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