Rhode Island is the smallest US state by area, but has more than 600 km of coastline, the wealthy Newport Gilded-Age mansions, and was the first colony to declare independence from Britain in May 1776.
Geography & climate
Rhode Island lies in the Northeast of the United States, set at approximately 41.7°N, 71.5°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 4,001 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 Rhode Island all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Rhode Island is Providence, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Providence, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 1.1M, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Rhode Island was admitted to the Union in 1790 as the 13th 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
Rhode Island is nicknamed “The Ocean State”, with the state motto Hope. 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 | RI | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Providence | — |
| Largest city | Providence | — |
| US region | Northeast | — |
| Population | 1.1M | people |
| Area | 4,001 | km² |
| Statehood | 1790 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 13 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Ocean State | — |
| Motto | Hope | — |
| Latitude | 41.7 | degrees |
| Longitude | -71.5 | degrees |
Did you know?
Rhode Island declared independence from Britain on 4 May 1776 — two months before the formal Declaration of Independence.
