Delaware

The First State

Delaware Flag

Basic Information

Delaware, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, is known for its historic significance and scenic beauty.

Capital

  • Dover

Largest City

  • Wilmington

Area

  • 2,489 sq mi

Population

  • 990,000 (2020)

Demographics

Delaware's population is diverse, with a mix of urban and rural communities.

Ethnic Composition

  • White:62.1%
  • African American:23.1%
  • Hispanic:10.3%
  • Asian:4.1%
  • Native American:0.3%

Languages

  • English:88.5%
  • Spanish:7.5%
  • Other:4.0%

Age Distribution

  • Under 18:22.3%
  • 18-64:62.0%
  • 65+:15.7%

Population Growth

  • Annual Rate:0.7%
  • Natural Increase:6,000
  • Migration:1,000

Economy

Delaware's economy is driven by finance, chemicals, agriculture, and tourism.

GDP

  • $83 billion (2022)

Major Industries

  • Finance
  • Chemicals
  • Agriculture
  • Tourism

Employment Rate

  • Employed:95.5%
  • Unemployment:4.5%

Major Companies

  • DuPont
  • Bank of America
  • ChristianaCare
  • WSFS Bank

Climate

Delaware has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Seasons

  • Summer:Hot and humid (avg. 85°F)
  • Winter:Mild (avg. 35°F)
  • Spring/Fall:Mild

Rainfall

  • 45-50 inches/year

Snowfall

  • 20-25 inches/year

Visiting Delaware

Delaware offers a mix of historic sites, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions.

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer:Beach activities and festivals
  • Spring/Fall:Mild temperatures and outdoor activities

Transportation

  • Major Airports:Wilmington Airport (ILG)
  • Train Routes:Amtrak Northeast Regional
  • Highway System:Interstate 95, Delaware Route 1

Accommodation

  • Hotels:Various options in cities and beach towns
  • Bed & Breakfasts:Quaint and historic options
  • Average Hotel Rate:$100-$180/night

Tourist Information

  • Visitor Centers:Located throughout the state
  • Tourism Website:Visit Delaware
  • Info Hotline:1-800-441-8846

Popular Attractions

Delaware's attractions range from historical landmarks to natural parks and coastal destinations.

Historical Sites

  • New Castle Historic District
  • Fort Christina National Historic Landmark
  • John Dickinson Plantation
  • Old Swedes Church

Museums & Culture

  • Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
  • Hagley Museum and Library
  • Delaware Art Museum
  • Delaware Museum of Natural History

Outdoor Attractions

  • Rehoboth Beach
  • Cape Henlopen State Park
  • Delaware Seashore State Park
  • Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Urban Attractions

  • Downtown Wilmington
  • Dover's historic district
  • Newark's college town vibe
  • Smyrna's small-town charm

History

Delaware's history is marked by early Native American settlements, Dutch and Swedish colonization, and its role as the first state.

Early History

  • Native American Tribes:Lenape
  • Dutch Settlement:1631 (Zwaanendael)
  • Swedish Settlement:1638 (New Sweden)
  • English Conquest:1664

Colonial Era

  • Part of Pennsylvania
  • Delaware Colony:1704
  • Role in American Revolution
  • First state to ratify the U.S. Constitution (1787)

19th Century

  • Industrial development (chemicals, manufacturing)
  • Growth of Wilmington
  • Abolition movement

20th Century

  • World Wars and economic changes
  • Rise of chemical industry (DuPont)
  • Development of finance industry

Recent History

  • Economic diversification
  • Focus on finance and healthcare
  • Tourism and coastal development
  • Preservation of historic sites

State Symbols

Delaware has adopted various official state symbols that represent its natural and cultural heritage.

State Animals

  • State Bird:
    Blue Hen Chicken
  • State Fish:
    Weakfish
  • State Insect:
    Ladybug
  • State Marine Animal:
    Horseshoe Crab

State Plants

  • State Flower:
    Peach Blossom
  • State Tree:
    American Holly

Cultural Symbols

  • State Colors:
    Colonial Blue and Buff
  • State Song:
    "Our Delaware"
  • State Motto:
    "Liberty and Independence"

Other Symbols

  • State Mineral:
    Sillimanite
  • State Beverage:
    Milk
  • State Hero:
    Caesar Rodney

State Facts

Interesting and unique facts about Delaware that showcase its distinctive character and achievements.

Geographic Facts

  • Highest Point:
    Ebright Azimuth (448 ft)
  • Longest River:
    Nanticoke River
  • Largest Lake:
    Red Mill Pond
  • Lowest Point:
    Sea level (along the coast)

Records & Rankings

  • First state to ratify the U.S. Constitution
  • Second smallest state in the U.S.
  • Significant hub for corporate incorporations
  • Known for its beautiful beaches

Notable Firsts

  • First state to ratify the Constitution (December 7, 1787)
  • Early development of chemical industry (DuPont)
  • Significant contributions to the American Revolution

Unique Features

  • Blend of historic towns and coastal attractions
  • Rich colonial and industrial history
  • Business-friendly environment
  • Scenic beaches and wildlife refuges

Government & Politics

Delaware has a constitutionally mandated structure encompassing Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.

Governor

  • John Carney (as of 2023)

Legislature

  • Bicameral:State Senate and House of Representatives

Political Trends

  • Historically Republican, shifting Democratic trends

Key Political Issues

  • Economic Development
  • Education Funding
  • Environmental Conservation
  • Healthcare Access

Time Zones

Delaware observes Eastern Time Zone (ET), with daylight saving time observed.

Standard Time

  • Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC -5)

Daylight Saving

  • Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC -4)

Education

Delaware has a public education system that includes K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities.

Major Public Systems

  • University of Delaware
  • Delaware State University
  • Delaware Technical Community College

Notable Private Institutions

  • Wesley College
  • Goldey-Beacom College
  • Widener University Delaware Law School

K-12 System

  • Public school system with local control

Key Educational Initiatives

  • STEM education focus
  • Early childhood education programs
  • Workforce development initiatives

Culture & Festivals

Delaware's cultural scene is rich with historic sites, museums, and festivals celebrating its heritage.

Major Festivals

  • Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival
  • Delaware State Fair
  • Sea Witch Festival
  • Clifford Brown Jazz Festival

Music & Arts

  • Delaware Symphony Orchestra
  • Delaware Art Museum
  • Grand Opera House
  • Wilmington Drama League

Cultural Influences

  • Colonial and maritime history
  • Industrial and chemical heritage
  • Diverse immigrant communities
  • Agricultural traditions

Food & Drink

  • Seafood and crab dishes
  • Peach-based desserts
  • Farm-to-table cuisine
  • Craft breweries and wineries

Compare States

Discover how Delaware compares to other states across key metrics including population, economy, climate, and more.

Compare key metrics including: Population • Geography • Economy • Climate • Education • Quality of Life