The name "Connecticut" comes from an Algonquin Indian word meaning "on the long tidal river". Connecticut was one of the original 13 states. The Connecticut River cuts through the center of the state, flowing into Long Island Sound, Connecticut's outlet to the Atlantic Ocean. Connecticut's rural areas and small towns contrast sharply with its industrial cities. Many towns center around a small park, known as a "green". Near the green may stand a small white church, a town meeting hall, a tavern and several colonial houses. Forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and a sandy shore add to the state's beauty. Connecticut is also an important industrial state.

GOVERNMENT:
Capital: Hartford
Governor: John G. Rowland, R (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: Christopher J. Dodd, D (to Jan. 2005); Joseph I. Lieberman, D (to Jan. 2007)
House of Representatives: 5 districts | Search by zip code

STATISTICS:
Population (July 2001): 3,434,602; National Rank: 29; Percent change since April 2000: 0.6% Land Area: 4,845 sq mi. (12,550 sq km) ; National Rank: 48
10 largest cities (2000): Bridgeport, 139,529; New Haven, 123,626; Hartford, 121,578; Stamford, 117,083; Waterbury, 107,271; Norwalk, 82,951; Danbury, 74,848; New Britain, 71,538; West Hartford, 63,589; Greenwich, 61,101

ECONOMY:
Total Gross State Product 1999 (millions of dollars): 151,779; National rank: 22; Percent change since 1990: 53%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 35 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $42,377; National Rank: 1 (139% of the national average)
State Exports 2001 (millions of dollars): 8,610; National Rank: 24
Agriculture: Nursery stock, eggs, dairy products, cattle, tobacco.
Industry: Transportation equipment, machinery, electric equipment, fabricated metal products, chemical products, scientific instruments.