Lakes & Reservoirs: Smith Mountain Lake (the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge") and Lake Gaston are premier destinations for boating and recreation. Kerr Lake (Buggs Island Lake) is the largest reservoir in the state. * Coastal Waters: The Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, dominates the eastern part of the state, eventually meeting the Atlantic Ocean at Virginia Beach. * Wetlands: The Great Dismal Swamp in the southeastern corner of the state is a uniquely biodiverse wetland and a historic site of refuge for escaped enslaved people.

Virginia's cultural fabric is woven from centuries of history, regional folkways, and contemporary diversity.

* Museums & Galleries: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond houses a world-class collection. The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk is renowned for its extensive glass collection. * Performing Arts: Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna is a unique venue for summer concerts. The Barter Theater in Abingdon is the State Theater of Virginia, known for trading performances for local produce during the Great Depression. * Music Heritage: Southwest Virginia is a cradle of old-time, bluegrass, and country music, celebrated along the Crooked Road, a 330-mile driving trail connecting major heritage music venues. * Festivals: The state celebrates its roots with numerous cultural events, from Native American powwows (such as those hosted by the Pamunkey and Mattaponi tribes) to vibrant international festivals in the DC suburbs.

Virginia has a rich and highly influential religious history, being the birthplace of Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

* Demographics: Historically, the state has been predominantly Protestant, with deep roots in the Episcopal (formerly Anglican) and Baptist traditions. Today, evangelical and mainline Protestant denominations remain the largest religious groups. * Diversity: Northern Virginia and the urban centers are highly religiously diverse, home to significant populations of Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Jews, alongside large non-denominational mega-churches. * Historic Sites: Virginia is home to many historically significant congregations, including Pohick Church (attended by George Washington), Historic St. John's Church in Richmond (site of Patrick Henry's "Liberty or Death" speech), and the First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, one of the oldest African American congregations in the country.

While Virginia is the most populous US state without a "Big Four" professional sports team playing its home games within its borders, sports culture is incredibly strong.

* Collegiate Athletics: College sports dominate the state's attention. The intense rivalry between the University of Virginia (UVA Cavaliers) and Virginia Tech (Hokies) is a cornerstone of state culture. Other strong programs include the VCU Rams, JMU Dukes, and George Mason Patriots. * Professional Footprint: The Washington Commanders (NFL) are headquartered in Ashburn, and both the Washington Capitals (NHL) and Washington Wizards (NBA) have historically maintained practice facilities in the state. * Minor League Sports: Baseball thrives with the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A) and the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A). * Motorsports: NASCAR is hugely popular, with two major tracks hosting Cup Series races: Martinsville Speedway (the oldest on the NASCAR circuit) and Richmond Raceway.

Virginians gather year-round to celebrate local agriculture, history, and community.

* Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival: Held in Winchester each spring, this massive multi-day event celebrates the region's apple-growing heritage with parades and carnivals. * Virginia State Fair: Held annually at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, featuring agricultural exhibits, rides, and traditional fair food. * Chincoteague Pony Swim: A famous July tradition where wild "saltwater cowboys" round up wild ponies to swim across the Assateague Channel. * Neptune Festival: Virginia Beach’s flagship oceanfront event, featuring a massive sand-sculpting competition, art shows, and concerts. * FloydFest: A widely celebrated world music and bluegrass festival held in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Virginia has a robust media landscape covering state politics, local news, and national events.

* Newspapers: Major dailies include *The Richmond Times-Dispatch* (capital region), *The Virginian-Pilot* (Hampton Roads), and *The Roanoke Times* (Southwest). Northern Virginia relies heavily on *The Washington Post*. * Television: The state is divided into several media markets, with strong local affiliate stations based in Richmond, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Roanoke/Lynchburg, and Harrisonburg. Northern Virginia is served by the Washington, D.C. broadcast market. * Public Media: VPM (Virginia Public Media) operates out of Richmond and Charlottesville, providing PBS and NPR content alongside local stations like WVTF (Roanoke) and WHRV (Norfolk).

Virginia is known as the "Mother of Presidents" and has produced countless influential figures.

* George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison: Founding Fathers and early U.S. Presidents whose homes and legacies are centered in Virginia. * Arthur Ashe: Richmond-born tennis legend, civil rights activist, and the first Black man to win Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. * Ella Fitzgerald: The "First Lady of Song" and legendary jazz vocalist, born in Newport News. * Maggie L. Walker: Civil rights activist and the first African American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president in the United States. * Katie Couric: Renowned journalist, television host, and author, born in Arlington and a UVA alumna. * Missy Elliott: Groundbreaking rapper, producer, and songwriter from Portsmouth. * Pharrell Williams: Award-winning musician, producer, and fashion designer, born in Virginia Beach.

A business-friendly environment has attracted numerous Fortune 500 headquarters and major corporations to Virginia.

* Defense & Aerospace: The state is a global hub for defense contractors, hosting the headquarters of General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, and RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), with Boeing also relocating its HQ to Arlington. * Technology: Amazon chose Arlington for its massive "HQ2" project. The state is also home to major tech and telecom presences. * Finance & Consumer: Capital One (McLean) is one of the state's largest employers. Other major HQs include Hilton Worldwide (McLean), CarMax (Richmond), Altria Group (Richmond), and Dollar Tree (Chesapeake). * Food & Candy: Mars, Incorporated, one of the largest privately held food and candy companies in the world, is headquartered in McLean.

Virginia’s municipalities maintain robust international relationships to foster cultural and economic exchange. Notable sister city partnerships include:

* Richmond: Sister cities with Saitama (Japan), Richmond (England), and Zhengzhou (China). * Virginia Beach: Sister cities with Miyazaki (Japan), Moss (Norway), and Bangor (Northern Ireland). * Norfolk: Sister cities with Kitakyushu (Japan), Wilhelmshaven (Germany), and Halifax (Canada). * Alexandria: Sister cities with Dundee (Scotland) and Caen (France).