Virginia is an American state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. The capital of the commonwealth is Richmond, while Virginia Beach is the most populous city, and Fairfax County is the most populous political subdivision. In 2006, the population of Virginia was estimated to be 7,642,884. Although traditionally conservative and historically part of the South, modern Virginia is a politically competitive state for both major national political parties. The growth of the technology sector has made computer chips the state's leading export, with the industry based on the strength of Virginia's public schools and universities.