Basic Information
New Hampshire, one of the original thirteen colonies, is known for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and independent political culture.
Capital
- Concord
Largest City
- Manchester
Area
- 9,349 sq mi
Population
- 1.38 million (2020)
Demographics
New Hampshire has one of the most homogeneous populations in the United States, though recent years have seen increasing diversity.
Ethnic Composition
- White:89.8%
- Hispanic:4.0%
- Asian:3.0%
- African American:1.8%
- Two or more races:1.9%
Languages
- English:92.5%
- Spanish:2.1%
- French:1.8%
- Other Languages:3.6%
Age Distribution
- Under 18:19.1%
- 18-64:61.2%
- 65+:19.7%
Population Growth
- Annual Rate:0.6%
- Natural Increase:Declining
- Migration:Primary source of growth
Economy
New Hampshire's economy is diverse, with strengths in manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and technology, supported by the absence of sales or income tax.
GDP
- $88 billion (2022)
Major Industries
- High-tech Manufacturing
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Financial Services
- Education
Employment Rate
- Employed:97.5%
- Unemployment:2.5%
Major Companies
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
- BAE Systems
- Liberty Mutual
- Fidelity Investments
- Timberland
Climate
New Hampshire has a humid continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, with significant variations based on elevation and proximity to the coast.
Coastal Region
- Avg. Summer:80°F
- Avg. Winter:25°F
- Rainfall:45-50 inches/year
- Moderated by Atlantic Ocean
White Mountains
- Avg. Summer:70°F
- Avg. Winter:15°F
- Snowfall:100+ inches/year
- Home to extreme weather on Mt. Washington
Southern Interior
- Avg. Summer:82°F
- Avg. Winter:22°F
- Rainfall:40-45 inches/year
- More temperature extremes
Weather Records
- Highest recorded wind speed in the world (until 2010):231 mph on Mt. Washington
- Record High:106°F (Nashua, 1911)
- Record Low:-50°F (Mount Washington, 1934)
- Four distinct seasons
Visiting New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers visitors a variety of experiences from mountain adventures to tax-free shopping and pristine lakes.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer:June-August (hiking, lakes, outdoor activities)
- Fall:September-October (foliage season, peak tourism)
- Winter:December-March (skiing, winter sports)
- Spring:April-May (maple sugaring, mild weather)
Transportation
- Airports:Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
- Train:Amtrak Downeaster (southern NH)
- Highway System:Interstates 93, 89, 95
- Public Transportation:Limited outside cities
Accommodation
- Hotels:350+
- Historic Inns and B&Bs:125+
- Campgrounds:150+
- Lakeside Cottages and Rentals
- Grand Hotels:Mount Washington Hotel, Wentworth by the Sea
Tourist Information
- Visitor Centers:Located at major highways and attractions
- Tourism Website:Visit NH
- NH Division of Travel and Tourism Development
- Info Hotline:1-800-FUN-IN-NH
Popular Attractions
New Hampshire offers diverse attractions from majestic mountains to historic villages and pristine lakes.
Natural Attractions
- White Mountain National Forest
- Mount Washington and the Presidential Range
- Lake Winnipesaukee
- Kancamagus Highway
- Franconia Notch State Park
Family Destinations
- Story Land
- Santa's Village
- Whale's Tale Water Park
- Conway Scenic Railroad
- Polar Caves Park
Historical Sites
- Portsmouth Historic District
- Canterbury Shaker Village
- Strawbery Banke Museum
- Robert Frost Farm
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
Outdoor Recreation
- Ski Resorts (Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, Cannon Mountain)
- Appalachian Trail
- Lake Winnipesaukee Cruises
- Hampton Beach
- Flume Gorge
History
New Hampshire's history spans from Native American settlements through colonial era, Revolutionary War importance, and industrial development.
Early History
- Native Peoples:Abenaki and Pennacook tribes
- European Settlement:1623 (Portsmouth)
- Colonial Wars:Frequent frontier conflicts
- Royal Province:1679
Revolutionary Era
- First State Constitution:1776
- Pine Tree Riot:1772 (pre-Revolutionary protest)
- Fort William and Mary Raid:1774
- Ninth State to Ratify US Constitution:1788
19th Century
- Industrial Growth:Textile mills, Manchester development
- Railroad Expansion:1840s-1850s
- Summer Tourism Begins:1850s-1860s
- Civil War Contribution:30,000+ soldiers
Modern Era
- Decline of Textile Industry:1920s-1930s
- First Presidential Primary:1952
- High-Tech Development:1980s-present
- Population Growth and Suburban Expansion:1990s-present
State Symbols
New Hampshire has designated various official state symbols that represent its natural heritage and cultural identity.
State Animals
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State Animal:White-Tailed Deer
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State Bird:Purple Finch
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State Butterfly:Karner Blue
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State Insect:Ladybug
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State Dog:Chinook
State Plants
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State Flower:Purple Lilac
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State Tree:White Birch
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State Wildflower:Pink Lady's Slipper
-
State Fruit:Pumpkin
-
State Berry:Blueberry
Cultural Symbols
-
State Flag:State seal on blue background
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State Motto:"Live Free or Die"
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State Emblem:Old Man of the Mountain (collapsed in 2003)
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State Song:"Old New Hampshire"
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State Mineral:Beryl
Other Symbols
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State Amphibian:Red-spotted Newt
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State Gem:Smoky Quartz
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State Rock:Granite
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State Beverage:Apple Cider
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State Tartan:New Hampshire Tartan
State Facts
New Hampshire holds numerous distinctive records and facts that highlight its unique character and contributions.
Geographic Facts
-
Highest Point:Mount Washington (6,288 ft)
-
Lowest Point:Atlantic Ocean (sea level)
-
Number of Lakes:944
-
Coastline:18.5 miles (shortest of coastal states)
-
Land Area:8,968 sq mi (water: 381 sq mi)
Records & Rankings
- 5th Smallest State by Area
- 41st in Population
- First-in-the-Nation Presidential Primary
- Highest Average Elevation in Eastern US
- Lowest Poverty Rate in the US
Notable Firsts
- First State to Declare Independence from England (1776)
- First Potato Planted in America (1719)
- First Public Library in America (1833)
- First Ski Club in America (1872)
- First State Constitution (January 1776)
Unique Features
- No General Sales or Income Tax
- Direct Democracy through Town Meetings
-
Mt. Washington:"Home of the World's Worst Weather"
- 400-Member House of Representatives (largest in US)
-
State Motto:"Live Free or Die" on All License Plates
Government & Politics
New Hampshire has a unique political structure with an oversized legislature, strong local governance, and significant influence in presidential politics.
Governor
- Chris Sununu (as of 2023)
Legislature
- House of Representatives:400 members (largest state legislative body in US)
- Senate:24 members
- Executive Council:5 members (unusual governing body)
Political Trends
- Traditional "purple" state with libertarian leanings
Key Political Features
- First-in-the-Nation Presidential Primary
- Town Meeting Governance
- No Broad-Based Income or Sales Tax
- Influential "Voter-Bellwether" Status
- Large Citizen Legislature
Time Zones
New Hampshire is entirely within the Eastern Time Zone, with daylight saving time observed.
Standard Time
- Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC -5)
Daylight Saving
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC -4)
Notable Facts
- Several border towns coordinate services with Vermont (same time zone)
- Historical interest in Atlantic Time Zone proposals
Education
New Hampshire has strong educational traditions, with excellent public schools and prestigious private institutions.
Major Public Systems
- University System of New Hampshire
- University of New Hampshire (Durham)
- Plymouth State University
- Keene State College
- Community College System of New Hampshire (7 colleges)
Notable Private Institutions
- Dartmouth College (Ivy League)
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Franklin Pierce University
- Saint Anselm College
- New England College
K-12 System
- 176 public school districts
- Strong local control tradition
- School choice initiatives
- High national rankings for education quality
Key Educational Initiatives
- Performance Assessment of Competency Education
- Statewide Educational Improvement Plan
- School Choice Programs
- STEM Education Focus
- Career and Technical Education Centers
Culture & Festivals
New Hampshire's cultural identity blends Yankee traditions, outdoor recreation, and arts appreciation.
Major Festivals
- Pumpkin Festival (various locations)
- League of NH Craftsmen's Fair
- NH Highland Games
- Laconia Motorcycle Week
- Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
Cultural Events
- Prescott Park Arts Festival (Portsmouth)
- New Hampshire Film Festival
- Keene Pumpkin Festival
- Market Square Day (Portsmouth)
- Craftsmen's League Exhibitions
Regional Traditions
- Maple Sugaring Season
- Fall Foliage Driving Tours
- Town Meeting Governance
- Winter Carnival Events
- Summer Lake Culture
Sports & Teams
While New Hampshire has no major professional sports teams, it has a strong recreational sports culture and minor league teams.
Minor League Teams
- New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Double-A baseball)
- Manchester Monarchs (ECHL hockey)
- Seacoast United Phantoms (soccer)
- New Hampshire Wild (Federal Hockey League)
College Athletics
- University of New Hampshire Wildcats
- Dartmouth Big Green
- Franklin Pierce Ravens
- Southern New Hampshire Penmen
Motorsports
- New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NASCAR)
- Motorcycle Week Racing
- Dirt Track Racing
- Snowmobile Racing
Outdoor Recreation Sports
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Hiking and Mountaineering
- Fishing Competitions
- Water Sports on Lakes
- Mountain Biking
Cuisine & Local Specialties
New Hampshire cuisine reflects its New England heritage, with fresh seafood, maple products, and farm-to-table traditions.
Signature Dishes
- Maple Syrup and Maple Products
- Apple Cider and Cider Donuts
- New England Clam Chowder
- Fresh Lobster and Seafood
- Poutine (in northern areas)
Beverage Heritage
- Craft Beer (70+ breweries)
- Apple Cider (state beverage)
- Mead Production
- Craft Distilleries
- Small-batch Coffee Roasters
Agricultural Products
- Apples and Apple Products
- Maple Syrup
- Dairy Products
- Blueberries and Other Berries
- Pumpkins (state fruit)
Food Traditions
- Maple Sugaring Season Events
- Clambakes and Lobster Boils
- Farmers' Markets
- Agricultural Fairs
- Apple Picking and Orchard Tourism
Infrastructure
New Hampshire's infrastructure supports its tourism economy, manufacturing base, and quality of life with unique challenges from weather and geography.
Transportation
- Interstate Highways:I-93, I-89, I-95
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
- Port of Portsmouth
- Limited passenger rail service
Energy Systems
- Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant
- Hydroelectric Facilities
- Growing Solar Installations
- Biomass Energy Production
- Regional Electric Grid Connection
Water Infrastructure
- Municipal Water Systems
- High Reliance on Private Wells
- Lake Winnipesaukee Water System
- Connecticut River Management
- Water Quality Protection Programs
Communication Networks
- Broadband Expansion Initiatives
- Rural Connectivity Challenges
- Public Television and Radio Networks
- Cell Tower Coverage Expansion in Mountain Regions
Notable Historical Figures
New Hampshire has been home to influential individuals who shaped state and national history across many fields.
Political Leaders
- Franklin Pierce (14th US President)
- Daniel Webster (Senator, Secretary of State)
- John Langdon (First President pro tempore of the Senate)
- Salmon P. Chase (Treasury Secretary, Supreme Court Chief Justice)
- John P. Hale (Senator, abolitionist)
Cultural Figures
- Robert Frost (poet)
- Alan Shepard (astronaut)
- Sarah Josepha Hale (author, editor)
- Christa McAuliffe (teacher, astronaut)
- J.D. Salinger (author)
Industrial Leaders
- Ralph Baer (father of video games)
- Dean Kamen (inventor, entrepreneur)
- Mary Baker Eddy (founder of Christian Science)
- Horace Greeley (newspaper editor)
- Salmon D. Chase (financier, politician)
Military Figures
- John Stark (Revolutionary War general)
- Jonathan Wheelock (Revolutionary War scout)
- Leonard Wood (Army Chief of Staff)
- Henry Dearborn (Revolutionary War officer)
- Alan Shepard (first American in space, Navy officer)
State Government Services
New Hampshire's state government provides various services with an emphasis on local control and fiscal restraint.
Public Safety
- New Hampshire State Police
- Department of Safety
- Fish and Game Department
- Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Marine Patrol
Health & Human Services
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Office of the Child Advocate
- Division of Public Health Services
- Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services
- New Hampshire Hospital
Environmental Services
- Department of Environmental Services
- Parks and Recreation Division
- Forest and Lands Division
- Water Division
- Air Resources Division
Business Services
- Department of Business and Economic Affairs
- Division of Travel and Tourism Development
- Banking Department
- Insurance Department
- Liquor Commission (state-run liquor stores)
Key Historical Documents & Landmarks
New Hampshire's rich history is preserved through significant documents and historic sites throughout the state.
State Constitution
- First State Constitution (January 1776)
- Current 1784 Constitution (second oldest in nation)
- Pine Tree Riot Documents (1772)
Historical Landmarks
- Portsmouth Historic District
- Strawbery Banke Museum
- Fort Constitution (site of first revolutionary act)
- Franklin Pierce Homestead
- Old Man of the Mountain Memorial (feature collapsed 2003)
Archival Repositories
- New Hampshire State Archives
- New Hampshire Historical Society
- Dartmouth College Archives
- Portsmouth Athenaeum
- University of New Hampshire Special Collections
Historic Sites
- Canterbury Shaker Village
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
- Robert Frost Farm
- John Paul Jones House
- Mount Washington Hotel (Bretton Woods Conference)
Environmental Initiatives
New Hampshire has a strong conservation tradition, with numerous programs aimed at preserving its natural resources.
Conservation Programs
- Land and Community Heritage Investment Program
- Current Use Taxation Program
- Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests
- NH Conservation Land Stewardship Program
- Local Land Trusts
Water Protection
- Lakes Management and Protection Program
- Rivers Management and Protection Program
- Volunteer Lake Assessment Program
- Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act
- Wetlands Bureau Regulations
Wildlife Management
- Wildlife Action Plan
- Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program
- Moose Research Project
- Fish Habitat Restoration
- Wild Turkey Restoration
Sustainability Initiatives
- Clean Energy Program
- Energy Efficiency Programs
- Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Participation
- Green Snowpro Training (reduced road salt use)
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Major Events & Conferences
New Hampshire hosts a range of conferences, festivals, and events throughout the year.
Political Events
- First-in-the-Nation Presidential Primary
- NH Political Library Events
- Candidate Forums and Town Halls
- Granite State Debates
- Politics and Eggs Breakfast Series
Business Conferences
- NH Business Finance Authority Conferences
- NH High Technology Council Events
- Manufacturing Week Conferences
- NH Travel Council Tourism Summit
- Small Business Development Center Workshops
Cultural Gatherings
- League of NH Craftsmen's Fair
- New Hampshire Writers' Project Events
- New Hampshire Film Festival
- Monadnock International Film Festival
- New Hampshire Highland Games
Outdoor & Sports Events
- NASCAR Cup Series Races
- Mount Washington Auto Road Hillclimb
- Laconia Motorcycle Week
- Winter Carnivals
- Tuckerman Ravine Ski Events