Connecticut, one of the original 13 colonies and one of the six New England states, is located in the northeastern corner of the country. Initially an agricultural community, by the mid-19th century textile and mechanical engineering had become the dominant industries.
The Connecticut home of Eli Whitney and Samuel Colt was a leading gun manufacturer. Today, Connecticut lies at the center of the great urban-industrial complex along the Atlantic coast, bordering Massachusetts to the north, Rhode Island to the east, Long Island Sound to the south, and New York to the west.
Hartford, in the north-central part of the state, is the state capital. The state is roughly rectangular in shape, with a narrow strip extending southwest at the New York border.
It is the third smallest state in the US in terms of area, but it is one of the most densely populated. The state’s greatest east-west length is about 177 kilometers, and its maximum north-south extent is about 112 kilometers.
Connecticut takes its name from an Algonquian word meaning “land on the long tidal river.” “Nutmeg State,” “Constitution State,” and “Land of Steady Habits” are all nicknames that have been applied to Connecticut.
Geography
Connecticut is a small state located in the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, New York to the west and Long Island Sound to the south. Connecticut has an area of 5,567 square miles, making it the 48th largest state in terms of land area.
The geography of Connecticut is characterized by its varied topography. The western part of the state is mostly mountainous and hilly, while eastern Connecticut is more rolling and flat. The highest point in Connecticut is Bear Mountain at 2,316 feet above sea level near Salisbury in Litchfield County. In contrast, sea level lies along most of Connecticut’s southern coast along Long Island Sound.
The climate of Connecticut varies from humid continental in the northern parts of the state to humid subtropical in southern parts near Long Island Sound. Summers are generally hot and humid with temperatures reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) on occasion. Winters are cold with average temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 to -1 Celsius). Snowfall can vary greatly from year to year but generally averages between 30 and 40 inches annually throughout most of Connecticut.
Connecticut’s waterways are important for both transportation and recreation purposes. The longest river in Connecticut is the Thames River which flows through eastern parts of the state before emptying into Long Island Sound at New London Harbor. Other important rivers include Housatonic River, Naugatuck River, Shepaug River and Farmington River among others. There are also several artificial reservoirs created by dams such as Lake Candlewood near Danbury or Lake Lillinonah near Newtown which provide recreational opportunities for fishing or boating activities as well as drinking water for local populations downstream from them.
The coastline along Long Island Sound offers a variety of beaches such as Sherwood Island State Park near Westport or Hammonasset Beach State Park near Madison which offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing or other beach activities during summer months when temperatures are warm enough to enjoy them comfortably.
Overall, Connecticut’s landscape offers a diversity that ranges from its coastal regions along Long Island Sound all way up into its mountainous regions towards its borders with Massachusetts or New York State making it a great destination for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping during different seasons depending on one’s preferences and interests at any given time during year round activities within this small but varied northeastern U.S state known as Connecticut.
Cities in Connecticut
Below are the top 15 cities by population in Connecticut. For all cities and towns in the state, please see Connecticut cities list.
Hartford is the capital of Connecticut and the largest city in the state. It is a vibrant city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and plenty of cultural attractions. The city is home to the Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the United States, as well as many other museums and galleries. Hartford also has an amazing restaurant scene with some of the finest cuisine in New England. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Hartford such as biking, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing along the Connecticut River.
New Haven is another great city in Connecticut located on Long Island Sound. It is home to Yale University and attracts students from all over the world. New Haven has a thriving cultural scene with numerous theaters and music venues that host performances throughout the year. The city also has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars and restaurants for visitors to explore. There are plenty of historic sites to visit such as Yale University Art Gallery and New Haven Green which was once known as one of America’s first public parks.
Stamford is located on Long Island Sound just north of New Haven which makes it an ideal spot for fishing, kayaking, swimming or simply relaxing on one of its many beaches. Stamford also boasts an impressive array of shopping opportunities including upscale stores like Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue as well as smaller boutiques and antique shops along Bedford Street downtown. The city also offers recreational activities like golf courses, tennis courts and outdoor pools throughout its many parks. In addition to these attractions Stamford is also home to some great restaurants that feature cuisines from around the world including Italian, Chinese, Mexican , Indian and more!
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridgeport | 148,529 |
| 2 | Stamford | 134,820 |
| 3 | New Haven | 133,874 |
| 4 | Hartford | 121,562 |
| 5 | Waterbury | 113,783 |
| 6 | Norwalk | 90,821 |
| 7 | Danbury | 86,197 |
| 8 | New Britain | 74,022 |
| 9 | West Hartford | 64,034 |
| 10 | Greenwich | 63,455 |
| 11 | Fairfield | 61,737 |
| 12 | Hamden | 61,160 |
| 13 | Meriden | 60,790 |
| 14 | Bristol | 60,733 |
| 15 | Manchester | 59,452 |
Counties in Connecticut
The State of Connecticut consists of 8 counties. They are:
- Fairfield County, Connecticut
- Hartford County, Connecticut
- Litchfield County, Connecticut
- Middlesex County, Connecticut
- New Haven County, Connecticut
- New London County, Connecticut
- Tolland County, Connecticut
- Windham County, Connecticut
