States and Territories
Rhode Island, the "Ocean State" "Little Rhody"
Abbreviation: RI
The exact origin of the state name is unknown. Roger Williams and a group of religious followers founded the town of Providence in what is today known as Rhode Island after their banishment from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Williams believed in the importance of liberty of conscience, which became an important principle in the founding of Rhode Island and ultimately in the founding of the United States. Rhode Island is the 13th of the original states of the Union (1790). Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States. In spite of its size (3,140 sq. km), it is nevertheless an important industrial state. Rhode Island lies on beautiful Narragansett Bay, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean. Tourists come to Rhode Island coastal resorts each summer to enjoy boating, fishing and other water sports. The annual Newport Music Festival is held in late July and early August.
GOVERNMENT
Capital: Providence
Governor: Donald Carcieri, R (to Jan. 2007)
Senators: Jack Reed, D (to Jan. 2009); Lincoln Chafee, R (to Jan. 2007)
House of Representatives: 2 districts | Search by zip code
STATISTICS
Population (April 2000): 1.043319; National Rank: 43; Percent change since 1990: 4.5%; State Rank based on Percent Change: 45
Land Area: 1,045 sq mi. (2,706 sq km); National Rank: 50
10 largest cities (2000): Providence, 173,618; Warwick, 85,808; Cranston, 79,269; Pawtucket, 72,958; East Providence, 48,688; Woonsocket, 43,224; Coventry town, 33,668; North Providence town, 32,411; Cumberland town, 31,840; West Warwick town, 29,581
ECONOMY
Total Gross State Product 2001: 36,939; National rank: 44; Percent change since 1990: 41%; National Rank based on Growth Rate: 28
Per Capita Personal Income 2001: $30,256; National Rank: 16 (99% of the national average)
State Exports 2002 (millions of dollars): 1,121; National Rank: 45
Agriculture: Nursery stock, vegetables, dairy products, eggs.
Industry: Fashion jewelry, fabricated metal products, electric equipment, machinery, shipbuilding and boatbuilding, tourism.
Government
- Official State Homepage
- Project VoteSmart
- State and Local Government on the Internet
- Vital Records Information
Statistics
- Rhode Island Profile - Fedstats
- Census 2000 Data for the State of Rhode Island
- Census State Data Centers: Rhode Island
Background
- Explore the States (Library of Congress)
- Facts and Figures about the State House
- 50States.com
- InfoPlease
- Rhode Island Facts
- Rhode Island Lighthouses
- Stately Knowledge