Connecticut is a northeastern state within the United States of America. It is within the New England area and is bordered by Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York State. It is called The Constitution State, The Nutmeg State, The Provisions State, and The Land of Steady Habits. It is also widely known as the home to Yale University, which was founded in 1701. The state was actually named after the major Connecticut River, which cuts straight through the center of the small state.
The Latin phrase Qui transtulit sustinet remains on the Great Seal of the state since May of 1784. The seal was first brought from England in 1639 by Colonel George Fenwick. Including green and yellow includes three purple and green grapevines and a golden ribbon that states the phrase meaning He who transplanted sustains. Prior to the admission into the Union on January 9, 1788, Connecticut was one of the original colonies. It was considered a constitutional monarchy established in 1636 and gained independence in 1776. The currency was a pound sterling within the British monarchy. Throughout the 70s and 80s Connecticut was primarily a Republican state, though in the 60s, 90s, and currently it is widely accepted as a Democratic state.Hartford is the current capital city, though the largest city is Bridgeport. Connecticut is considered the 3rd smallest state in the country per area. It is also the 29th most populated state with just over 3.5 million residents. That equals to the 4th densest population per square mile within the nation.
The highest elevation in the state is located at the south slope of Mount Frissell at just over 2,000 feet and the lowest elevation is at Long Island Sound with 0 foot elevation. The general elevation mean is at 500 feet though. Climate within the interior of the state tends to be similar to the bordering states and humid continental climate, though the shorelines, especially on the southern borders have a humid subtropical climate. The highest recorded temperature within Connecticut was 106 degrees in Danbury in the middle of July 1995. The coldest temperature recorded within the state was -32 degrees back in 1961 during January.Connecticut's gross state product for 2006 reached over $200 billion. In 2007 the per capita income reached the highest within the country at $54,117. Annual median income within Connecticut is the third highest in the nation at $68,595. Homes within the state have a median cost of $226,000. Religion within the state includes 40% Protestant and 32% Roman Catholic, with 12% of the population considering themselves Non-Religious.
Written by Lyndsey Morgan
