Connecticut is southernmost of the New England states of the United States. It is bordered by Massachusetts (N), Rhode Island (E), Long Island Sound (S), and New York (W). Area, 5,009 sq mi (12,973 sq km).
Pop. (2000) 3,405,565, a 3.6% increase since the 1990 census.
Capital, Hartford.
Largest city, Bridgeport.
Nickname, Constitution State.
Motto, Qui Transtulit Sustinet [He Who Transplanted Still Sustains].
State bird, American robin.
State flower, mountain laurel.
State tree, white oak. Generally rectangular in shape, Connecticut extends c.90 mi (145 km) from east to west and c.55 mi (90 km) from north to south. The state is divided into two roughly equal sections, usually called the eastern highland and the western highland, which are separated by the Connecticut Valley lowland. The Connecticut River, which flows through only the northern half of this lowland, veers off to the southeast at Middletown in central Connecticut. In the south along Long Island Sound is a low, rolling coastal plain. The western highland, with the Taconic Mts. and the Litchfield Hills, is more rugged than the eastern highland. The Connecticut shore is a popular summer resort area, and the protected waters of Long Island Sound lure boating enthusiasts. Bridgeport is the largest city, with Hartford, the capital, and New Haven next in size. Though famed for its rural loveliness, Connecticut derives most of its wealth from industry. Textiles, silverware, sewing machines, and clocks and watches are among Connecticut's historic manufactures. The state's principal industries today produce jet engines and parts, electronics and electrical machinery, computer equipment, and helicopters. Much of Connecticut's manufacturing is for the military. Insurance is important in Connecticut; the Hartford metropolitan area is one of the industry's world centers, with the home offices of many insurance companies. Financial, real estate, and service industries are also of major importance. *Information from Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition |