One of the six states that make up the region of New England, Maine is located in the northeastern region of the United States. In fact, it is the nation's easternmost state. Maine consists of a coastal plain in the east, with low mountains, belonging to the Appalachian range, rising in the west. Glaciers retreating after the last Ice Age deposited ridges of moraine, damming the river valleys. As a result more than 2200 lakes were formed, with Moosehead Lake the largest. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Ocean flooded the low coastal valleys, creating a jagged, rocky coastline and numerous islands offshore. Over 80% of Maine is forested.

Name

The name "Maine" was chosen by Englishman Sir Ferdinando Gorges, who founded the Province of Maine in 1622. Some say it was named after the village where Gorges' ancestors first settled in England: Broadmayne, just southeast of Dorchester. On the other hand, it may have been named in honour of Henrietta Maria, queen of King Charles I, who had lands in the French province of Maine.

​​​​​​​A third possibility is that Captain John Mason, who, along with Gorges, was granted land in Maine, may have taken the name from the chief island in Orkney Islands, Mainland, where he once served as a naval officer. This would distinguish it from the offshore islands, in the same way as the Caribbean coast of South America was called the Spanish Main (short for mainland).

Climate

Maine has a humid continental climate, with warm—although generally not hot—summers. Winters are cold and snowy throughout the state, and are especially severe in the northern parts. Coastal areas have milder winters and cooler summers.

Maine generally has poor soils and a short growing season. Farms concentrate on dairy, poultry and egg production, along with market gardening. Other products include hay, apples, maple syrup and maple sugar. Potatoes are an important crop in the far north. Maine produces 98% of the nation's wild blueberries. Commercial fishing was once one of Maine’s chief industries. Lobsters and sardines are still caught in large numbers.

Maine is a leading producer of paper and wood products. Food products, electronics and transportation equipment are also important. Maine’s scenery—its state parks, coast, lakes and mountains—make it a popular holiday destination. Naval shipbuilding, especially at Bath Iron Works, which builds warships, remains important. Service and finance industries have grown rapidly in recent decades, especially around Portland.

Facts about Maine

Area 30,862 sq miles (79,933 sq km)

Highest point Mount Katahdin 5270 ft (1606 m)

Population 1,395,722

Capital Augusta (pop. 19,102)

Largest cities Portland, 69,104; Lewiston, 38,404; Bangor, 31,628; South Portland, 26,840; Auburn, 24,793

Nickname Pine Tree State

State bird Chickadee

State flower White pine cone and tassel

State tree White pine