According to Countryaah, West Virginia is home to some of the most charming cities in the country. Charleston is the capital city of West Virginia and offers attractions such as The State Capitol and The Capitol Market. Huntington is a vibrant city with plenty of cultural attractions including Ritter Park and The Huntington Museum of Art. Other popular cities in West Virginia include Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Martinsburg, Beckley, and Clarksburg. Each of these cities has something special to offer from outdoor activities like hiking or whitewater rafting to historical sites like Harpers Ferry National Historical Park or West Virginia Penitentiary.
Politics of West Virginia in 2013
In 2013, West Virginia was a state in transition, politically speaking. After a tumultuous 2012 election cycle, the state’s political landscape was in flux. Republican Governor Earl Ray Tomblin had taken office in 2011 and was up for re-election in 2014. At the same time, the state legislature had recently undergone a major shift from Democratic to Republican control, with Republicans winning majorities in both houses of the legislature for the first time since 1932.
The 2013 Legislative Session saw a number of bills introduced that dealt with issues ranging from gun control to abortion rights to tax policy. In particular, Republicans sought to pass legislation that would reduce taxes on businesses and individuals while Democrats sought to increase taxes on wealthier individuals and businesses. Ultimately, both sides compromised and passed a revenue package that included tax cuts for businesses and individuals as well as increases on certain corporate taxes.
The 2013 legislative session also saw an unprecedented level of bipartisanship between Democrats and Republicans on issues such as education reform and job creation initiatives. This bipartisan spirit led to passage of legislation such as the Education Reform Act which created new standards for teachers and students alike as well as incentives for local school districts to implement new curriculum standards; the Job Growth Investment Fund which provided grants for businesses looking to expand their workforce; and a number of other initiatives meant to create jobs throughout West Virginia.
In addition to legislative action, 2013 saw several important decisions by Governor Tomblin concerning energy policy in West Virginia. The most notable decision was his veto of legislation that would have allowed drilling for natural gas within certain areas of West Virginia’s State Parks system. This decision was met with both criticism from those who wanted more access to natural gas resources as well as praise from those who were concerned about potential environmental damage caused by drilling activities within State Parks boundaries.
Overall, 2013 saw West Virginia’s political landscape become increasingly divided between Republicans who sought reduced taxes and increased business opportunities while Democrats advocated for increased taxes on wealthier individuals and corporations in order to fund social programs such as education reform initiatives or job creation efforts. In addition, Governor Tomblin’s decisions concerning energy policy showed his commitment towards protecting West Virginia’s environment even when faced with potential economic benefits from natural gas drilling activities within State Parks boundaries. As 2014 approached it seemed clear that West Virginians would continue debating these important issues into the future.
Population of West Virginia in 2013
According to the United States Census Bureau, West Virginia had a population of 1,844,128 in 2013. The population was made up of a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds. The largest racial group in the state was white, which made up 92.4 percent of the population. African Americans comprised 4.3 percent of the population while Native Americans made up 0.5 percent and Asians were 1.3 percent of the population. The Hispanic or Latino population was 2.2 percent of the total population in West Virginia in 2013. Check ehuacom for more information about the capital city of West Virginia.
The age distribution of West Virginia’s population in 2013 was quite diverse as well. People under 18 years old made up 22 percent of the total while those aged 65 and over accounted for 16 percent. The median age was 41 years old which is slightly lower than that of the national median age which is 37 years old according to 2012 US Census data. This data suggests that there is a larger proportion of young people living in West Virginia than across other states in America as a whole.
West Virginia’s gender composition was also quite even with females making up 50 percent and males making up 50 percent as well according to 2013 US Census data, suggesting that there are an equal number of men and women living in West Virginia at present time (2013). This is quite different from other states where there tends to be a larger percentage of one gender than another such as California where females make up 51% compared to 49% males according to 2012 US Census data. Check anycountyprivateschools for business education in West Virginia.
Economy of West Virginia in 2013
In 2013, West Virginia had a gross state product of $73.7 billion, which ranked 38th in the United States. The state’s economy was largely dependent on energy production and related industries. Mining accounted for 14 percent of the state’s total economic output, while manufacturing contributed roughly 19 percent. The service sector made up the largest share of West Virginia’s economy at 67 percent in 2013.
West Virginia had an unemployment rate of 6.4 percent in 2013, which was higher than the national average of 7.4 percent at that time. Job growth was also slower than the national rate for that year, with a total increase of 0.5 percent compared to 1.9 percent nationally. The majority of jobs were concentrated in government (19%), education and health services (17%), retail trade (15%), leisure and hospitality (14%), and manufacturing (13%).
West Virginia’s poverty rate stood at 17 percent in 2013, higher than the national average of 15%. Median household income in West Virginia was $41,059 compared to $51,371 nationally according to US Census data from that year. However, the cost of living in West Virginia is significantly lower than other states; according to a study by Forbes Magazine it is 12% lower than the US average Overall, and 10% lower than neighboring states such as Maryland and Pennsylvania which have higher costs of living due to their larger cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia respectively.
In terms of exports, West Virginia exported goods worth $7 billion dollars in 2013 with its top five trading partners being Canada ($1 billion), China ($620 million), Japan ($444 million), Mexico ($359 million), and Germany ($325 million). This data suggests that although many people may think of West Virginia as a rural state with limited economic activity it actually has an important role to play in international trade as well as domestic economic activity for its citizens and businesses alike.
Events Held in West Virginia in 2013
In 2013, West Virginia hosted a variety of events that showcased the state’s unique culture and attractions. From festivals and concerts to outdoor activities, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The festival season in West Virginia kicked off with the annual Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival in Matewan. This festival celebrates the legacy of the notorious Hatfield-McCoy feud and features a parade, live music, carnival rides, food vendors, and more. The festival is held every June and is always a great way to kick off the summer season.
In July, West Virginia hosted its largest annual event—the Mountain State Art & Craft Fair in Ripley. This event draws thousands of visitors from around the country each year to view handmade crafts from over 200 artisans from all over Appalachia. There are also live musical performances, food vendors, and other activities for all ages to enjoy.
August brought one of West Virginia’s most popular events—the Augusta Heritage Festival in Elkins. This week-long event features traditional Appalachian music as well as workshops on everything from dancing to blacksmithing. The festival also includes a variety of concerts featuring local and national acts as well as craft demonstrations and more.
September saw one of West Virginia’s most beloved festivals—the Old Time Music Festival in Davisville. This three-day event celebrates traditional Appalachian music with fiddle contests, jam sessions, square dances, clogging exhibitions, bluegrass bands and much more.
October was home to two major events in West Virginia—the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival in Martinsburg and the Fall Foliage Festival in Elkins. The Apple Harvest Festival celebrates all things apple with apple butter making demonstrations, apple pie baking contests, an apple cider press demonstration area and more. The Fall Foliage Festival is an autumnal celebration featuring art shows, craft fairs, music performances by local musicians as well as regional acts from across Appalachia.
November brought one of the biggest events on West Virginia’s calendar—the Bridge Day celebration at New River Gorge National River near Fayetteville. This event sees thousands of people come together each year for extreme sports such as BASE jumping off the bridge into New River Gorge below. There are also a variety of other activities such as rappelling down cliffsides or taking part in zip line tours above New River Gorge National River.
Finally, December saw one of West Virginia’s most beloved holiday celebrations—Christmas at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park near Cass. This festive event features caroling around campfires by candlelight as well as model train rides through snow covered landscapes while sipping hot cocoa or spiced cider. Of course there are plenty of holiday lights too so you can get into the spirit no matter what time of year it is.