Introduction

The State of West Virginia is located in the Southeastern United States, directly in the middle of the region known the Appalachian Mountains though often representing the northernmost of regions typically identified with the region. South of West Virginia, the mountains are typically considered Deep Appalachia; however, Midwestern and Rust Belt influences have impacted the region to the north.

Government and Politics

Largely associated with Republican politics, the State of West Virginia is one of the most rural states in the entire United States. While many of the impoverished areas are often identified as results of the Native American treatment in more westerly states, West Virginia is often identified as the epicenter of poverty within the nation, especially in the southern portion home to McDowell County, the poorest county in the entire United States.

The capital city of the State of West Virginia is the City of Charleston, which also technically serves as the largest city in the state. However, the general area does not typically represent the largest urbanized stretch within the State, especially with the more northerly communities of Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg, and Weston, just to name a few.

Panhandles

The State of West Virginia also contains the Northern Panhandle, home to communities such as Weirton and Wheeling; and the Eastern Panhandle, home to Harper’s Ferry, Charles Town, and Martinsburg, just to name a few. Generally, the panhandle cultures are more prosperous than the main body of the state; however, the issue of poverty continues to impact much of the region, though Jefferson County has increasingly inherited prosperity from neighboring Loudoun County, Virginia, the wealthiest county in the nation.