Motto:Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine (“Manly deeds, womanly words”)
Abbreviation: MD
Population: ~6.2 million (2023 estimate) — 19th most populous state
Area: 12,407 sq mi (32,133 km²) — 42nd largest state
Flag of Maryland
Geography
Location: Maryland is in the Mid-Atlantic region, bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Delaware to the east, the Atlantic Ocean and Virginia to the south, and West Virginia to the west.
Major Landforms:
Chesapeake Bay: The largest estuary in the U.S., it dominates Maryland’s geography and economy.
Appalachian Mountains: Cover western Maryland, offering stunning natural vistas.
Piedmont Plateau: Rolling hills and fertile lands dominate central Maryland.
Atlantic Coastal Plain: Includes sandy beaches and wetlands along the eastern shore.
Climate: Maryland experiences a mix of climates, ranging from humid subtropical on the eastern shore to humid continental in the western mountains. Summers are hot, and winters vary from mild to snowy.
Economy
GDP (2023): ~$450 billion — a robust economy with high household incomes.
Major Industries:
Federal Employment: Proximity to Washington, D.C., makes Maryland a hub for government jobs.
Biotechnology: Home to institutions like Johns Hopkins University and NIH.
Shipping and Trade: The Port of Baltimore is a key economic driver.
Agriculture: Produces poultry, soybeans, corn, and dairy.
Tourism: Historic sites, Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore attract visitors.
Fishing: Known for blue crabs and oysters from the Chesapeake Bay.
Major Companies: Lockheed Martin, Under Armour, Marriott International, and McCormick & Company are headquartered in Maryland.
Demographics
Diversity: Maryland is one of the most diverse states in the U.S.
Ethnic Breakdown:
White: 49%
Black/African American: 31%
Hispanic/Latino: 10%
Asian: 7%
Other/Mixed: 3%
Languages: English is the predominant language, with Spanish and Korean spoken in some communities.
Religions: Predominantly Christian (especially Catholic and Protestant), with growing Jewish, Muslim, and secular populations.
History
Colonial Era: Founded in 1632 as a refuge for English Catholics, Maryland became a center for religious tolerance.
Revolutionary War: The state earned the nickname “Old Line State” for its steadfast troops during the war.
Civil War: Maryland was a border state with divided loyalties, though it remained in the Union.
Chesapeake Bay’s Role: For centuries, the Bay has shaped Maryland’s economy, culture, and cuisine.
Culture and Landmarks
Chesapeake Bay: The lifeblood of Maryland, offering scenic beauty, seafood, and outdoor activities.
Baltimore: Known for Inner Harbor attractions, the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry (birthplace of the U.S. national anthem), and historic neighborhoods like Fells Point.
Annapolis: The U.S. Naval Academy and colonial architecture make it a charming destination.
Eastern Shore: Famous for small towns, beaches, and seafood festivals.
Assateague Island: Home to wild ponies and stunning coastal views.
Antietam National Battlefield: Site of the bloodiest single-day battle in the Civil War.
Famous People from Maryland
Frederick Douglass: Abolitionist, writer, and orator, born in Talbot County.
Harriet Tubman: Conductor of the Underground Railroad, born on the Eastern Shore.
Edgar Allan Poe: Legendary writer, buried in Baltimore.
Thurgood Marshall: First African American Supreme Court Justice, born in Baltimore.
Jada Pinkett Smith: Actress and activist, born in Baltimore.
Michael Phelps: Record-breaking Olympic swimmer, from Baltimore.
Fun Facts
The Star-Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 in Baltimore.
Maryland is known for blue crabs, with the Chesapeake Bay providing some of the best seafood in the world.
Annapolis is often called the “Sailing Capital of the U.S.”
Maryland was the first state to declare an official state exercise: jousting.
The state has more miles of shoreline (3,100+) than most other states.
State Symbols
State Bird: Baltimore Oriole
State Flower: Black-Eyed Susan
State Tree: White Oak
State Crustacean: Blue Crab
State Sport: Jousting
State Song:Maryland, My Maryland
Outdoor Activities
Boating and Sailing: Explore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Fishing: The Bay offers world-class fishing opportunities for striped bass and crabs.
Hiking: Trails in the Appalachian Mountains, such as the Catoctin Trail and sections of the Appalachian Trail.
Beaches: Ocean City and Assateague Island are popular summer destinations.
Cycling: Maryland’s varied terrain is ideal for biking, from flat coastal plains to hilly mountain trails.
