West Virginia, USA
State or territory
Location overview
West Virginia is an Appalachian state bordered by Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. Charleston is the capital and largest city, and the state is divided into 55 counties spread across steep mountains, narrow valleys and river plateaus. The Ohio, Kanawha, Monongahela and New rivers have shaped settlement, industry and transportation. West Virginia separated from Virginia during the Civil War and entered the Union in 1863. Energy, manufacturing, health care, chemicals, forestry and outdoor tourism remain important to its economy.