Norfolk

Norfolk is a place name used for several locations, most prominently the county of Norfolk in the East of England and the independent city of Norfolk, Virginia, in the United States.

Norfolk, England: Located in the East of England region, the county of Norfolk is largely flat and rural, with an extensive North Sea coastline. The county town is Norwich, a historic inland city with a medieval heritage and a regional administrative role. The county is known for the Norfolk Broads, a network of navigable rivers and lakes popular for boating and wildlife. The landscape supports agriculture, while the economy today includes tourism, services, and smaller-scale manufacturing and defense facilities. Coastal towns such as Great Yarmouth and Hunstanton are notable for tourism, ships, and historic seaside culture.

Norfolk, Virginia: An independent city on the Hampton Roads estuary in southeastern Virginia, Norfolk is one of the region’s principal urban centers. It hosts the Norfolk Naval Station, one of the United States’ largest military bases, and serves as a major port and regional hub for transportation and commerce. The city’s economy emphasizes defense, maritime industries, healthcare, education, and tourism. Cultural institutions, museums, theaters, and universities contribute to a diverse urban profile.

The Norfolk name also appears in other places and administrative regions in the English-speaking world. The two most widely referenced uses are the English county and the U.S. city, though the term may denote additional locations in various countries.