States and Territories
Kentucky, the "Bluegrass State"
Abbreviation: KY
Its name comes from the Iroquois Indian word "Ken-tah-ten," or "land of tomorrow." Daniel Boone and other frontiersmen settled in Kentucky in 1769. Admitted into the Union in 1792, Kentucky is the 15th state and the first state west of the Appalachian Mountains. It is known as the "Bluegrass State" because of the blue blossoms of the lush grass around Lexington. Kentucky is one of the border states that lie between the North and the South. Rich tobacco fields and champion race horses have long been symbols of Kentucky. Today, Kentucky is associated with coal mines, horse farms ,and racing. Each May, huge crowds in Louisville thrill to the excitement of the Kentucky Derby horse race, America's most prestigious horse race. Visitors to Kentucky may choose from many scenic attractions, recreational facilities and historic sites.
GOVERNMENT
Capital: Frankfort
Governor: Ernest L. Fletcher, R (seat up 2007)
Senators: Jim Bunning, R (to Jan. 2011); Mitch McConnell, R (to Jan. 2009)
House of Representatives: 6 districts | Search by zip code
STATISTICS
Population (April 2000): 4,041,769; National Rank: 25; Percent change since 1990: 9.7%; State Rank based on Percent Change: 28
Land Area: 39,732 sq mi. (102,907 sq km); National Rank: 37
10 largest cities (2000): Lexington-Fayette, 260,512; Louisville, 256,231; Owensboro, 54,067; Bowling Green, 49,296; Covington, 43,370; Hopkinsville, 30,089; Frankfort, 27,741; Henderson, 27,373; Richmond, 27,152; Jeffersontown, 26,633
ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 2001 (millions of dollars): 120,266; National rank: 26; Percent change since 1990: 44%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 20 (Including Washington, DC)
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $24,878; National Rank: 40 (82% of the national average)
State Exports 2002 (millions of dollars): 10,606; National Rank: 20
Agriculture: Horses, cattle, tobacco, dairy products, hogs, soybeans, corn.
Industry: Transportation equipment, chemical products, electric equipment, machinery, food processing, tobacco products, coal, tourism.
Government
- Official State Homepage
- Project VoteSmart
- State and Local Government on the Internet
- Vital Records Information
Statistics
- Kentucky Profile - Fedstats
- Census 2000 Data for the State of Kentucky
- Census State Data Centers: Kentucky