The State Flag of Virginia

The State Flag of Virginia bears the Great Seal of the Commonwealth on a field of blue. The seal depicts the goddess "Virtus." She is dressed as an Amazon, armed with a spear and sword, and stands over a defeated despot. The seal displays the State Motto,"Sic Semper Tyrannis," which is Latin for, "Thus Always to Tyrants."

For information on the Symbols and Emblems of the Commonwealth, visit Virginia Online Legislature.

Location, Size and Extent

Click on the map to get a larger image of Virginia:
Virginia is located on the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. It is the fourth largest of the South Atlantic States and thirty-sixth in size among the 50 states. The total area of Virginia is 40,767 square miles (105,586 square kms). It extends 440 miles east to west. (470 miles point to point) and 200 miles north to south.

Topography Three Physiographic Areas: Atlantic Coastal Plain or Tidewater Piedmont Plateau Appalachian chain Highest Peak:  Mt. Rogers, 5,729 feet (1,746 m) Major Rivers: Tidewater-Potomac Rappahannock York James  Unique Landforms The Natural Bridge Luray Caverns

The Natural Bridge, located 45 miles south of Staunton, Virginia, is one of the state's-- and the world's -- most interesting landforms.

Climate

A mild to humid coastal climate is characteristic of Virginia.

Record high temperature:  110 degrees F (43 C) at Columbia on July 5, 1954.

Record low temperature:   -29 degrees F (36 C) at Monterey on Feb. 10, 1899.

Average July temperature:   75 degrees F (24 C).

Average January temperature:   36 degrees F (2 C).

Average yearly precipitation:   43 inches (109 cm).

Flora & Fauna

This is a short list of trees and animals that are native to Virginia:

For more information about Virginia's trees and forests check out the Virginia Department of Forestry.

For more information on wildlife, contact The Wildlife Center of Virginia.

Population

• Virginia ranks as the 12th most populous state in the U.S.
• Virginia's population reached 6,187,358, in 1990, a 15% increase since 1980.
• According to projection, the population by 1995 reached 6,580,000.
• The population density is 156.3 per square mile (60 per square km).
• In 1990, 72.5% of all Virginians lived in metropolitan areas.

Virginias Most Populous Cities

This information is based on 1990 census information. For more information contact the Census Bureau.