Vermont is the only New England state without an Atlantic coastline, dominated by the Green Mountains, dairy farms, maple syrup production and the highest concentration of independent bookstores in America.
Geography & climate
Vermont lies in the Northeast of the United States, set at approximately 44.1°N, 72.7°W and falling within a temperate climate band. The state covers around 24,901 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 Vermont all flow from this geographic profile.
Capital, principal city & population
The capital of Vermont is Montpelier, where the legislature, governor’s office and state supreme court are based. The largest city by population is Burlington, often the economic and cultural anchor of the state. Total population sits at around 650K, distributed across metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and rural counties — each with its own dialect, demographics and economic character.
Statehood & history
Vermont was admitted to the Union in 1791 as the 14th 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
Vermont is nicknamed “The Green Mountain State”, with the state motto Freedom and unity. 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 Vermont 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 Vermont.
Travel, food & culture
For visitors, Vermont 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 Vermont 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 | VT | two-letter postal code |
| Capital | Montpelier | — |
| Largest city | Burlington | — |
| US region | Northeast | — |
| Population | 650K | people |
| Area | 24,901 | km² |
| Statehood | 1791 | year admitted |
| Admission order | 14 | order joining the Union |
| Nickname | The Green Mountain State | — |
| Motto | Freedom and unity | — |
| Latitude | 44.1 | degrees |
| Longitude | -72.7 | degrees |
Did you know?
Montpelier, Vermont's capital, has the smallest population of any US state capital — fewer than 8,000 residents.
