Welcome to Maine
"The Pine Tree State" Formerly part of the French colonial empire dubbed Acadia, Maine's population still includes a relatively high percentage of people of French or French-Canadian descent (14.2 percent, second only to New Hampshire among U.S. states). It also has the greatest percentage of people speaking French in the home nationwide, beating even the obvious choice of Louisiana. Still, Maine is defined more by its rugged coastline and sought-after shellfish (particularly lobster) than any particular demographic makeup—Mainers are, after all, unique unto themselves, as rugged and sturdy as the rocky coastline where many make their home. Aside from its famous lobster fisheries (a tradition threatened by over-fishing), Maine produces a wide variety of agricultural crops—it's the largest blueberry producer in the world, and also counts poultry, eggs, maple products, and even cattle among its major economic output. But when tourists flock to Maine, they come for Maine's vast expanse of unspoiled natural beauty, not poultry. Thanks to L.L. Bean, the founder of the eponymous Maine clothing and equipment company, they can outfit themselves with outdoor gear any time of the day or night—the company's flagship store in Freeport has been open 24 hours a day almost continuously since 1951. State Name: Maine State Nickname: "The Pine Tree State"  State Motto: Dirigo ("I lead")  Name for Residents: Mainer Abbreviation: ME Time Zone: Eastern, GMT/UTC -5 / -4 (Daylight Savings Time) Capital City: Augusta Date of Statehood: March 15, 1820 Statehood Rank: 23rd State Area: 35,385 square miles (86,542 km²) Area Rank: 39 of 50 Number of Counties: 16 State Population: 1,316,456 (2008 estimate) Largest Cities:     Portland - 62,875 (2007)     Lewiston - 38,000 (2007)     Bangor - 31,473 (2008) Major Rivers:     St. John River - Length: 418 mi (673 km)     Penboscot - Length: 350 mi (563 km)     Kennebec River - Length: 150 mi (240 km) Highest Point: Mount Katahdin, 5,268 ft (1,606 m) Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean (sea level) Bordering States and Countries:     Canada (North)     New Hampshire (Southwest) Record High Temperature:     105°F (40°C)     July 10, 1911 at North Bridgton Record Low Temperature:     -48°F (-44°C)     January 19, 1925 at Van Buren
	Maine State Flag Maine State Seal Maine Location Map Maine
	Author: World Trade Press