Maryland surrounds the Chesapeake Bay, with the historic colonial capital Annapolis (home of the US Naval Academy), the bustling port city of Baltimore, and a coastline of crab fisheries.
Geography & climate
Maryland lies in the South of the United States, set at approximately 39°N, 76.7°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 32,134 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 Maryland all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Maryland is Annapolis, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Baltimore, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 6.2M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Maryland was admitted to the Union in 1788 as the 7th 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
Maryland is nicknamed “The Old Line State”, with the state motto Fatti maschii, parole femine (Manly deeds, womanly words). 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 Maryland 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 Maryland.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Maryland 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 Maryland can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
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| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | MD | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Annapolis | — |
| Largest city | Baltimore | — |
| US region | South | — |
| Population | 6.2M | people |
| Area | 32,134 | km² |
| Statehood | 1788 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 7 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Old Line State | — |
| Motto | Fatti maschii, parole femine (Manly deeds, womanly words) | — |
| Latitude | 39 | degrees |
| Longitude | -76.7 | degrees |
Did you know?
Maryland has the most ethnically diverse population of any US state and the highest median household income in the country.
