Originally from:
Legal Aspects of Doing Business in North America - 2nd Edition - Loose leaf
Legal Aspects of Doing Business in North America - 2nd Edition - Electronic
Preview Page
Washington
Mark David Albertson
Albertson Law Group
Kent, Washington
Introduction
In General
Washington, one of the Pacific states of the United States, is bounded on the north
by the Canadian province of British Columbia, on the east by Idaho, on the south
by Oregon, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. A series of channels in the
northwest — the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Haro Strait, and the Strait of Georgia
— separate the state from Canada’s Vancouver Island. Puget Sound deeply indents
the northwestern part of the state. All these bodies of water contain numerous
islands that form part of the state. The Columbia River forms much of the southern
boundary.
Formerly known primarily for its agricultural and forestry products, Washington
had, by the early 1990s, a highly diversified economy. Although the state
remained a leading national producer of such products as apples, wheat, and
timber, manufacturing had become a leading sector of the economy. Tourism
and other services were also important; visitors are attracted by the state’s
diverse scenic wonders. The state, named in honor of George Washington, is
also referred to as the Evergreen State.
Population
Washington’s estimated population at the end of 2006 was 6,549,224, making it
the 15th most populous state in the country. The 10 largest cities in Washington
state are:
• Seattle, population 582,454;
• Spokane, population 198,081;
• Tacoma, population 196,532;
• Vancouver, population 158,855;
• Bellevue, population 118,186;
• Everett, population 98,514;
• Federal Way, population 84,166;
• Kent, population 62,276;
