The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and has a population of more than 7 million people. The state occupies more than 42,000 square miles. Virginia s government is divided into separate legislative, executive and judicial branches. Supreme executive power resides with the governor; judicial power with Virginia s supreme, superior, appellate and district courts; and legislative power with a general assembly comprising a senate and a house of delegates. The commonwealth draws tourists through many resources, including beaches and theme parks such as Virginia and Norfolk beaches, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the Mill Mountain Zoo. Virginia joined the U.S. in 1788.
