Washington, state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It is bordered by Idaho (E); Oregon, with the Columbia River marking much of the boundary (S); the Pacific Ocean (W); and the Canadian province of British Columbia (N). Washington's water resources provide both irrigation and enormous hydroelectric power. The impact of the Columbia River on the life and economy of the state can scarcely be overestimated. In early days the river was a means of transport and a salmon-fishing field for many Native American tribes. Because of the steep drop from its origin to its mouth, the Columbia is one of the greatest sources of hydroelectric power in the world. Grand Coulee Dam—one of the world's largest concrete dams and greatest potential power-producing structures—and Bonneville Dam have been supplemented, on the river's upper course, by Chief Joseph and Rocky Reach dams (both completed 1961), Priest Rapids Dam (1962), and Wanapum Dam (1963), and, on its lower course, by The Dalles Dam (1957), John Day Dam (1968), and McNary Dam (1953), all shared with Oregon. The turn of the century brought labor clashes that gave Washington a reputation as a radical state. The extreme policies of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW; also known as the “Wobblies”) proved appealing to the shipyard and dock workers and to the loggers, and in 1917 the U.S. War Dept. was forced to intervene in a lumber industry dispute. A general strike following World War I had a crippling effect on the state's economy; antilabor feeling increased, and the famous incident at Centralia resulted in bloody strife between the IWW and the American Legion. The alarmed and brutal reaction of management to radical labor policies produced a confrontational atmosphere that hindered the mediation until the onset of the lean days of the 1930s and the emergence of the New Deal. Washington was an important center of the defense industry during World War II, particularly with the immense aircraft industry in Seattle and the Atomic Energy Commission's Hanford Works at Richland. (Decades later it was discovered that the Hanford Works had leaked large amounts of hazardous radioactive waste in the 1940s and 50s.) During the war, the large Japanese-American population in the state (more than 15,000 persons) was moved eastward to camps, where they suffered great physical and emotional hardship.

Design and manufacture of jet aircraft, computer software development, electronics, biotechnology, lumber and wood products, mining and tourism have made a significant impact on the economy in Washington. Washington is also a leading agricultural state. A large trade with Asia passes through the ports of Puget Sound. Those moving to Washington can find available homes to buy and apartments to rent.

Washington is located in the Pacific Northwest. It is often referred to as Washington State to distinguish it from Washington D.C. The Cascade Mountain Range contains several volcanoes which include Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. The state has a leading role in maritime trade with Alaska, Canada and the Pacific Rim because of the harbors of Puget Sound. The largest ferry fleet in the United States serves the many islands of Puget Sound. The only rainforest in the United States is in Washington. Apartment renters can find Washington to be a great place to live.

National forests and national parks plus designated wilderness areas in Washington are points of interest. There are many Indian reservations that have placed casinos next to major highways. There are a number of professional sports teams such as the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners for sports enthusiasts to enjoy. Discover and explore the natural and historical treasures of Washington when you purchase a home or rent an apartment. The many state parks offer cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, biking, boating, windsurfing, hiking and rock climbing.

University of Washington is a public research university and is ranked 7th for medical research and has been rated as the 17th best university in the world. It also ranks #1 in Peace Corps volunteers. There are many other public and private universities and community colleges available for Washington residents. There are also many Washington apartment rental choices for college students.