Maine (US state)

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Northeasternmost state of the USA and the largest of the New England states, bordered to the northwest by Québec, Canada, to the north and east by New Brunswick, Canada, to the east and south by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west by New Hampshire; area 79,932 sq km/30,862 sq mi; population (2000) 1,274,900; capital Augusta. It is the sole US state to be contiguous with only one other US state, and West Quoddy Head is the easternmost US point; the state is popularly known as ‘Down East’. The state divides physically into a Coastal Lowland area, an upland area, and the White Mountains region. Over 80% of the state is forested and it has many offshore islands. The economy is led by the service industry, and manufacturing, lumber, shipbuilding, farming, and fishing are also important. Products include paper and pulp, wood products, textiles, potatoes, blueberries, and apples. The largest city is Portland, and other towns and cities include Lewiston, Bangor, Auburn, and South Portland. Originally home to the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy peoples, Maine was settled by the French in 1604. It was purchased by the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1677, but intensive settlement did not start until the late 18th century. Maine was admitted to the Union in 1820 as the 23rd US state.

Red represents work. Yellow symbolizes justice. The design is based on the French tricolour. Green stands for solidarity. Effective date: 10 November 1958. >>