Other meanings of Rhode Island
U.S. States
Rhode Island, officially the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is the smallest U.S. state by area, covering 1,214 square miles. Despite its size, it is densely populated and historically significant as one of the original Thirteen Colonies. Its official nickname, "The Ocean State," reflects its extensive coastline along Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Rhode Island is bounded by Connecticut to the west, Massachusetts to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Its coastline, including Narragansett Bay, extends over 400 miles, giving it a strong maritime character. The state is mostly flat, with the highest point being Jerimoth Hill at 812 feet. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,097,379, making it the second-most densely populated state after New Jersey. Providence, the capital and largest city, anchors a metropolitan area that includes Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. The state's population is diverse, with significant Hispanic and Portuguese communities, reflecting historical immigration patterns.
Founded by Roger Williams in 1636 as a haven for religious dissenters, Rhode Island was a pioneer in the separation of church and state. It was the first colony to declare independence from Britain in May 1776, and the last of the original Thirteen Colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1790, doing so only after the Bill of Rights was promised. The state's official name, "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations," was shortened by a 2020 referendum to "Rhode Island" due to the word "plantations" evoking slavery. Rhode Island's government is structured under the state constitution, with a governor, a bicameral General Assembly, and a supreme court. The state has a strong tradition of local governance, with 39 municipalities exercising significant autonomy.
Historically, Rhode Island's economy was driven by textiles, jewelry, and silverware, earning it the nickname "The Jewelry Capital of the World." Today, the economy is diversified, with healthcare, education, and manufacturing playing key roles. The state is home to Brown University, an Ivy League institution, and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), a leading art school. Tourism is significant, with attractions like Newport's Gilded Age mansions and the coastal town of Block Island. The state's cultural identity is shaped by its maritime heritage, with sailing and fishing central to its character. The Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival are notable annual events.
Rhode Island has several obscure but notable distinctions. It is the only state with no county government; counties exist only as geographic divisions. The state's official drink is coffee milk, a sweetened milk flavored with coffee syrup, which is little known outside the region. The first Baptist church in America was founded in Providence in 1638. The state also has a unique law requiring that all motorists be taught the "Rhode Island left"—a maneuver where drivers turn left from the right-hand lane on certain roads. Additionally, the state's official bird, the Rhode Island Red, is a breed of chicken developed in the state in the 19th century. The state's smallest town, New Shoreham (on Block Island), has a population of about 1,000 but swells in summer.
All data as of the 2020 U.S. Census and official state sources.
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