Maryland

Basic Information

Maryland, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, is known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cities.

Capital

• Annapolis

Largest City

• Baltimore

Area

• 12,407 sq mi

Population

• 6.18 million (2020)

Demographics

Maryland has a diverse population with significant African American and Asian communities.

Ethnic Composition

• White:58.5%
• African American:32.9%
• Hispanic:10.4%
• Asian:6.5%

Languages

• English:85.7%
• Spanish:6.9%
• Other Languages:7.4%

Age Distribution

• Under 18:22.0%
• 18-64:63.8%
• 65+:14.2%

Population Growth

• Annual Rate:0.4%
• Natural Increase:20,000
• Migration:5,000

Economy

Maryland's economy is driven by biotechnology, aerospace, information technology, and tourism.

GDP

• $427 billion (2022)

Major Industries

• Biotechnology
• Aerospace
• Information Technology
• Tourism
• Fishing (crabs)

Employment Rate

• Employed:96.2%
• Unemployment:3.8%

Major Companies

• Lockheed Martin
• Marriott International
• Under Armour
• Johns Hopkins Medicine

Climate

Maryland has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool winters.

Summer

• Avg. Summer:85°F
• Avg. Winter:35°F
• Rainfall:44 inches/year

Winter

• Avg. Summer:85°F
• Avg. Winter:35°F
• Snowfall:20 inches/year

Spring/Fall

• Avg. Temp Range:50-70°F
• Variable weather conditions

Visiting Maryland

Maryland offers a variety of attractions, from historical sites to natural wonders, and is known for its seafood and vibrant cities.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring/Fall:Mild weather, festivals
• Summer:Beach activities and events
• Peak Season:Summer (June-August)

Transportation

• Major Airports:Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
• Train Routes:Amtrak, MARC
• Highway System:Interstate 95, Interstate 70

Accommodation

• Hotels:Varied options in major cities
• Camping Sites:State parks and private campgrounds
• Average Hotel Rate:$130/night

Tourist Information

• Visitor Centers:Visit Maryland
• Tourism Website:Visit Maryland
• Info Hotline:1-800-MD-WELCOME

Popular Attractions

Maryland's attractions include natural landmarks, historical sites, and cultural venues.

Natural Landmarks

• Chesapeake Bay
• Assateague Island
• Deep Creek Lake
• Swallow Falls State Park

Historical Sites

• Fort McHenry
• Annapolis Historic District
• Antietam National Battlefield
• St. Marys City

Cultural Sites

• Inner Harbor
• National Aquarium
• Walters Art Museum
• American Visionary Art Museum

Entertainment Venues

• Oriole Park at Camden Yards
• MGM National Harbor
• Various local festivals

History

Maryland's history spans from Native American settlements to European colonization, statehood, and its role in significant American events.

Early History

• Native Peoples:Thousands of years
• European Settlement:1634
• Colonial Period

18th Century

• American Revolution
• Statehood:1788
• Early Republic

19th Century

• War of 1812
• Civil War
• Industrial Growth

20th Century

• World Wars
• Civil Rights Movement
• Suburban Development

Recent History

• Economic Diversification
• Technological Growth
• Cultural Preservation

State Symbols

Maryland has adopted various official state symbols that reflect its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

State Animals

• State Bird:

  Baltimore Oriole
• State Crustacean:

  Blue Crab
• State Fish:

  Rockfish (Striped Bass)
• State Dog:

  Chesapeake Bay Retriever

State Plants

• State Flower:

  Black-Eyed Susan
• State Tree:

  White Oak

Cultural Symbols

• State Colors:

  Black, Gold, Red, and White
• State Song:

  "Maryland, My Maryland"
• State Motto:

  "Fatti maschii, parole femine" (Strong deeds, gentle words)

Other Symbols

• State Team Sport:

  Jousting
• State Dinosaur:

  Astrodon johnstoni

State Facts

Interesting and unique facts about Maryland that highlight its distinctive character and achievements.

Geographic Facts

• Highest Point:

  Backbone Mountain (3,360 ft)
• Longest River:

  Potomac River
• Largest Lake:

  Deep Creek Lake

Records & Rankings

• Major blue crab producer
• Home to Fort McHenry
• Significant biotechnology hub

Notable Firsts

• First umbrella factory in the US (Baltimore)
• First dental school in the world (Baltimore)

Unique Features

• Chesapeake Bay
• Diverse landscapes

Government & Politics

Maryland has a representative government with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.

Governor

• Wes Moore (as of 2023)

Legislature

• Bicameral:State Senate and House of Delegates

Political Trends

• Historically Democratic, with moderate leanings

Key Political Issues

• Education
• Healthcare
• Environmental Protection
• Economic Development

Time Zones

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

Standard Time

• Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC -5)

Daylight Saving

• Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC -4)

Education

Maryland has a strong public education system, including K-12 schools and universities.

Major Public Systems

• University System of Maryland
• Community Colleges

Notable Private Institutions

• Johns Hopkins University
• Loyola University Maryland
• Goucher College

K-12 System

• High graduation rates

Key Educational Initiatives

• STEM education
• Early childhood education
• College readiness programs

Culture & Festivals

Maryland's culture is rich with maritime traditions, historical significance, and diverse communities.

Major Festivals

• Artscape (Baltimore)
• Maryland Film Festival
• Baltimore Book Festival
• Chesapeake Bay Maritime Festival

Music & Arts

• Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
• Walters Art Museum
• American Visionary Art Museum

Regional Traditions

• Blue crab feasts
• Maritime celebrations

Sports & Teams

Maryland has a strong sports culture, with professional teams and significant college sports interest.

Professional Teams

• Baltimore Ravens (NFL)
• Baltimore Orioles (MLB)

College Sports

• University of Maryland Terrapins
• Navy Midshipmen

Notable Sporting Events

• Preakness Stakes (horse racing)
• Various sailing and boating events

Cuisine & Local Specialties

Maryland cuisine is famous for its seafood, particularly blue crabs, and local produce.

Signature Dishes

• Crab cakes
• Steamed blue crabs
• Smith Island Cake
• Pit beef

Agricultural Products

• Blue crabs
• Oysters
• Corn
• Tomatoes

Local Markets

• Lexington Market (Baltimore)
• Farmers' markets in various towns

Infrastructure

Maryland's infrastructure supports its diverse industries, with extensive transportation networks and ports.

Highway System

• Interstate 95, Interstate 70, and other major highways

Public Transportation

• Baltimore Metro Subway
• MARC commuter rail
• Light RailLink

Major Airports

• Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) (partially in MD)

Ports

• Port of Baltimore

Energy & Utilities

• Diverse energy sources, including nuclear and renewable

Notable Historical Figures

Maryland has produced notable figures in various fields, from literature to politics.

Authors

• Edgar Allan Poe (author)
• Frederick Douglass (abolitionist and author)

Politicians

• Barbara Mikulski (U.S. Senator)
• Thurgood Marshall (Supreme Court Justice)

Scientists & Inventors

• Benjamin Banneker (scientist and surveyor)
• Henrietta Lacks (medical researcher)

State Government Services

Maryland provides various public services through its state agencies and departments.

Health Services

• Medicaid, Maryland Department of Health

Social Services

• Department of Human Services programs

Environmental Agencies

• Maryland Department of the Environment

Transportation

• Maryland Department of Transportation

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

Maryland's history is preserved in its state archives and historical sites.

State Constitution

• Original 1776 Constitution

Historical Sites

• Fort McHenry
• Annapolis Historic District

Archival Repositories

• Maryland State Archives

Environmental Initiatives

Maryland is focused on environmental conservation and sustainable practices, particularly in protecting the Chesapeake Bay.

Chesapeake Bay Restoration

• Efforts to improve water quality

Renewable Energy

• Growing solar and wind energy production

Coastal Protection

• Efforts to protect coastal ecosystems

Wildlife Conservation

• Efforts to protect endangered species

Major Events & Conferences

Maryland hosts various events and conferences, including cultural festivals and sporting events.

Cultural Events

• Artscape (Baltimore)
• Maryland Film Festival

Sports Events

• Preakness Stakes
• Baltimore Grand Prix

Business Conferences

• Various industry-specific events

Music Festivals

• Baltimore Book Festival