Charleston is the largest city and capital of West Virginia, an eastern state of U.S.A. According to the 2008 census data, it has a population of 50,302 and an estimated metropolitan statistical area population of 303,944. The city's main industries has changed drastically from the beginning - from early salt and natural gas wells to coal to trade, medicine and education, Charleston has always had a strong economy. The Charlestonbusiness directory will be able to give more information on modern industries and economy.Modern development has really advanced in the last three decades. Charleston opened the Charleston Town Center in 1983 as the largest urban-based mall east of the Mississippi River, with shops and restaurants on three floors. Other urbanization also sprung up around the mall on Capitol Street and Hale Street with an eccentric mix of shops, businesses and eateries. To learn more about the area, check out the yellow pagesof West Virginia.Charleston hosts a variety of annual events and fairs. It holds the West VirginiaDance Festival every April 25 to 30, which features dance classes and workshops in jazz, modern dance and ballet. Hundreds of students attend the festival and perform in the finale in the West Virginia State Theatre. Symphony Sunday is also held every first weekend in June, which features food, music, family fun and fireworks.