New Hampshire
Geography
New Hampshire is located in the northeastern United States, in a region known as New England. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north. New Hampshire is the 5th smallest by land area and the 10th least populous U.S. state.
Climate
New Hampshire experiences a humid continental climate, with warm, humid summers, and cold, wet winters. The state is subject to a number of weather extremes, with substantial variations in both temperature and precipitation. The highest recorded temperature in New Hampshire was 106 °F (41 °C) in 1911, while the lowest recorded temperature was −47 °F (−44 °C) in 1934.
History
The area that is now New Hampshire was inhabited for approximately 12,000 years before European explorers arrived in the 16th century. The region was part of the Plymouth Company's land grant in the early 17th century. The first permanent settlement was at Portsmouth, on the Piscataqua River.
Economy
New Hampshire's economy is diverse, with each region of the state specializing in different industries. The Seacoast region is known for its heavy emphasis on trade and maritime activities, while the southern region is known for its high-tech and professional services industries. The White Mountains area of the state is a hub for tourism and outdoor recreation.
Demographics
As of 2019, New Hampshire had an estimated population of 1.36 million people. The racial composition of the state is predominantly white, with minorities making up a small but growing percentage of the population. The state has one of the highest median ages in the country, reflecting its appeal to retirees and its low birth rate.
Government and Politics
New Hampshire is known for its strong tradition of direct democracy, embodied in its town meeting form of government. The state's political culture is notable for its emphasis on individual liberty and limited government. New Hampshire is also famous for holding the first primary in the U.S. presidential election cycle, the New Hampshire primary.
Education
New Hampshire is home to several prestigious institutions of higher learning, including Dartmouth College, the University of New Hampshire, and several other public and private universities and colleges. The state's public school system is highly regarded, and New Hampshire students consistently score above the national average on standardized tests.
Culture
New Hampshire's culture is a blend of its New England heritage and its own distinct character. The state is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, mountaineering, and fishing. The state's cultural institutions include the New Hampshire Historical Society, the Currier Museum of Art, and the MacDowell Colony, a prestigious artists' residency program.