Capital: Augusta

State abbreviation/Postal code: Maine/ME

Governor: John Baldacci, D (to Jan. 2011)

Senate President: Beth Edmonds, D (to Jan. 2009)

Senators: Susan Collins, R (to Jan. 2009); Olympia J. Snowe, R (to Jan. 2013)

U.S. Representatives: 2

Historical biographies of Congressional members

Secy. of State: Matthew Dunlap, D (to Jan. 2009)

Treasurer: David Lemoine, D (to Jan. 2009)

Atty. General: G. Steven Rowe, D (to Jan. 2009)

Entered Union (rank): March 15, 1820 (23)

Present constitution adopted: 1820

Motto: Dirigo (I lead)

State symbols:

Nickname: Pine Tree State

Origin of name: First used to distinguish the mainland from the offshore islands. It has been considered a compliment to Henrietta Maria, queen of Charles I of England. She was said to have owned the province of Mayne in France.

10 largest cities (2005 est.): Portland, 63,889; Lewiston, 36,050; Bangor, 31,074; South Portland, 23,742; Auburn, 23,602; Biddeford, 22,072; Augusta, 18,626; Saco, 18,230; Westbrook, 16,108; Waterville, 15,621

Land area: 30,862 sq mi. (79,933 sq km)

Geographic center: In Piscataquis Co., 18 mi. N of Dover-Foxcroft

Number of counties: 16

Largest county by population and area: Cumberland, 274,950 (2005); Aroostook, 6,672 sq mi.

State forests: 1 (21,000 ac.)

State parks: 30+

State historic sites: 18 (403 ac.)

Residents: Mainer

2005 resident population est.: 1,321,505

2000 resident census population (rank): 1,274,923 (40). Male: 620,309 (48.7%); Female: 654,614 (51.3%). White: 1,236,014 (96.9%); Black: 6,760 (0.5%); American Indian: 7,098 (0.6%); Asian: 9,111 (0.7%); Other race: 2,911 (0.2%); Two or more races: 12,647 (1.0%); Hispanic/Latino: 9,360 (0.7%); 2000 percent population 18 and over: 76.4; 65 and over: 14.4; median age: 38.6.

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