Area: 1,949 sq mi (5,061 km²) — 49th largest state
Flag of Delaware
Geography
Location: Delaware is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, New Jersey to the east (across the Delaware River), and Maryland to the west and south. It also has a small coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Major Landforms:
Delaware River: The river forms much of the state’s northern boundary and serves as a critical waterway for shipping and transportation.
Delaware Bay: A large estuary that forms the state’s eastern boundary, it is an important area for shipping, fishing, and wildlife.
Pine Barrens: The southern part of Delaware is known for its Pine Barrens, a unique ecosystem of sandy soil and pine forests.
Climate: Delaware has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperature extremes, making it a pleasant place to live year-round.
Economy
GDP (2023): ~$85 billion
Major Industries:
Finance and Insurance: Delaware is renowned for its business-friendly laws, particularly its corporate-friendly tax policies. As a result, it is home to numerous banks and financial institutions, and a significant number of U.S. corporations are incorporated here.
Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals: Delaware has a strong chemical and pharmaceutical industry, with major companies like DuPont (now part of Corteva) headquartered here.
Agriculture: Delaware’s agriculture is important, with crops such as soybeans, corn, and poultry production. The state is a leading producer of broiler chickens in the U.S.
Tourism: Delaware attracts visitors due to its beaches, historic sites, and charming towns like Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.
Key Exports: Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and agricultural products, particularly poultry and soybeans.
Demographics
Diversity:
Ethnic Breakdown:
White: 63%
Black/African American: 22%
Hispanic/Latino: 10%
Asian: 3%
Other/Mixed: 2%
Languages: English is the most widely spoken language, but Spanish is also common due to the state’s growing Latino population.
Religions: Christianity is the dominant religion, with Protestantism being the most practiced. Delaware also has growing Jewish, Catholic, and non-religious communities.
History
Native American Heritage: Before European colonization, Delaware was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Lenape, who lived along the Delaware River.
Colonial Era: Delaware was originally settled by the Dutch in the early 1600s, but it was later taken over by the English. In 1704, Delaware became a separate entity from Pennsylvania, although it shared a governor with Pennsylvania until 1776.
American Revolution: Delaware played an important role in the American Revolution, being the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The state’s participation in the revolution is commemorated by the Old State House in Dover, where the ratification took place.
Statehood: As the first state to ratify the Constitution, Delaware proudly carries the title “The First State.”
Civil War: Delaware was a border state during the Civil War, remaining in the Union but with many residents sympathetic to the Confederacy.
Culture and Landmarks
Wilmington: The largest city in Delaware, Wilmington is known for its historical significance, including its location along the Delaware River, its role in banking and finance, and its proximity to the corporate giants like DuPont.
Rehoboth Beach: A popular coastal destination, Rehoboth Beach is known for its beautiful sands, boardwalk, and vibrant summer tourism.
Delaware Seashore State Park: A beautiful stretch of beach that draws visitors for both its natural beauty and recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, and water sports.
Delaware History Museum: Located in Wilmington, this museum offers a deeper look at Delaware’s rich history, including its colonial past, role in the revolution, and industrial growth.
Nemours Estate: This sprawling estate, once owned by the DuPont family, is a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture and offers gardens, art collections, and historical exhibits.
Famous People from Delaware
Joe Biden: The 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden, served as Delaware’s U.S. Senator for 36 years before becoming Vice President in 2009. He is one of Delaware’s most famous political figures.
Thomas Garrett: An abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad, Garrett played a key role in helping enslaved African Americans escape to freedom.
Anwar Jibawi: An actor and comedian, known for his viral Vine videos, Anwar Jibawi hails from Delaware.
Chad Kroeger: The lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band Nickelback, Kroeger was born in Alberta, Canada but grew up in Delaware.
Fun Facts
The First State: Delaware holds the title of “First State” because it was the first to ratify the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787.
Delaware River: The Delaware River is a major waterway, historically vital for trade and transportation between the northern and southern U.S.
Corporate Haven: Over half of the public companies in the U.S. are incorporated in Delaware due to its business-friendly laws, particularly in terms of corporate governance and tax policy.
First-Rate Beaches: Delaware’s beaches, such as those in Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Dewey Beach, are popular summer destinations for both tourists and locals.
Delaware State Fair: Held annually in Harrington, the Delaware State Fair is a popular event that features rides, live music, food, and agricultural exhibits.
State Symbols
State Bird: Delaware Blue Hen
State Flower: Peach Blossom
State Tree: American Holly
State Animal: Grey Fox
State Fish: Weakfish
State Song:Our Delaware
Outdoor Activities
Beaches and Water Sports: Delaware is home to some of the best beaches on the East Coast, perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and kite flying.
Hiking and Biking: Delaware has several state parks and nature preserves, such as the Cape Henlopen State Park, that are great for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
Fishing and Boating: With its rivers, bays, and coastline, Delaware is a prime location for fishing and boating, especially along the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Golfing: The state offers some scenic and well-maintained golf courses, including those near its beaches and in the countryside.
Education
Notable Universities:
The University of Delaware, located in Newark, is the state’s largest public university and is known for its strong research programs, particularly in the sciences and engineering.
Delaware State University, located in Dover, is a historically black university (HBCU) that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
