New Hampshire is a small New England state of granite hills, the White Mountains, and historic colonial towns. It was the ninth state to ratify the US Constitution in 1788.
Geography & climate
New Hampshire lies in the Northeast of the United States, set at approximately 43.7°N, 71.6°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 24,214 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 New Hampshire all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of New Hampshire is Concord, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Manchester, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 1.4M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
New Hampshire was admitted to the Union in 1788 as the 9th 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
New Hampshire is nicknamed “The Granite State”, with the state motto Live Free or Die. 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire can shift the cultural landscape noticeably.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table to find the values you need at a glance.
| Field | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | NH | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Concord | — |
| Largest city | Manchester | — |
| US region | Northeast | — |
| Population | 1.4M | people |
| Area | 24,214 | km² |
| Statehood | 1788 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 9 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Granite State | — |
| Motto | Live Free or Die | — |
| Latitude | 43.7 | degrees |
| Longitude | -71.6 | degrees |
Did you know?
New Hampshire holds the first US presidential primary every four years — its results have shaped presidential elections for over a century.
