Connecticut

Connecticut

Connecticut is a state of the United States, part of the New England region. Connecticut was one of the thirteen colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution.

USS Connecticut was named in honor of this state.

History

The name "Connecticut" comes from an Algonquin Indian word meaning "on the long tidal river". Connecticut was one of the original 13 states. The first Europeans to settle permanently in Connecticut were English Puritans from Massachusetts in 1633. Its first constitution, the "Fundamental Orders", was adopted on January 14, 1639, while its current constitution, the fourth for Connecticut, was adopted in 1965.

Law and Government

The capital of Connecticut is Hartford and has been the sole capital since 1875. Unlike most other states, Connecticut does not have county governments, rather there is the state government and then the government of the local municipalities. The current governor of Connecticut is John G. Rowland (Republican) and the two U.S. senators are Christopher J. Dodd (Democrat) and Joseph I. Lieberman (Democrat).

Geography

Connecticut is bordered on the south by Long Island Sound, on the west by New York State, on the north by Massachusetts, and on the east by Rhode Island. The state capital is Hartford, and the other major cities include New Haven, New London, Norwich and Bridgeport. In all, there are a total of 169 incorporated towns in Connecticut.

The Connecticut River cuts through the center of the state, flowing into Long Island Sound, Connecticut's outlet to the Atlantic Ocean. Connecticut's rural areas and small towns contrast sharply with its industrial cities. Many towns center around a small park, known as a "green". Near the green may stand a small white church, a town meeting hall, a tavern and several colonial houses. Forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and a sandy shore add to the state's beauty. There are no county seats in the state.

Economy

Connecticut is an important center of the insurance industry and home of Yale University. Many inhabitants are employed in New York City. The total gross state product for 1999 was $151 billion placing Connecticut 22nd in the nation. The Per Capita Income for 2000 was $40,640 giving Connecticut the second highest Per Capita Income of the nation, after New Jersey. The agricultural output for the state is nursey stock, eggs, dairy products, cattle and tobacco. Its industrial outputs are transportation equipment, machinery, electrical equipment, fabricated metal products, chemical products and scientific instruments.

Demographics

As of the 2000 census, the population of Connecticut is 3,405,565. Its population grew 3.6% (118,449) from its 1990 levels. According to the 2000 census, 81.6% (2,760,355) identified themselves as White, 9.4% (320,323) as Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% (309,843) as black, 2.4% (82,313) as Asian, 0.3% (9,639) as American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.04% (1,366) as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 4.3% (147,201) as other, and 2.2% (74,848) identified themselves as belonging to two or more races.

6.6% of its population were reported as under 5, 24.7% under 18, and 13.8% were 65 or older. Females made up approximately 51.6% of the population