wv

West Virginia, abbreviated as WV in postal contexts, is a state located in the Appalachian region of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the northeast, Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, and Ohio to the northwest, with the Ohio River forming part of its western boundary. The state capital is Charleston.

West Virginia originated during the Civil War when the western counties of Virginia chose to remain in the Union. It was admitted to statehood on June 20, 1863. The state nickname is the Mountain State, and its motto is Montani Semper Liberi, Latin for “Mountaineers are Always Free.”

Geography in West Virginia is dominated by ridges and valleys carved by the Appalachian Mountains, resulting in expansive forests and diverse outdoor scenery. The economy has historically relied on coal mining and heavy industry, but it has diversified to include energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and higher education. West Virginia University is a major public university in the state. Notable natural and cultural attractions include the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Blackwater Falls State Park, and various historic coal towns and scenic byways.

Outside geographic usage, the abbreviation WV can appear as an acronym or code in various contexts, so the intended meaning depends on the domain and surrounding text.