Oregon

Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It borders Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada to the southeast, Idaho to the east, and has a coastline along the Pacific Ocean to the west. The state capital is Salem, and its largest city is Portland. Oregon was admitted to statehood on February 14, 1859, as the 33rd state.

Oregon has diverse geography, including rugged coastlines, the Cascade Mountains, high desert in the eastern part of the state, and fertile valleys. Mount Hood is a prominent peak near the Portland area, and Crater Lake National Park preserves a caldera created by a collapsed volcano. The Willamette Valley, watered by the Willamette River, is a major agricultural and population region. The Columbia River forms much of the northern border with Washington.

The climate ranges from wet, temperate conditions on the coast and in the western valleys to dry, arid conditions in the east. Oregon’s economy is diverse, with prominent sectors including agriculture (notably berries, pears, and wine grapes), forestry and wood products, manufacturing, technology, and services. The state is known for craft beer and its wine industry, particularly in the Willamette Valley.

Oregon is home to several universities, including the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon State University in Corvallis, and Portland State University. The government operates with a governor and a bicameral legislature, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Two U.S. senators represent the state in Congress.