Vermont

Basic Information

Vermont, located in the New England region of the northeastern United States, is known for its natural landscape, which is primarily forested, and is the second least populous state in the nation.

Capital

• Montpelier (smallest state capital in the US)

Largest City

• Burlington

Area

• 9,616 sq mi (45th largest)

Population

• 643,077 (2020, 2nd least populous state)

Demographics

Vermont has a small, predominantly rural population with a relatively homogeneous demographic profile, though growing diversity in urban areas.

Ethnic Composition

• White:92.6%
• Hispanic:2.0%
• Black:1.4%
• Asian:1.9%
• Multiracial:2.0%

Languages

• English:94.5%
• French:1.6%
• Spanish:1.1%
• Other Languages:2.8%

Age Distribution

• Under 18:18.3%
• 18-64:61.7%
• 65+:20.0%

Population Growth

• Annual Rate:0.1% (one of slowest in US)
• Natural Increase:Minimal
• Migration:Primarily from other states

Economy

Vermont's economy is diverse yet small-scale, with strengths in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The state is known for environmentally conscious businesses and a high quality of life.

GDP

• $36.8 billion (2022)

Major Industries

• Tourism & Recreation
• Manufacturing (especially food products)
• Healthcare & Social Assistance
• Agriculture (dairy, maple syrup)

Employment Rate

• Employed:97.5%
• Unemployment:2.5%

Major Companies

• Ben & Jerry's
• GlobalFoundries
• Keurig Dr Pepper
• King Arthur Flour

Climate

Vermont has a humid continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters. The climate is influenced by the Green Mountains that run north-south through the center of the state.

Northern Regions

• Avg. Summer:75°F
• Avg. Winter:15°F
• Rainfall:36 inches/year
• Snowfall:80-100+ inches/year

Southern Regions

• Avg. Summer:80°F
• Avg. Winter:22°F
• Rainfall:40 inches/year
• Snowfall:55-75 inches/year

Mountain Regions

• Avg. Summer:70°F
• Avg. Winter:10°F
• Snowfall:100-200+ inches/year

Seasonal Features

• Winter:Prime skiing conditions (December-March)
• Spring:Maple sugaring season (March-April)
• Summer:Mild with lower humidity than coastal areas
• Fall:Spectacular foliage (September-October)

Visiting Vermont

From pristine mountains to scenic rural landscapes and charming historic villages, Vermont offers visitors an authentic New England experience throughout all four seasons.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer:June-August (mild weather)
• Fall:September-October (foliage season)
• Winter:December-March (skiing)
• Spring:March-April (maple season)

Transportation

• Major Airports:Burlington International Airport
• Amtrak:Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express routes
• Highway System:Limited interstates, primarily rural roads

Accommodation

• Hotels:400+
• Bed & Breakfasts:200+
• Ski Resorts:20+
• Average Hotel Rate:$150/night (higher during peak seasons)

Tourist Information

• Visitor Centers:16 state-operated centers
• Tourism Website:VermontVacation.com
• Info Hotline:1-800-VERMONT

Popular Attractions

Vermont offers a mix of outdoor recreation, cultural sites, and unique small-town experiences that attract visitors year-round.

Natural Areas

• Green Mountain National Forest
• Lake Champlain
• Quechee Gorge
• Mount Mansfield

Outdoor Recreation

• Stowe Mountain Resort
• Kingdom Trails (mountain biking)
• Long Trail (hiking)
• Smugglers' Notch

Cultural Sites

• Shelburne Museum
• Bennington Battle Monument
• Billings Farm & Museum
• Vermont State House

Popular Towns

• Burlington
• Stowe
• Woodstock
• Manchester

History

Vermont has a rich history of independence, agricultural innovation, and progressive politics. It was an independent republic before becoming the 14th state to join the Union.

Early History

• Native Peoples:Abenaki
• French Settlement:1666+
• British Settlement:1724+

18th Century

• Land Disputes with New York
• Vermont Republic:1777-1791
• Statehood:1791 (14th state)

19th Century

• Anti-slavery activism
• Civil War contribution
• Agricultural development
• Marble and granite quarrying

Recent History

• Tourism development
• Environmental leadership
• Progressive politics
• Technology and artisanal food movements

State Symbols

Vermont has adopted various official state symbols that represent its cultural heritage, natural resources, and unique identity.

State Animals

• State Animal:

  Morgan Horse
• State Bird:

  Hermit Thrush
• State Fish:

  Brook Trout
• State Insect:

  Honey Bee
• State Butterfly:

  Monarch Butterfly

State Plants

• State Flower:

  Red Clover
• State Tree:

  Sugar Maple
• State Fruit:

  Apple
• State Herb:

  Gilead
• State Flavor:

  Maple

Cultural Symbols

• State Colors:

  Green and Gold
• State Song:

  "These Green Mountains"
• State Beverage:

  Milk
• State Pie:

  Apple Pie
• State Motto:

  "Freedom and Unity"

Other Symbols

• State Mineral:

  Talc
• State Rock:

  Granite and Marble
• State Fossil:

  White Whale (Beluga)
• State Amphibian:

  Northern Leopard Frog
• State Soil:

  Tunbridge Soil

State Facts

Interesting and unique facts about Vermont that showcase its distinctive character and accomplishments.

Geographic Facts

• Highest Point:

  Mount Mansfield (4,393 ft)
• Lowest Point:

  Lake Champlain (95 ft)
• Border with Quebec, Canada to the north
• 223 mountains over 2,000 feet in elevation
• Over 800 lakes and ponds

Records & Rankings

• Largest producer of maple syrup in the US
• Least religious state in the US
• Healthiest state for many years
• Highest percentage of renewable energy use
• Smallest state capital by population (Montpelier)

Notable Firsts

• First state admitted after the original 13 colonies
• First state to abolish adult slavery (1777)
• First state to establish civil unions for same-sex couples (2000)
• First state to mandate labeling of GMO food products
• First state to ban billboard advertising (1968)

Unique Features

• Only New England state without an Atlantic coastline
• More cows per person than any other state
• Largest underground marble quarry in the world
• Home to Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory
• No cities with population over 50,000

Government & Politics

Vermont has a reputation for political independence and progressive policies, with a history of both Republican and Democratic leadership.

Governor

• Phil Scott (as of 2021)

Legislature

• Bicameral:30-member Senate and 150-member House of Representatives

Political Trends

• Currently leans Democratic in national elections, with strong independent streak

Key Political Issues

• Environmental Protection
• Affordable Housing
• Rural Economy
• Healthcare Access

Time Zones

Vermont is located entirely within the Eastern Time Zone.

Standard Time

• Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC -5)

Daylight Saving

• Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC -4)

Notable Exceptions

• No areas with differing time zones
• Observes DST in accordance with federal law

Education

Vermont is known for its high-quality education system, from its innovative K-12 approaches to its distinctive colleges and universities.

Higher Education

• University of Vermont (Burlington)
• Vermont State Colleges System
• Private institutions (Middlebury College, Bennington College)
• Community College of Vermont

Notable Institutions

• Middlebury College
• Marlboro College
• St. Michael's College
• Vermont Law School

K-12 System

• Among highest per-pupil spending in US
• 245 public schools
• Student-to-teacher ratio among lowest in nation
• School choice in many rural communities

Key Educational Initiatives

• Early College Programs
• Farm-to-School Nutrition Programs
• Personalized Learning Plans
• Dual Enrollment with Colleges

Culture & Festivals

Vermont's cultural scene is rich in traditions celebrating rural heritage, arts, agriculture, and the changing seasons.

Major Festivals

• Vermont Maple Festival
• Champlain Valley Fair
• Stowe Winter Carnival
• Burlington Discover Jazz Festival

Cultural Celebrations

• Vermont Brewers Festival
• Vermont Dairy Festival
• Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival
• Vermont Cheese Festival

Artistic Events

• Vermont Festival of the Arts
• Marlboro Music Festival
• Brattleboro Literary Festival
• Craftsbury Chamber Players Series

Seasonal Events

• Sugaring Season Open Houses (Spring)
• Summer Farmers Markets
• Fall Foliage Festivals
• Winter Ski Competitions

Sports & Teams

While Vermont has no major professional sports teams, it has an active collegiate sports scene and exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities.

College Sports

• University of Vermont Catamounts (NCAA Division I)
• Norwich University Cadets
• Middlebury College Panthers
• St. Michael's College Purple Knights

Minor League Teams

• Vermont Lake Monsters (baseball)
• Vermont Green FC (soccer)
• Vermont Bucks (indoor football)

Winter Sports

• Alpine Skiing
• Nordic Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Ice Hockey

Outdoor Recreation

• Mountain Biking
• Trail Running
• Rock Climbing
• Kayaking & Canoeing

Cuisine & Local Specialties

Vermont cuisine is characterized by farm-to-table freshness, artisanal production methods, and iconic local specialties.

Signature Products

• Maple Syrup (largest US producer)
• Artisanal Cheeses
• Craft Beer
• Apple Cider & Cider Donuts

Farm-to-Table Movement

• Over 100 farmers' markets
• CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs
• Farm-to-School initiatives
• Strong localvore movement

Agricultural Specialties

• Dairy Products
• Apples & Berries
• Organic Vegetables
• Honey & Maple Products

Beverage Culture

• Craft Breweries (highest per capita in US)
• Distilleries (vodka, gin, whiskey)
• Cideries (hard cider)
• Cold-climate Wineries

Infrastructure

Vermont's infrastructure serves its rural, low-density population with a focus on environmental sustainability and maintaining small-town character.

Highway System

• Two primary interstates (I-89, I-91)
• 2,700+ miles of state highways
• Nearly 11,000 miles of local roads
• Rural character preserved by limited highway development

Public Transportation

• Rural bus services
• Amtrak service (Vermonter and Ethan Allen routes)
• Burlington International Airport
• Regional transportation authorities

Energy Systems

• Leading renewable energy adoption
• No nuclear power plants (Vermont Yankee decommissioned)
• Growing solar and wind installations
• Wood biomass heating systems

Communications

• Expanding broadband access to rural areas
• Cell service challenges in mountainous regions
• Community-based internet solutions
• Digital economy initiatives

Notable Historical Figures

Many influential individuals are connected to Vermont's history, politics, arts, and innovation.

Political Leaders

• Ethan Allen (founder of Green Mountain Boys)
• Thomas Chittenden (first governor)
• George Aiken (senator)
• Bernie Sanders (senator)

Artists & Writers

• Robert Frost (poet)
• Norman Rockwell (artist)
• Rudyard Kipling (wrote in Vermont)
• Grandma Moses (folk artist)

Innovators & Entrepreneurs

• John Deere (plow inventor)
• Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield (Ben & Jerry's founders)
• Jake Burton Carpenter (snowboarding pioneer)
• Simon Pearce (glass artist and entrepreneur)

Other Notable Vermonters

• Calvin Coolidge (30th US President)
• Joseph Smith (religious leader)
• John Dewey (educator and philosopher)
• Maria von Trapp (inspired The Sound of Music)

State Government Services

Vermont provides various services to its residents through state agencies focused on health, welfare, environment, and community development.

Health Services

• Vermont Department of Health
• Green Mountain Care
• Mental Health Programs
• Addiction Recovery Services

Social Services

• Economic Services Division
• 3SquaresVT (food assistance)
• Reach Up (financial assistance)
• Child Development Division

Environmental Agencies

• Agency of Natural Resources
• Department of Environmental Conservation
• Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation
• Fish & Wildlife Department

Community Development

• Housing programs
• Downtown revitalization initiatives
• Vermont Arts Council
• Historic preservation programs

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

Historical documents and sites reflect Vermont's unique path from independent republic to statehood.

Founding Documents

• Vermont Constitution of 1777 (first to prohibit adult slavery)
• Declaration of Independence of New Connecticut (Vermont)
• Vermont Statehood Act (1791)
• Great Seal of Vermont

Historic Sites

• Bennington Battle Monument
• Plymouth Notch (Calvin Coolidge Homestead)
• Rokeby Museum (Underground Railroad site)
• Old Constitution House (Windsor)

Archival Repositories

• Vermont State Archives
• Vermont Historical Society
• UVM Special Collections
• Local historical societies throughout the state

Historical Markers

• 300+ roadside historical markers
• Revolutionary War sites
• Civil War monuments
• Literary and artistic landmarks

Environmental Initiatives

Vermont is known for progressive environmental policies and strong public commitment to conservation and sustainability.

Conservation Programs

• Vermont Land Trust (preserved over 600,000 acres)
• Current Use Program (forest and farmland preservation)
• Green Mountain National Forest management
• Lake Champlain Basin Program

Renewable Energy

• Comprehensive Energy Plan (90% renewable by 2050)
• Net metering programs
• Community solar initiatives
• Efficiency Vermont (first statewide energy efficiency utility)

Agricultural Sustainability

• Farm-to-Plate Initiative
• Organic farming support
• Agricultural water quality programs
• Sustainable forestry practices

Climate Change Action

• Vermont Climate Council
• Global Warming Solutions Act
• Climate Economy Initiative
• Resilient Communities Program

Major Events & Conferences

Vermont hosts significant gatherings in fields ranging from agriculture and environment to arts and technology.

Agricultural Events

• Vermont Farm Show
• NOFA-VT Winter Conference (organic farming)
• Vermont Cheesemakers Festival
• Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival

Business & Technology

• Vermont Technology Alliance events
• Startup Week (Burlington)
• Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility conference
• Vermont Captive Insurance Association conference

Environmental Conferences

• Vermont Watershed Alliance Conference
• Vermont Renewable Energy Conference
• Forest Health Conference
• Lake Champlain Research Conference

Arts & Culture

• Bread & Puppet Theater annual performances
• Vermont International Film Festival
• Burlington Book Festival
• Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival