Welcome to Maine

Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is the northernmost portion of both New England and the eastern United States. The state is known for the scenery of its jagged, mostly rocky coastline and the low, rolling mountains and heavily forested terrain of its interior; as well as for its seafood cuisine, particularly lobsters and clams.   Maine also has several unique geographical features. Machias Seal Island, off its easternmost point, is claimed by both the U.S. and Canada and is one of five North American land areas whose sovereignty is still in dispute. Also in this easternmost area is the Old Sow, the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere.   Maine is the most sparsely populated state east of the Mississippi River. It is called the Pine Tree State; 90% of its land is forest. In the forested areas of the interior there is much uninhabited land, some of which does not even have formal political organization into local units.   Maine is a popular tourist destination, but it also experiences harsh winters and, consequently, the great temporary influx of visitors occurs during the warmer months. Many of these visitors establish an alternate secondary residence in Maine during some or all warm months and then depart for their primary residence in the off-season.

Fast Facts Population (2005 est.): 1,321,505 Capital City:  Augusta Largest Cities: Portland, Lewiston, Bangor Area:  35,387 sq.mi, 39th Highest Point:  Katahdin Mountain; 5,268 feet Ethnic Ratio   White  96.9%   African American 0.7%   Asian  0.8%   Other 1.60%   Motto:  Dirigo  I lead Nickname:  Pine Tree State Sales tax:  5 percent Area Code:  207 Time Zone:  Eastern Standard Time Daylight Savings Time:  Yes