Connecticut

Connecticut

File:Us-ct.png (In Detail) (Full size)
State nickname: The Constitutional State
File:US ct higlighted map.jpg In Detail
Capital	Hartford
Area  - Total  - Land  - Water  - % water	Ranked 48th 14,371 km² 12,559 km² 1,809 km² 12.6%
Population  - Total (2000)  - Density	Ranked 29th 3,405,565 271/km²
Admittance into Union  - Order  - Date	5th January 9, 1788
Time zone	Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Latitude Longitude	40°58'N to 42°3'N 71°47'W to 73°44'W
Width Length Elevation  -Highest  -Mean  -Lowest	113 km 177 km   725 meters 152 meters 0 meters

Connecticut is a state of the United States, part of the New England region. Connecticut was one of the thirteen colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution.

USS Connecticut was named in honor of this state.

History

The name "Connecticut" comes from an Algonquin Indian word meaning "on the long tidal river". Connecticut was one of the original 13 states. The first Europeans to settle permanently in Connecticut were English Puritans from Massachusetts in 1633. Its first constitution, the "Fundamental Orders", was adopted on January 14, 1639, while its current constitution, the fourth for Connecticut, was adopted in 1965.

Law and Government

The capital of Connecticut is Hartford and has been the sole capital since 1875. Unlike most other states, Connecticut does not have county governments, rather there is the state government and then the government of the local municipalities. The current govenor of Connecticut is John G. Rowland (Republican) and the two U.S. senators are Christopher J. Dodd (Democrat) and Joseph I. Lieberman (Democrat).

Geography

See: List of Connecticut counties

Connecticut is bordered on the south by Long Island Sound, on the west by New York State, on the north by Massachusetts, and on the east by Rhode Island. The state capital is Hartford, and the other major cities include New Haven, New London, Norwich and Bridgeport. The Connecticut River cuts through the center of the state, flowing into Long Island Sound, Connecticut's outlet to the Atlantic Ocean. Connecticut's rural areas and small towns contrast sharply with its industrial cities. Many towns center around a small park, known as a "green". Near the green may stand a small white church, a town meeting hall, a tavern and several colonial houses. Forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and a sandy shore add to the state's beauty.

Economy

Connecticut is an important center of the insurance industry and home of Yale University. Many inhabitants are employed in New York City. The total gross state product for 1999 was $151 billion placing Connecticut 22^nd in the nation. The Per Capita Income for 2000 was $40,640 giving Connecticut the highest Per Capita Income of the nation. The agricultural output for the state is nursey stock, eggs, dairy products, cattle and tobacco. Its industrial outputs are transportation equipment, machinery, electrical equipment, fabricated metal products, chemical products and scientific instruments.

Demographics

As of the 2000 census, the population of Connecticut is 3,405,565.

Important Cities and Towns

Bridgeport New Haven Hartford Stamford Waterbury

Norwalk Danbury New Britain West Hartford Greenwich

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Education

Colleges and Universities

Albertus Magnus College Central Connecticut State University Charter Oak State College Connecticut College Eastern Connecticut State University Fairfield University Holy Apostles College and Seminary Mitchell College Quinnipiac College Rensselaer at Hartford Sacred Heart University St. Joseph College

Southern Connecticut State University Teikyo Post University Trinity College United States Coast Guard Academy University of Bridgeport University of Connecticut University of Hartford University of New Haven Wesleyan University Western Connecticut State University Yale University

Professional Sport Teams

Minor league baseball teams:

• Bridgeport Bluefish
• New Haven Ravens
• Norwich Navigators

External Links

• http://www.ct.gov Official State Homepage