Delaware was the first state to ratify the US Constitution on 7 December 1787, earning the nickname 'The First State'. It is the second-smallest US state by area but a major centre for corporate registration.
Geography & climate
Delaware lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 39°N, 75.5°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 6,446 km² of land, with topography that runs from coastal lowlands and river basins to interior plains and (where present) mountain ranges. Local weather, growing seasons and outdoor recreation in Delaware all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Delaware is Dover, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Wilmington, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 1M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Delaware was admitted to the Union in 1787 as the 1st state. The path to admission typically passed through territorial status, an enabling act of Congress and the drafting of a state constitution. Each generation since has added its layer to the state’s political and cultural identity — from frontier settlement and industrial expansion to the civic and demographic shifts of the modern era.
Symbols & emblems
Delaware is nicknamed “The First State”, with the state motto Liberty and Independence. The state seal, flag and coat of arms each carry historic meaning, often referencing founding settlers, native communities, agricultural roots or pivotal episodes of state history. State legislatures have additionally adopted official symbols — a state bird, flower, tree, song, fossil and more — chosen by lawmakers (and sometimes by schoolchildren) to celebrate distinctive elements of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Economy & industry
The economy of Delaware is shaped by its geography, infrastructure and population centres. Major sectors typically span agriculture, manufacturing, energy or natural resources, services, tourism and (in metropolitan corridors) finance and technology. Federal facilities, military bases and research institutions can also be substantial regional employers in Delaware.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Delaware offers a mix of urban culture (museums, music venues, sports teams, cuisine) and outdoor experience (state parks, trails, coastline or mountains, depending on the geography). Regional foodways, festivals and dialects make travel between counties feel meaningfully different — even short drives across Delaware can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | DE | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Dover | — |
| Largest city | Wilmington | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 1M | people |
| Area | 6,446 | km² |
| Statehood | 1787 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 1 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The First State | — |
| Motto | Liberty and Independence | — |
| Latitude | 39 | degrees |
| Longitude | -75.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
More than 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware, attracted by its specialised business courts and favourable corporate law.
