Capital: Dover

State abbreviation/Postal code: Del./DE

Governor: Ruth Ann Minner, D (to Jan. 2009)

Lieut. Governor: John C. Carney, Jr., D (to Jan. 2009)

Senators: Joseph R. Biden, Jr., D (to Jan. 2009); Thomas R. Carper, D (to Jan. 2013)

U.S. Representatives: 1

Historical biographies of Congressional members

Secy. of State: Harriet Smith Windsor, D (appt'd. by gov.)

Treasurer: Jack Markell, D (to Jan. 2011)

Atty. General: Joseph R. Biden III, D (to Jan. 2011)

Entered Union (rank): Dec. 7, 1787 (1)

Present constitution adopted: 1897

Motto: Liberty and independence

State symbols:

Nicknames: Diamond State; First State; Small Wonder

Origin of name: From Delaware River and Bay; named in turn for Sir Thomas West, Baron De La Warr

10 largest cities (2005 est.): Wilmington, 72,786; Dover, 34,288; Newark, 30,060; Middletown, 9,121; Smyrna, 7,413; Milford, 7,201; Seaford, 6,997; Elsmere, 5,722; Georgetown, 4,911; New Castle, 4,836

Land area: 1,954 sq mi. (5,161 sq km)

Geographic center: In Kent Co., 11 mi. S of Dover

Number of counties: 3

Largest county by population and area: New Castle, 523,008 (2005); Sussex, 938 sq mi.

State forests: 3 (over 15,000 ac.)

State parks: 14 (over 20,000 ac.)

Residents: Delawarean

2005 resident population est.: 843,524

2000 resident census population (rank): 783,600 (45). Male: 380,541 (48.6%); Female: 403,059 (51.4%). White: 584,773 (74.6%); Black: 150,666 (19.2%); American Indian: 2,731 (0.3%); Asian: 16,259 (2.1%); Other race: 15,855 (2.0%); Two or more races: 13,033 (1.7%); Hispanic/Latino: 37,277 (4.8%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 75.2; 65 and over: 13.0; median age: 36.0.

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