Capital: Boston

State abbreviation/Postal code: Mass./MA

Governor: Deval Patrick, D (to Jan. 2011)

Lieut. Governor: Timothy Murray, D (to Jan. 2011)

Senators: Edward M. Kennedy, D (to Jan. 2013); John F. Kerry, D (to Jan. 2009)

U.S. Representatives: 10

Historical biographies of Congressional members

Secy. of the Commonwealth: William F. Galvin, D (to Jan. 2011)

Treasurer: Timothy P. Cahill, D (to Jan. 2011)

Atty. General: Martha Coakley, D (to Jan. 2011)

Present constitution drafted: 1780 (oldest U.S. state constitution in effect today)

Entered Union (rank): Feb. 6, 1788 (6)

Motto: Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty)

State symbols:

Nicknames: Bay State; Old Colony State

Origin of name: From Massachusett tribe of Native Americans, meaning �at or about the great hill�

10 largest cities (2005 est.): Boston, 559,034; Worcester, 175,898; Springfield, 151,732; Lowell, 103,111; Cambridge, 100,135; Brockton, 94,632; New Bedford, 93,102; Fall River, 91,802; Quincy, 90,250; Lynn, 88,792

Land area: 7,840 sq mi. (20,306 sq km)

Geographic center: In the town of Rutland in Worcester Co.

Number of counties: 14

Largest county by population and area: Middlesex, 1,459,011 (2005); Worcester, 1,513 sq mi.

State forests and parks: 450,000 ac.

Residents: Bay Stater

2005 resident population est.: 6,398,743

2000 resident census population (rank): 6,349,097 (13). Male: 3,058,816 (48.2%); Female: 3,290,281 (51.8%). White: 5,367,286 (84.5%); Black: 343,454 (5.4%); American Indian: 15,015 (0.2%); Asian: 238,124 (3.8%); Other race: 236,724 (3.7%); Two or more races: 146,005 (2.3%); Hispanic/Latino: 428,729 (6.8%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 76.4; 65 and over: 13.5; median age: 36.5.

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