Welcome to New Hampshire
"The Granite State" The first colony to declare its sovereignty from Great Britain, New Hampshire has always had a bit of an independent streak. (Its famous motto, "Live Free or Die," makes the point succinctly.) It was the first state to have its own constitution, and is the only state without sales tax or personal income tax at both state and local levels. While the Granite State is tiny in population and area, New Hampshirites tend to think big. Politically, it's arguably the most important state in the Union. Home to the first primary of the presidential election, New Hampshire has the power to make or break a candidate's ultimate chances. Nestled between Maine and Vermont in the extreme northeast of New England, the state's chilly winters and mountainous terrain make it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, especially skiers. Culturally, New Hampshire is socially conservative and ethnically homogeneous—almost 97 percent of the population is Caucasian. But that's changing. Growth of the Hispanic population was almost 44 percent between 2000 and 2005. Politically, the former Republican stronghold has become increasingly Democratic. At its core though, New Hampshire remains as flinty and independent as the famous granite in its hills. State Name: New Hampshire  State Nickname: "The Granite State"  State Motto: "Live free or die" Name for Residents: New Hampshirite  Abbreviation: NH Time Zone: Eastern, GMT/UTC -5 / -4 (Daylight Savings Time) Capital City: Concord Date of Statehood: June 21, 1788 Statehood Rank: 9th State Area: 9,350 square miles (24,217 km²) Area Rank: 46 of 50 Number of Counties: 10 State Population: 1,315,809 (2008 estimate) Largest Cities:     Manchester - 108,580 (2007 est.)     Concord - 42,392 (2007 est.)     Nashua - 87,150 (2007 est.) Major Rivers:     Connecticut River - Length: 410 mi (660 km)     Merrimack River - Length: 110 mi (177 km)     Contoocook River - Length: 71 mi (114.5 km) Highest Point: Mt. Washington, 6,288 ft (1,917 m) Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean (sea level) Bordering States and Countries:     Canada (North)     Maine (East)     Massachusetts (South)     Vermont (West) Record High Temperature:     106°F (41°C)     July 4, 1911 at Nashua Record Low Temperature:     -47°F (-44°C)     January 29, 1934 at Mt. Washington
	New Hampshire State Flag New Hampshire State Seal New Hampshire Location Map New Hampshire
	Author: World Trade Press